btr.org - btr.org has daily, online Group and Individual Sessions for victims of emotional & psychological abuse and sexual coercion. For women experiencing pain, chaos, and isolation due to their husband’s lying, gaslighting, manipulation, porn use, cheating, infidelity, emotional abuse, and narcissistic abuse. Labeling a victim as "codependent" is a form of victim blaming. Pornography addiction / sex addiction are a domestic abuse issue. Narcissistic abuse is not a communication issue. We help women who are married, separated, or divorced heal through establishing emotional safety. If you suspect your husband is a narcissist, a pornography addict, or emotionally abusive, this podcast is for you. Every woman on our team has experienced betrayal trauma first hand. To learn more about Betrayal Trauma Recovery, visit BTR.ORG
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episode 160: 3 Ways To Process Trauma With Art
Feeling stuck in betrayal trauma? Learn the 3 ways to process your trauma with art.
Kirsten, a member of the Betrayal Trauma Recovery community, rejoins Anne on the free BTR podcast to share how creating art has helped her to express and process the trauma that she endured after betrayal and abuse. Listen to the free BTR podcast and read the full transcript below for more.
Why Process My Trauma Through Art?
Emotional abuse and betrayal victims experience a wide range of painful emotions:
* Grief* Anger* Fear* Terror* Loneliness* Numbness* Sorrow* Rage
And even more. These feelings can be overwhelming and difficult to bear if victims are not able to express them in healthy ways.
Further, abuse victims may replay abusive episodes or traumatic moments in their minds over and over, or they may come out in nightmares.
As victims give these feelings and experiences an outlet, they are able to begin the journey to healing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF7AIJ3JWPs
Ways To Process Trauma With Art: Self-Portraiture
Kirsten shares how she frequently creates self-portraits as a way of expressing her own trauma.
Perfectionism is not required as you process your trauma with art. When victims create self-portraits, they are able to express emotions, particularly traumatic moments in time, and even the physical and sexual pain they may have endured.
Your self-portraits do not need to be professional-grade. Many victims enjoy creating self-portraits through:
* Photography (using your phone is just fine!)* Drawing with pencils and crayons* Play-doh or clay* Graphic art
Ways To Process Trauma With Art: Symbolism
Perhaps approaching traumatic memories or intense feelings may feel too overwhelming to tackle head-on.
Instead, victims can use symbolism to represent the trauma they are expressing.
Kirsten shares that she uses symbolism regularly in her art; things like wedding rings, a yoke, a dirty nightgown, and even a halo are used to convey the depths of her grief and pain.
Ways To Process Trauma With Art: Use Your Dreams
Many victims experience vivid dreams, nightmares, and night terrors during and after abuse.
If you are struggling to express your trauma through art, try painting, drawing, or collaging your dreams.
When you wake up, jot a few notes about what you dreamt and then use the colors, phrases, and objects that you remember.
Betrayal Trauma Recovery Helps You Process Trauma
At BTR, we understand that trauma can feel like drowning, like being lost in a dangerous place, like being completely isolated. We are here to help you process your trauma and ultimately experience the peace and joy that you deserve.
The Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group meets daily in multiple time zones. This support group offers a safe space for victims to talk open...