Best Trauma Art Therapy Worksheets for Healing and Self-Expression
Trauma can leave deep emotional scars that are hard to express through words alone. Art therapy, however, offers a powerful outlet for healing. Trauma art therapy worksheets provide guided exercises that can help individuals process difficult experiences, express their feelings, and begin their journey toward emotional recovery. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best worksheets you can use to tap into your creativity and start healing from past traumas.
1. Lina: Art Therapy & Self-Love

Lina: Art Therapy & Self-Love is not a traditional worksheet-based art therapy tool, but it offers a modern, interactive approach to trauma healing through creative self-expression. Available on iPad and iOS, we provide dynamic and guided exercises that help users explore their emotions, confront past experiences, and process trauma. The app encourages artistic expression through drawing, mindfulness practices, and journaling, fostering emotional healing in an engaging and accessible way. By guiding users through creative tasks, we aim to create a supportive space for self-discovery and reflection, similar to how traditional trauma art therapy worksheets help individuals process complex emotions.

While Lina is not a worksheet in the conventional sense, its interactive format aligns closely with the goals of trauma art therapy. We view the app as a digital extension of this concept, offering users the flexibility to engage with therapeutic exercises and creative tasks at their own pace. With its AI-driven features, Lina adapts to each user's unique emotional needs, making it a valuable tool for those seeking to work through trauma in a personalized, independent manner. Whether used as a self-care ritual or part of a broader therapeutic journey, we believe Lina can be a vital resource for individuals looking to heal through art and emotional exploration. For inspiration and community stories, users can find creative journeys shared on Pinterest, and for regular updates, creative prompts, and behind-the-scenes content, we encourage following Lina on Instagram. Additionally, self-care tips and guided exercises are available on TikTok, offering bite-sized ways to incorporate art therapy into daily life.

Key Highlights:
  • Guided drawing and therapeutic exercises
  • Combines mindfulness with artistic expression
  • Designed to enhance self-love, self-worth, and confidence
  • Offers a structured approach to emotional processing
  • Provides a creative outlet for personal growth
  • Accessible on iPad and iOS devices
  • Community inspiration and creative prompts available on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok

Who It’s Best For:
  • Individuals seeking to enhance their emotional well-being
  • Those interested in combining art therapy with mindfulness
  • People looking for a creative and therapeutic self-care routine
  • Users who enjoy exploring emotions through guided drawing
  • Anyone looking to build self-confidence and emotional resilience
2. Therapist Aid

Therapist Aid offers a collection of free, downloadable art therapy worksheets specifically designed to support trauma recovery. The worksheets are simple to use and include instructions for integrating creative activities like drawing, coloring, and journaling. These exercises encourage individuals to express their emotions visually, which can help to process feelings that may be too difficult to articulate verbally.

The worksheets are created by professionals in the field of psychology and therapy, ensuring they are effective for individuals experiencing various types of trauma. They offer a safe space for creativity and healing, fostering self-expression and emotional regulation.

Key Highlights:
  • Free and downloadable worksheets
  • Focuses on visual expression for emotional healing
  • Includes clear instructions for each exercise
  • Designed for individuals with trauma histories
  • Versatile use for different age groups

Who It’s Best For:
  • Individuals in therapy or counseling
  • People looking for creative ways to process trauma
  • Those who prefer structured exercises to guide their healing process
3. The Art Therapy Sourcebook

The Art Therapy Sourcebook offers a comprehensive guide for individuals interested in using art therapy to process trauma. While the book includes a variety of art-based therapeutic techniques, it also provides worksheets that can be applied directly to the healing process. The worksheets are designed to promote reflection, insight, and self-discovery through creative exercises.

This resource can be used both individually or with the help of a therapist. It encourages people to create art that reflects their emotions, thoughts, and experiences, helping to build a deeper understanding of their trauma and path toward healing.

Key Highlights:
  • Includes both worksheets and detailed instructions
  • Uses creative art techniques for self-expression
  • Ideal for both independent use and guided therapy
  • Provides reflective exercises for deeper emotional insight
  • Suitable for individuals at various stages of recovery

Who It’s Best For:
  • Those interested in a holistic approach to trauma recovery
  • People looking for a guided resource for art-based healing
  • Therapists or counselors seeking resources for clients
4. Art Therapy Exercises for Trauma Survivors by Cathy Malchiodi

Cathy Malchiodi, a prominent figure in the field of art therapy, offers a collection of exercises specifically aimed at trauma survivors. This resource includes a variety of creative activities designed to help individuals process trauma and promote emotional recovery. The worksheets feature prompts for drawing, coloring, and visual storytelling, helping individuals confront and express their experiences in a safe and constructive way.

