A Case Study, an Integrated Art Therapy Approach to Trauma Recovery

This study investigates the experience and effectiveness of trauma recovery based on an integrated art therapy approach using a single case study method with a female client exposed to domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. The client was in treatment at the Camillus House Phoenix Program in Miami, Florida for six months. Data were collected over three months, twice a week during individual and group art therapy sessions. The purpose of this study was to deepen the understanding of trauma in women victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, and human trafficking while reflecting on a unique individual experience of a survivor in the process of recovery and healing. The integrated approach and use of art therapy relied on the theoretical framework and convergent perspective drawn from a range of disciplines: art therapy, mindfulness, neuroscience, developmental psychology, epigenetics, attachment theory, and traumatology. The intention was to raise awareness and educate the community about the social and physiological consequences of trauma in women, as well as to reflect on the effectiveness and benefits of the integrated use of expressive arts therapies.