How It Works

Much of stress and trauma is stored non-verbally, in our visual and physical memory. By activating the non-verbal, right brain, drawing:

• facilitates self-expression that is language independent, using shape, color and texture to represent experience

• promotes memory retrieval, integration, and consolidation, all of which are disrupted by stress/trauma

• places the content outside of ourselves, giving space to process

• facilitates building connections between things, promoting problem solving and understanding

• employs visual, tactile and repetitive muscular activity

• can connect us to our present reality and environment

• by-passes language/vocabulary barriers

How to Use

Start by drawing something simple - shapes, lines, colors. Draw things around you or draw from your imagination. Trace your hand or objects. Draw your feelings. When you are ready, draw your story.

When to Use - Signs of Stress/Trauma

• not talking, not answering questions

• disconnected: staring blankly into space; immobilized - not moving

• preoccupied, worried, overwhelmed

• anxious, panicked, agitated

What It Can Do

• decrease anxiety, distress; feel calmer

• increase control over feelings (self-regulation)

• think more clearly; increased concentration & problem solving

• improve compliance: ability to hear and follow directions

• reconnect to self and present moment

• increase interaction with people and environment