The exercises included in this book have been developed with a focus on trauma-informed care. They can be used to explore the impact of traumatic events, improve emotional regulation, and enhance overall wellbeing through creative expression.

Key Highlights:
  • Developed by a leading expert in art therapy
  • Focuses on trauma-informed, creative healing methods
  • Includes diverse exercises for self-expression and emotional processing
  • Incorporates both individual and group therapy strategies
  • A practical resource for trauma survivors and therapists

Who It’s Best For:
  • Trauma survivors seeking creative ways to express their experiences
  • Art therapists or counselors working with trauma survivors
  • Individuals who prefer guided art-based healing exercises
5. Psychology Tools

Psychology Tools provides a variety of downloadable resources, including trauma art therapy worksheets. These worksheets combine elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with creative expression, guiding individuals through visual exercises that help them process their trauma. The worksheets are designed for use both individually and in therapeutic settings, offering a structured yet flexible approach to healing.

The resource is particularly useful for individuals who may find it challenging to talk about their trauma. By using art as a tool for expression, individuals can gradually work through difficult emotions and experiences in a non-verbal way.

Key Highlights:
  • Includes trauma-informed worksheets
  • Combines cognitive behavioral therapy with art therapy
  • Provides a structured approach to emotional healing
  • Designed for use by both individuals and professionals
  • Accessible online for easy downloading and printing

Who It’s Best For:
  • People struggling to express their trauma verbally
  • Those in therapy who want a visual tool for processing emotions
  • Therapists looking for practical resources for trauma recovery
6. Art Therapy for Healing: A Workbook for Trauma Survivors by Sharon M. King

Sharon M. King’s workbook is a valuable tool for individuals seeking to use art therapy as a means of healing from trauma. The workbook includes a series of exercises that guide individuals in creating visual representations of their emotions, experiences, and trauma-related thoughts. The process allows individuals to work through their feelings at their own pace, without the pressure of verbal communication.

The exercises within this workbook encourage creativity and offer a sense of control, which is particularly helpful for those recovering from traumatic events. They can also be used to build confidence and self-esteem as individuals learn to express themselves through art.

Key Highlights:
  • Focuses on empowering individuals through art therapy
  • Step-by-step instructions for each worksheet
  • Allows for self-paced emotional healing
  • Supports self-expression and builds confidence
  • Ideal for trauma survivors who may struggle with verbal communication

Who It’s Best For:
  • Trauma survivors looking for a self-guided workbook
  • Individuals seeking a more creative approach to healing
  • People with a preference for structured, step-by-step exercises
7. Creativity in Therapy

Creativity in Therapy offers an art journal designed to support emotional expression and trauma recovery. The journal features prompts and activities that help individuals use drawing, coloring, and other artistic techniques to explore their emotions. The art journal is a tool that can be used on its own or as part of a larger therapeutic process, making it versatile for different needs.

This resource encourages self-reflection and helps individuals to work through trauma in a non-linear, creative manner. The use of art as a therapeutic tool helps to create a safe space for healing and promotes positive emotional processing.

Key Highlights:
  • Features a variety of art-based therapeutic prompts
  • Includes activities to help express complex emotions
  • Suitable for both individual and group use
  • Encourages self-reflection and creative exploration
  • Promotes emotional regulation and mindfulness

Who It’s Best For:
  • Individuals who enjoy journaling or expressive art
  • Those in need of a self-guided therapeutic resource
  • Trauma survivors looking for a creative outlet for emotional expression
8. Healing Trauma Through Art by Robin Shulman

Robin Shulman’s book, "Healing Trauma Through Art," offers a series of practical art therapy exercises specifically designed to help individuals process trauma. The exercises include various forms of creative expression, such as drawing, painting, and collage work, aimed at helping individuals release pent-up emotions and find a sense of peace.

The exercises are designed to be accessible to people of all artistic skill levels, emphasizing the therapeutic process over artistic perfection. They provide a gentle approach to trauma recovery, allowing individuals to move at their own pace and work through emotional barriers in a supportive, non-judgmental way.

