Citation

Buschel BS, Madsen LH. J. Aggression Maltreat. Trauma 2006; 13(1): 87-108.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J146v13n01_05

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper presents a program in a domestic violence shelter that focuses on strengthening the connections between mothers and children. The program draws on trauma theory, art therapy, and a recursive model of communication. The paper describes how psychoeducation about the physiological and psychological effects of trauma is helpful to the families. It illustrates how art therapy is used to help the children express and communicate their experience of family violence. The recursive model of sharing information is explained and demonstrated, using examples of issues that frequently arise in the art therapy sessions. These three components used together promote communication within the family and strengthen safe connections.