Visual Art Therapy's Unique Contribution in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders

ABSTRACT

This paper describes visual art therapy as an integrative and unique approach, which is most appropriate for the multidimensional treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The unique contribution of visual art therapy in the treatment of PTSD is expressed in three major areas: (1) working on traumatic memories, (2) the process of symbolization-integration, and (3) containment, transference and countertransference. Two case descriptions of traumatized patients treated in visual art therapy are presented.

KEYWORDS:

• PTSD
• dissociation
• biographical continuity
• integrative process
• visual art therapy
• symbolization
• combat trauma