Expressive Arts Therapy is rooted in curiosity, awareness, experimentation and play. We notice what arises in the present moment and follow it without judgment about skill or talent.

In the Expressive Arts studio, we explore a wide range of art forms, depending on what the client feels drawn to. These may include painting, drawing, working with clay, sculpture and installation, natural materials, storytelling, movement and walking, theatre, poetry, journaling, and dream work. Often, we move between different modalities—blending one artistic practice into another. And at times, our work may simply involve conversation.

Through creative expression, individuals may discover new ways to tell their stories and express their deepest feelings, unearth resources, and develop healthier ways to navigate the world and relationships. 

The Role of the Expressive Arts in Trauma Healing

When someone experiences trauma—especially children—the language centers of the brain can be impacted. This can make it incredibly hard, or even impossible, to talk about what happened. Pushing for verbal sharing too soon can lead to more distress. That’s why creative approaches can be so powerful.

Art Gives Voice When Words Can't
Expressive arts offer a nonverbal way to process overwhelming feelings. Unlike talk therapy, which privileges the left side of the brain, creative activities engage multiple brain areas. Research shows that art-making supports brain integration and healing.

Healing from the Bottom-Up
Cathy Malchiodi’s Expressive Therapies Continuum and the stages of the therapeutic process in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy both offer helpful frameworks. We begin by finding individualized ways to calm the nervous system—somatic resources that are unique to each person. From there, we gradually support emotional, cognitive, and developmental processing. The foundation is always safety, sensory experience, and connection—with the therapist, the body, and the environment.

Not all arts activities are right for everyone. Something as simple as a body outline can be triggering for someone dealing with dissociation or high anxiety. That’s why it’s essential to move slowly, stay within a person’s emotional “window of tolerance,” and prioritize grounding and regulation.

Expression Over Interpretation
In arts-based trauma work, we prioritize the act of creating, not interpreting the final product. Expression itself supports emotional regulation and integration.

For example, bilateral drawing—using both hands to make marks—can help calm the nervous system. The movement matters more than the image.

(Source: Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute)

Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy in Schools

In the school setting, Expressive Arts Therapy can bring students together to explore how they relate to each other and their environments. This work encourages self-expression, collaboration, and recognition of physical and emotional boundaries. Through art-making and play, students learn to notice and shape their reactions and responses in the present moment, develop skills in communication and problem solving, co-create strong peer communities, and practice their unique resources to help them feel more engaged, playful, calm and energized.