A Safe, Creative Approach to Healing Trauma
Trauma can show up in ways that are hard to explain. You might feel disconnected, emotionally numb, constantly on edge, or stuck in patterns you can’t seem to shift. Trauma-informed art therapy offers a gentle, hands-on way to begin working through what’s underneath the surface—without needing to relive every detail.
What Is Trauma-Informed Art Therapy?
This approach blends the safety and structure of trauma-informed care with the emotional depth of art therapy. As a licensed creative arts therapist, I guide you through creative activities like drawing, painting, or collage to explore what's going on internally, using nonverbal expression to support nervous system regulation and healing.
Who This Is For
This service is for adults and young adults in New York who:
- Struggle with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, or dissociation
- Have a history of trauma, neglect, or chronic stress
- Want a nontraditional therapy experience that isn’t all talk
ā- Prefer a slower, body-aware pace to processing their past
You don’t need any art experience to benefit from this work.
What to Expect in a Session
In trauma-informed art therapy, sessions are tailored to your pace. You’ll always have a choice of materials, and we’ll work together to explore art prompts that reflect your current emotional landscape. Some sessions involve creating images, while others focus on reflecting, writing, or simply noticing how your body responds. The goal isn’t to make something beautiful, it’s to feel safe and supported while reconnecting with yourself.
How It Helps
Regulates Your Nervous System
Hands-on artmaking can calm the body and help process stored emotional tension.
Accesses Nonverbal Experiences
Art therapy allows you to externalize feelings that are hard to explain.
Builds Emotional Awareness and Self-Compassion
Over time, you may start to notice patterns, build clarity, and develop a more supportive inner dialogue.
Why Work With Me
I'm Attiya Awadallah, LCAT ATR-BC, a licensed psychotherapist and art therapist serving adults across NYC, Westchester, and New York State. I specialize in working with those who feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or weighed down by past experiences. My work combines trauma-informed care, art therapy, EMDR, and somatic practices for a holistic approach to healing.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you’re curious whether trauma-informed art therapy is the right fit, I invite you to book a free 15-minute consultation. This is a chance to ask questions, share your needs, and learn more about what working together could look like.