Key Highlights:
  • Offers a wide variety of art therapy exercises
  • Designed for individuals of all artistic abilities
  • Focuses on self-expression and emotional release
  • Suitable for both independent and guided therapy
  • Gentle, trauma-informed approach to healing

Who It’s Best For:
  • People new to art therapy or those with little artistic experience
  • Individuals seeking a creative and non-verbal way to process trauma
  • Those looking for a structured, yet flexible approach to healing
9. Art Therapy for PTSD by Deborah K. D. Maue

Deborah K. D. Maue’s "Art Therapy for PTSD" focuses specifically on helping individuals who are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The worksheets in this resource encourage individuals to use art to explore their PTSD-related experiences, fears, and emotions. This form of self-expression helps individuals make sense of their trauma, express their feelings, and begin to heal.

The worksheets provide various techniques for individuals to creatively explore their trauma, giving them tools to reframe their thoughts and emotions in a constructive way. The resource is useful both for self-healing and in therapeutic contexts.

Key Highlights:
  • Specifically designed for individuals with PTSD
  • Includes trauma-sensitive art therapy exercises
  • Offers a range of techniques for self-expression and emotional healing
  • Focuses on helping individuals reframe their trauma
  • Can be used both independently and in therapy

Who It’s Best For:
  • Individuals diagnosed with PTSD
  • Trauma survivors looking for targeted, art-based therapeutic exercises
  • Therapists working with clients who have PTSD
10. Mindful Art Therapy

Mindful Art Therapy Worksheets integrate mindfulness practices with art therapy techniques. These worksheets focus on using creative activities to cultivate present-moment awareness, which can be incredibly helpful for trauma recovery. The activities encourage mindfulness through art, allowing individuals to stay grounded and process difficult emotions in a focused and mindful way.

This resource is beneficial for individuals who find mindfulness practices like meditation helpful, but who may also want a more creative and expressive method of staying present. The worksheets help enhance emotional awareness and promote self-compassion.

Key Highlights:
  • Combines mindfulness with art therapy techniques
  • Focuses on staying present and grounded during emotional healing
  • Includes simple, reflective activities that promote emotional awareness
  • Suitable for both beginners and those with previous art therapy experience
  • Encourages mindfulness and self-compassion

Who It’s Best For:
  • People interested in combining mindfulness with art therapy
  • Individuals looking for simple exercises to enhance emotional awareness
  • Therapists using mindfulness-based art therapy techniques
11. The Trauma Recovery Workbook by Doreen M. Siegel

The "Trauma Recovery Workbook" by Doreen M. Siegel is a helpful guide for individuals working to recover from trauma. The workbook includes several worksheets that integrate art therapy techniques to help individuals express and process their emotions. By using drawing, journaling, and collage-making, individuals can explore their experiences and move toward healing.

This resource is structured to help individuals take small, manageable steps through the recovery process, making it an ideal tool for those who may feel overwhelmed by their trauma. The exercises are gentle and offer a space for people to express their feelings in a safe and creative way.

Key Highlights:
  • Offers gentle and manageable steps for trauma recovery
  • Includes art therapy exercises for emotional expression
  • Suitable for individuals at different stages of recovery
  • Uses a combination of drawing, journaling, and collage techniques
  • Promotes gradual emotional healing through creative outlets

Who It’s Best For:
  • Trauma survivors looking for a structured recovery guide
  • Individuals seeking creative, non-verbal methods of emotional expression
  • People who feel overwhelmed and need a gentle approach to healing
12. Healing Through Creative Expression by Laura Donaldson

Laura Donaldson’s "Healing Through Creative Expression" workbook is designed for individuals who wish to use art as a way to process and heal from trauma. The worksheets include activities such as drawing prompts, coloring exercises, and visual storytelling to help individuals express their emotions, thoughts, and trauma-related experiences.

The workbook emphasizes that there is no right or wrong way to create art, making it accessible for individuals with any level of artistic ability. It focuses on self-expression, promoting emotional release and self-discovery.

Key Highlights:
  • Encourages non-judgmental, creative self-expression
  • Includes prompts and activities to explore trauma-related emotions
  • Suitable for individuals of all artistic abilities
  • Promotes emotional release and self-discovery through art
  • Provides a safe and supportive space for healing

Who It’s Best For:
  • Individuals looking for a flexible, creative way to heal from trauma
  • People of any artistic ability who want to express their emotions through art
  • Trauma survivors seeking a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore their feelings
13. The Trauma Healing Project

The Trauma Healing Project offers a series of art therapy worksheets designed to help individuals work through the emotional effects of trauma. These worksheets include creative activities that encourage individuals to express their emotions and begin the process of emotional healing. Activities like drawing, collage, and freeform art help individuals visualize and articulate their feelings in a non-verbal way.

