When words are not enough: How creative storytelling helped me navigate trauma

Abstract

Traumatic experiences trigger a constellation of psychological and emotional symptoms. Therapeutic interventions have been developed to support people in understanding and overcoming these symptoms. However, many approaches have a strong reliance on language. This can be problematic as traumatic experiences create significant barriers to the brain's ability to translate experiences into words. Many victims of trauma experience a phenomenon known as ‘speechless terror’—the inability to access language after trauma because of the extreme fear brought on by the event/series of events. This creates a challenge; how can someone benefit from an intervention that relies on verbal or written expression if trauma has made it difficult (or impossible) for them to translate their experiences into words? While both written and verbal communication can support individuals in recovering from trauma, sometimes words are not enough. And when words are not enough, the visual arts can serve as an alternative language that allows for open, non-verbal exploration of memories and emotions. As a survivor of trauma, I have used both verbal and non-verbal methods in my own journey toward trauma healing. Words are an essential tool in my verbal processing of trauma. But sometimes words are not enough. And when words are not enough, creative expression in the form of mixed media visual art has provided me with an alternative language to navigate my own speechless terror. In my creative use of verbal and non-verbal forms of expression, I experienced an increased sense of self-understanding. This article explores (1) the limitations of language in processing trauma, (2) the potential for creative approaches to serve as an antidote to speechless terror, and (3) my personal use of both written narratives and visual artwork to navigate my own traumatic experiences.