Art-based activities and adverse events: An autobiographical inquiry

Abstract

This critical arts-based, autobiographical inquiry shares how my participation in art therapy contributed to my health and wellness as a survivor of adverse childhood events and an eating disorder. Art therapy experiences are explored as turning points in my recovery, and as support for healing emotions, spirituality, and physical health. This article explores the role of art-as-event across a continuum. Data for this article comes from personal art, journals, and photography. I discuss the role of art therapy the health care team as well as about the need to have courage to explore cracks in one’s façade, engaging in difficult and dangerous conversations. This inquiry looks to add to a growing body of literature of how arts-based activities and journaling are embedded in long-term treatment and management of individuals’ healing.