The worksheets in this collection are particularly useful for those who may find it difficult to speak about their trauma. Through art, individuals can access deep emotions and start to process their past experiences in a safe, self-paced environment.

Key Highlights:
  • Designed specifically for trauma recovery
  • Uses creative art techniques to facilitate emotional healing
  • Focuses on helping individuals express trauma-related emotions
  • Offers a flexible approach for self-paced work
  • Can be used both independently or with a therapist

Who It’s Best For:
  • Individuals who prefer non-verbal methods of healing
  • Those looking for a self-guided art therapy resource
  • People in therapy or recovery looking for supplementary resources
14. Art Therapy Techniques for Healing Trauma by Emily Stevens

"Art Therapy Techniques for Healing Trauma" by Emily Stevens provides a series of practical exercises and worksheets to help individuals use art to heal from trauma. The exercises are grounded in art therapy theory and offer a step-by-step approach to create art that expresses and processes difficult emotions. Each activity is designed to offer a safe space to explore personal experiences while encouraging healing and emotional growth.

The worksheets within this resource are suitable for individuals at all stages of trauma recovery. By allowing individuals to express their feelings through art, the exercises help facilitate emotional regulation and promote a sense of empowerment in the healing process.

Key Highlights:
  • Practical, step-by-step art therapy techniques
  • Encourages emotional regulation through creative expression
  • Grounded in evidence-based therapeutic practices
  • Suitable for various stages of trauma recovery
  • Provides a safe and non-judgmental space for self-expression

Who It’s Best For:
  • Individuals recovering from trauma
  • Art therapists looking for structured exercises for clients
  • People interested in using art therapy to manage emotions and promote healing
15. Healing Through Art Therapy by The Art Therapy Institute

The Art Therapy Institute offers a range of worksheets that combine art therapy techniques with a trauma-informed approach. The activities are designed to promote healing through creative expression, helping individuals explore their trauma and emotional experiences in a safe, artistic environment. The worksheets focus on mindfulness and self-compassion, aiming to build a greater connection between mind and body.

These worksheets are suitable for individuals seeking creative methods to process trauma or those in therapeutic settings looking for additional tools to aid in recovery. The emphasis is on using art as a therapeutic tool to explore the inner self and facilitate emotional healing.

Key Highlights:
  • Integrates mindfulness and art therapy techniques
  • Promotes emotional healing through creative expression
  • Focuses on trauma-informed care
  • Offers a variety of exercises that can be adapted for individual needs
  • Suitable for both independent use and guided therapy

Who It’s Best For:
  • Individuals looking to use art therapy as a healing tool
  • Those interested in combining mindfulness with creative healing
  • Therapists or counselors seeking to enhance their practice with additional resources
16. Self-Expression Through Art by Deborah S. Colson

Deborah S. Colson’s workbook "Self-Expression Through Art" focuses on using art therapy as a means of self-discovery and healing from trauma. The worksheets provide prompts that encourage individuals to create art reflecting their personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions. By combining art techniques with reflective journaling, the workbook helps individuals process their trauma in a holistic, creative way.

The workbook is structured to be both an individual and therapeutic tool, with activities that allow for personal expression and emotional exploration. It encourages individuals to work through emotional barriers and begin their journey of healing at their own pace.

Key Highlights:
  • Combines art therapy with reflective journaling
  • Promotes self-expression and emotional exploration
  • Provides a safe space for individuals to confront trauma
  • Suitable for both individual and group use
  • A step-by-step approach to healing through art

Who It’s Best For:
  • Individuals seeking a structured approach to healing through art
  • Those who enjoy combining art with journaling for self-reflection
  • People at different stages of trauma recovery looking for a creative outlet
Conclusion
Art therapy worksheets can be a powerful tool for anyone looking to heal from trauma and express their emotions in a safe, creative way. Whether you're exploring feelings of grief, anxiety, or past experiences, these worksheets offer a space to process emotions without the pressure of words. From drawing exercises to mindfulness prompts, each resource serves as a stepping stone toward greater self-awareness and emotional well-being.

Remember, healing is a personal journey, and art can be a unique and helpful part of that process. The best part? You don’t have to be an artist to benefit. It’s all about expressing yourself and giving yourself permission to explore your emotions freely. If you’re ready to begin your journey of self-expression and healing, these trauma art therapy worksheets are a great place to start.