Are you interested in art therapy and other creative outlets that can be helpful in dealing with trauma? At one point or another, we all encounter times of great difficulty—points in our lives we need more resources and support to see our way through. If this resonates, you’re not alone.

And if you’re drawn to finding unique outlets that help you navigate your trauma story, you’re in the right place. This post explores unique, empowering methods of expressing your story from the only perspective that truly matters: yours.

Before we get started, a disclaimer: as an intimate portrait artist, I’m passionate about helping others express themselves in a positive, welcoming space. That said, I am not a trauma specialist or a mental health professional. This post is simply intended to be a sharing of information from a photographer who cares.

woman in lingerie sits on the floor and closes her eyes during an intimate portrait photo to be used in this blog about art therapy

Why Telling Your Trauma Story Matters

What is trauma? This may surprise you, but trauma is not an event. Trauma is a long-lasting emotional response from an event. These experiences often compromise your sense of self, sense of safety, and ability to regulate emotions.

If you’ve been through a traumatic experience, it’s important you give yourself the time and patience you need to heal. It’s also important to remember that no matter how difficult, what you’ve been through doesn’t define who you are—-and you get to decide the meaning of the event in your life.

There is no right way to heal from trauma, but there are many different options you can explore. Specialized modalities and immersive art experiences can help you not only heal from trauma but also tell your story in a self-assured way.

And while navigating trauma and even gaining power over your own story can be difficult, there are trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive professionals who are there to help you.

man in dark clothing extends his arms and tilts his head to the sky while waving a rainbow flag

Art Therapy

Art therapy for mental health has been gaining a lot of buzz in recent times, and for good reason. While talk therapy has been predominant in mental health for some time, space is being created for individuals who find it easier to open up and express what they’ve been through in other ways—such as drawing, painting, and more.

Art therapy is usually facilitated by a trained mental health professional, but art also has the capacity to be therapeutic whether a trained professional guides you through an intentional process or not. It all depends on the level of support and guidance you need.

In either scenario, art therapy gives you the freedom to practice self-exploration in a secure, comfortable place in an effort to understand what you’ve been through with a paintbrush (or pencil, marker, etc) in hand.

black and white photo of a woman's backside as she crouches in a tub during her therapeutic art experience session with Photographer Jessica Rae

Ceramics and Pottery

If you’ve always been drawn to work with your hands, pottery and ceramics are some creative methods of expression you may enjoy. Ceramics and pottery making are both tactile and meditative activities, which can provide reprieve in times of emotional difficulty. When you’re making pottery, you can channel this disruptive energy in a positive way.

Learning a new skill like ceramics and pottery making can also help bolster your self-esteem—and you deserve to feel good. If you enjoy methods of self-expression that bring tangible results, this may be a good option for you.

stunning woman in black underwear leans against a wooden plank wall during her photo session in Salmon Arm

Intimate Portrait Storytelling through Photography

Your portraits tell a story—what would yours say? Intimate portrait storytelling can be a powerful experience as you navigate the deep emotions associated with trauma. But as the subject, you have control of the story as you intentionally lean on your story in a safe space. The outcome of this experience can be truly transformative.

I offer intimate portrait sessions as an avenue of cathartic release and empowerment for individuals who want to express their triumph over trauma through stunning photographs. These sessions are offered in-studio and are all about supporting your healing journey.

What you decide to wear is neither here nor there. Whether you’re interested in a boudoir-style intimate photoshoot or modestly dressed portraits, I welcome you to book your therapeutic art experience in Shuswap with me.

red-haired woman poses for the photographer in a lace red bodysuit during her intimate portrait session

Equine Therapy and Equine Mentorships

When you’re healing from trauma, connecting with animals can offer a significant degree of emotional support. Equine therapy, also known as horse therapy, is a form of psychotherapy that includes horse-related activities. These activities may include feeding, grooming, or leading a horse.

While equestrian therapy is sometimes led by counselors and therapists, you can also find coaches who offer equine mentorships. They all have the same pillar in common: bringing you the opportunity to harness equine connection to help you navigate difficult emotions.

Person wearing briefs sitting on a fur rug with their head leaned back sensually during their Shuswap photography session

Dance Movement Therapy and Yoga

Recent research in the area of trauma has suggested integrating healing movement practices to be crucial in trauma recovery. Many people who experience trauma find they have long-lasting biological effects, whether that be pain or a dysregulated nervous system, and in this way trauma can be stored in the body.

It’s for this reason practices like dance movement therapy and trauma-informed yoga can be so effective in helping to work through trauma. You deserve to feel safe in your body. Both of these options utilize the body and movement for expression of self. They allow you to make a deeper connection with your physical self so you can recover in body and mind.

Young woman in burgundy lingerie set closes her eyes and tilts her head back during her therapeutic photography experience

Immerse Yourself in a Therapeutic Art Experience

Practices like art therapy, equine therapy, yoga, and an intimate portrait experience are empowering ways to express your triumph over trauma. The most important thing is choosing an experience that makes you feel safe, secure, and free to express yourself.

If sharing your story through portraits is something you’d like to do, reach out to me and we’ll start planning your photoshoot. I look forward to helping you express your truth.