Abstract

This research paper examines post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and proposes the concept of art therapy as a transitional phenomenon in the treatment of traumatic stress in childhood. Many theories are presented to explain the trauma, including developmental and psychoanalytic contributions to the theory of traumatic stress and supporting theories within the context of art therapy. An in depth literature review of the disorder is presented, including the characteristic symptoms, the developmental impact of traumatic stress, the traumatic memory and intervention strategies in the treatment of traumatized children. The paper is concluded with a critical integration of the theories and observations while the case study illustrates the treatment and therapeutic processes within the context of transitional phenomena in Art Therapy. In a winnicottian art therapeutic approach, through reliability and trust, the potential space occurs with its opportunity for the child to experience a reparatory process. Trauma may lead to speechless distress and interferes with the ability to utilize words and symbols. The potential space offers the capacity for children to create symbolic representations and meanings of past traumatic experiences with the goals of taming the associated fears and memories. The art therapy situation can function as a transitional phenomenon and provide an intermediate space between the inner and outer realities. In the potential space, children experience creativity, use symbols to bridge the two realities and process information related to trauma. This approach recognizes the fundamental interrelationship of trauma and development. The case study highlights the potential of a winnicottian art therapeutic approach for PTSD children to gain a sense of control and stop the regressive movement in their developmental continuum.