Art Therapy at The Fullbrook Center
Healing Through Color, Texture, and Expression
At The Fullbrook Center, we know that some emotions are too complex, too painful, or too long-buried to put into words. That’s why we offer Art Therapy—a gentle yet powerful path for women to explore their trauma, express their stories, and reconnect with themselves through creative expression.
This is not about being an artist. It’s about being human. It’s about using the creative process as a way to make meaning out of suffering, to soften shame, and to safely witness parts of the self that have been hidden or unheard. In our art therapy spaces, women are invited to do something brave: to stop explaining, and start creating art from the heart.
What Is Art Therapy?
Art Therapy is a clinical practice facilitated by a trained and credentialed art therapist who uses art media, the creative process, and applied psychological theory to improve and enhance physical, emotional, and mental health. Rooted in both psychological theory and expressive arts, art therapy allows women to access and express emotions in a safe, symbolic way.
At The Fullbrook Center, art therapy activities may include painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, journaling, or active art making with guided reflection. Each session is crafted to help women gain self-awareness, develop coping skills, build self-esteem, and move through the healing process at their own pace.
Why We Use Art Therapy in Trauma and Addiction Recovery
Women who come to Fullbrook often carry deep trauma—memories and feelings that the body remembers even when the mind can’t explain. Art therapy helps access these emotional layers without the pressure of verbalization. It creates a bridge between the unconscious and the conscious, between the past and the possibility of a new future.
Art therapy may support recovery by:
Helping women externalize trauma symptoms in a manageable, symbolic form
Reducing anxiety, dissociation, and post traumatic stress disorder symptoms
Rebuilding identity and self-expression after years of silence or suppression
Supporting mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and mental illness
Strengthening a woman’s sense of agency and voice in the psychotherapeutic relationship
Enhancing resilience, social skills, and emotional regulation
Sometimes, you can actually see the light go on—when a woman creates something and realizes that she can hold both grief and beauty, sorrow and strength, all on the same canvas.
Our Approach to Art Therapy at The Fullbrook Center
Our art therapy services are led by a certified art therapist who understands trauma, attachment, and the power of creativity in addiction recovery. Whether in individual sessions or in group formats, our clients are encouraged to explore their mental health through the therapeutic lens of art—not to perfect their technique, but to trust their process.
Many women are surprised by what emerges when they begin art making—long-forgotten memories, unspoken dreams, or the parts of themselves they thought were lost. This is where art therapy work truly shines. Not in the product, but in the truth it uncovers.
We use a trauma-focused framework in all our sessions and respect each woman’s pace. Some may begin with receptive art therapy, such as viewing and discussing images, while others dive into more active art therapy approaches. Regardless of the modality, our therapists hold space with compassion and skill.
The Role of Training and Certification in Art Therapy
All of our art therapists are trained in both art and counseling. They hold an additional art therapy credential or are recognized as certified art therapists or board certified art therapists. They are not just facilitators—they are mental health professionals who integrate therapeutic techniques with artistic methods to help women uncover and process the emotions that live deep within.
Who Benefits from Art Therapy?
Art therapy is especially powerful for women who:
Struggle to articulate painful memories verbally
Have experienced post traumatic stress or childhood trauma
Live with mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression
Are in early recovery from addiction or physical rehabilitation
Experience emotional numbing, disconnection, or emotional distress
Desire a non-verbal way to explore feelings and build self-esteem
Even women who say, “I’m not creative” often find comfort and growth in the rhythm of making art—of using color, form, and space to tell a story they didn’t know they needed to share.
You Deserve a Space to Create and Heal
At The Fullbrook Center, we believe that healing comes in many forms—and Art Therapy is one of the most powerful. It allows women to express, explore, and ultimately release what has been holding them back. Through the safety of the canvas, the brush, or the clay, many women begin to see themselves with new eyes.
If you or a woman you love is ready to find healing through art, contact The Fullbrook Center today to learn how Art Therapy can be part of your recovery journey.
Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Designed for Women
FAQs About Art Therapy
Do wellness centers use art therapy as part of their treatment approach?
Yes, many wellness centers integrate art therapy into their holistic treatment programs to support emotional healing, stress reduction, and overall mental health. At The Fullbrook Center, art therapy plays a vital role in nurturing long-term wellness and recovery.
Is art therapy beneficial for individuals with autism spectrum disorder?
Yes, art therapy can be highly effective for those on the autism spectrum disorder. It supports non-verbal communication, improves emotional regulation, and enhances social connection through safe, creative expression.
Are many art therapists trained in trauma and addiction?
Yes, many art therapists receive specialized training to work with trauma survivors and individuals in addiction recovery. At The Fullbrook Center, our art therapists are equipped to support women navigating complex emotional landscapes with empathy and clinical skill.
Does art therapy support addiction recovery?
Absolutely. Art therapy can be a transformative tool in addiction recovery, helping clients express suppressed emotions, rebuild identity, and cultivate coping skills in a safe and structured way.
Do I need any artistic experience to benefit from art therapy?
Not at all. No artistic experience is required. The goal isn’t to create a masterpiece, but to explore your inner world. At The Fullbrook Center, art therapy is about healing, not talent.
How does art serve as a tool therapists use in treatment?
Art becomes a tool therapists use to help clients externalize inner experiences. It allows for safe exploration of traumatic memories, emotional conflicts, and unspoken thoughts, especially when words are difficult to find.
Is there research on art therapy published in the international journal community?
Yes, art therapy is supported by growing evidence in the international journal community, including research on its effectiveness in trauma recovery, mental health treatment, and emotional resilience.
How does art therapy help with processing traumatic memories?
Art therapy helps access and express traumatic memories through non-verbal channels, allowing the body and mind to process experiences at a deeper level, often leading to profound healing and release.
How are clients encouraged to interpret their artwork during therapy?
Clients interpret their artwork with guidance from the therapist, exploring personal meaning, emotional content, and insights that emerge from the creative process. This reflection deepens self-awareness and promotes lasting emotional growth.
Can art therapists work in private practice settings?
Absolutely. Many art therapists offer services in private practice, where they work one-on-one with clients to explore emotions, process traumatic memories, and support ongoing addiction recovery or mental health needs. Look for art therapists credentialed under national standards, such as those outlined by the American Art Therapy Association, or those who have a master’s degree.
