MasterPeace: Art Therapy for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence

Recovering from gender-based violence (GBV) is a deeply personal and complex journey. It’s common to experience a whirlwind of emotions—depression, anxiety, shame, and even a sense of disconnection from yourself. Navigating these feelings can be overwhelming, especially if you haven’t had a safe space to express them before. That’s why establishing a self-care routine is crucial to healing, offering a foundation for emotional processing and growth.

In recent years, research has highlighted the powerful role of creative expression in trauma recovery. Art therapy, in particular, has emerged as an effective way for survivors to process complex emotions, providing a nonverbal outlet for thoughts and feelings that may feel too difficult to articulate.

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative expression to help individuals explore emotions, process trauma, and achieve personal growth. Trauma often feels locked away in the subconscious, making it difficult to confront with words alone. For some GBV survivors, traditional talk therapy can feel overwhelming or even triggering. Art therapy offers an alternative—one that taps into the brain’s creative and emotional centers, allowing healing to take place without the pressure of verbal expression.

How Does It Work?

Art therapy is not the same as taking an art class. The goal isn’t to create a perfect piece of art but to engage in a mindful, expressive process. While art teachers focus on technique, art therapists guide clients in using creativity as a tool for self-discovery and emotional release.

One of the biggest misconceptions about art therapy is that you need to be an artist to benefit from it. In reality, it’s about the process, not the final product. Engaging in creative expression can help you enter a “flow state”—a mental space of deep focus and immersion where worries and self-doubt fade away, making room for relaxation and emotional clarity.

A typical art therapy session follows a structure tailored to the client’s needs:

1. Check-in – The session begins with a conversation about how the client is feeling and any personal goals they want to explore.

2. Art-making – This is the heart of the session. It can be structured (with guided prompts and specific materials) or unstructured (where the client freely chooses their form of expression). Sessions can be quiet or conversational, depending on the client’s comfort level. The therapist acts as a guide, witness, or even a collaborator in the creative process.

3. Discussion & Reflection – After creating their artwork, the client can discuss their experience, any emotions or memories that surfaced, and any insights gained. This part of the session is flexible—some clients prefer structured discussions, while others allow the conversation to flow naturally.

4. Closing Activity – The session concludes with a grounding exercise, helping the client transition back to daily life with a sense of clarity and preparedness.

Art Therapy Exercises to Try at Home

If you don’t have immediate access to an art therapist or want to ease into the practice, here are four simple exercises you can try on your own:

• Collage of Emotions – Use magazines, newspapers, or personal photos to create a collage that reflects your inner thoughts and feelings.

• Expressive Self-Portrait – Draw or paint a self-portrait using any medium you like. It doesn’t have to be realistic—focus on expressing your identity and emotions.

• Illustrate Your Strengths – Celebrate yourself by drawing or painting your favorite personal traits and qualities.

• Music-Inspired Art – Play a song that resonates with you and create artwork inspired by the music. Let the sounds guide your expression, allowing emotions to emerge freely.

  
  

The Power of Art in Healing

Art therapy offers a unique path to reconnect with yourself, process trauma, and rebuild confidence. The act of creating something—even something simple—can instill a sense of accomplishment and self-trust. Whether guided by a therapist or practiced independently, artistic expression can be a powerful tool for healing, resilience, and self-discovery.