ARTrauma ®

an artistic and therapeutic process in overcoming fears and blockages associated with trauma, utilising the "Defense Shield" as both a symbol and a construction.

ARTrauma® is an innovative method, created for the victims of violence, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Using the Shield symbol and art therapy, with psychological support, this method helps patients treat their trauma, thus improving their mental and physical well-being.

Since prehistoric times, the shield has been a tool used as protection against assailants. As a result, the shield can be viewed as a symbol of the defense mechanism created by the psyche; a tool to help cope with traumatic experiences and their effects, both psychological and physical. ARTrauma® is an innovative method that was originally born as a result of emotional issues and the need to exercise self-help. This, in turn, was the beginning of a series of twenty-seven Shields Against Violence, forming the basis of my PhD in fine arts. After many years of working through my own issues, I had the desire to share my experiences with other people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Together with psychological support, using art therapy and the symbol of the Shield, the ARTrauma®method is intended to help treat trauma, as well as improving the mental and physical well-being of people affected by trauma. Each Shield looks different, is made of different materials, expressing different aspects and types of violence, and thus mental defense mechanism. The ARTrauma® method has enormous psychotherapeutic potential. However, in order for it to bring the right results, it is not simply a matter of one-off workshops with a single group of victims of violence, but an entire cycle of workshops as well as detailed psychological and psychiatric studies on the impact of this method on patients and project participants. These results would provide a valuable indication of the strengths and weaknesses of this method, as well as avenues for further development.

Book from V International Interdisciplinary Science-Educating Conference 

“THREE SISTERS OF FEAR: AGRESSION, HATRED AND TRAUMA”

Medical University in Katowice

June 2018