Therapeutic Doll Making in Art Psychotherapy for Complex Trauma

Abstract

Therapeutic doll making can hold diverse functions for clients in therapy, particularly for those clients who are working through complex trauma histories. Recent literature pertaining to the treatment of complex trauma suggests that talking treatments have their limits; supplementary therapeutic approaches that focus on sensory, physical, somatic, and body-oriented processes may be necessary. These include art therapy and various expressive modalities such as doll making. This article describes a series of six dolls created by a woman diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder resulting from child sexual abuse and family violence. The case illustrates significant therapeutic benefits of doll making in healing from complex trauma.

Acknowledgments

The author acknowledges “Jess,” who consented to be the subject of this article and permit publication of her artworks.

Editor's Note: Sonia M. Stace, MA, DipStatChdPrt, is a Registered Art Psychotherapist and Accredited Mental Health Social Worker in private practice with Oak Tree Therapy & Consulting Services and Marion Street Counselling & Psychotherapy in Leichhardt, New South Wales, Australia. Correspondence concerning this article may be addressed to the author at [email protected]