Incorporating Art Therapy and Nature through a Trauma Sensitive Lens

Creating art empowers individuals and communities by giving them a sense of agency and control over their feelings and responses to life's challenges. Through artistic expression, we can explore themes of hope, resilience, and activism, fostering a sense of empowerment in the face of traumatic such as climate change, eco-anxiety, grief, and loss. Incorporating art therapy with nature can be a powerful combination for addressing traumatic experiences. Creating art outdoors serve as a catalyst for reflection, dialogue, and advocacy of self and community.

The key to creating a trauma-sensitive space is safety and boundaries, offering choice, cultural sensitivity, and reflection and integration. Engaging in artistic activities can facilitate emotional release allowing individuals and community to process and release stored trauma or difficult emotions where we sometimes struggle with finding the words to express our big feelings. Incorporating the arts and nature can help reduce stress and promote emotional well-being.