Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
ICSA International Conference 2025 - Montreal, QC
-
Natalee Bigger Stockdale
-
Abstract: Self-alienation can be a debilitating symptom that halts the chance of normal living for victims of coercive control. There is a developing body of knowledge regarding the best practices for therapy, but there is still a gap in research for how to aid survivors of coercive control with clinical Art Therapy. Using Art therapy is an ethical and skillful modality that may be a helpful tool to aid in building self-connection after a person survives a cult. In this session Natalee will explore a theoretical Art Therapy directive. The art directive includes a drawing and coloring method to visually capture a personal somatic experience. An optional written process will be offered to inventory the environmental stimulus and attach language to sensations that result from the environmental stimulus. Through this method of documentation of events and bodily experiences a survivor can potentially utilize art as a recovery tool, selfconnection, and a safety container. Using Art Therapy as a tool can be used to build somatic awareness through providing reflective distance and while introducing opportunities for play. Natalee Bigger Stockdale Building self-connection through creative expression can also be a solution focused goal in therapy. Through the ethical use of Art Therapy with licensed and trained provider, Art Therapists can utilize visualized somatic practices to help clients externalize submerged shame and process in a contained and safe enough way.
ICSA International Conference 2025 - Montreal, QC
-
Natalee Bigger Stockdale
-
Abstract: Self-alienation can be a debilitating symptom that halts the chance of normal living for victims of coercive control. There is a developing body of knowledge regarding the best practices for therapy, but there is still a gap in research for how to aid survivors of coercive control with clinical Art Therapy. Using Art therapy is an ethical and skillful modality that may be a helpful tool to aid in building self-connection after a person survives a cult. In this session Natalee will explore a theoretical Art Therapy directive. The art directive includes a drawing and coloring method to visually capture a personal somatic experience. An optional written process will be offered to inventory the environmental stimulus and attach language to sensations that result from the environmental stimulus. Through this method of documentation of events and bodily experiences a survivor can potentially utilize art as a recovery tool, selfconnection, and a safety container. Using Art Therapy as a tool can be used to build somatic awareness through providing reflective distance and while introducing opportunities for play. Natalee Bigger Stockdale Building self-connection through creative expression can also be a solution focused goal in therapy. Through the ethical use of Art Therapy with licensed and trained provider, Art Therapists can utilize visualized somatic practices to help clients externalize submerged shame and process in a contained and safe enough way.
