Effectiveness of Trauma Focused Art Therapy

The Effectiveness of Trauma Focused Art Therapy: a Multiple Baseline Single Case Experimental Design

Not applicable Interventional HAN University of Applied Sciences · NCT05593302

This study is testing whether Trauma-Focused Art Therapy can help people with severe trauma who have trouble talking about their feelings feel better when traditional therapies don't work for them.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment12 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorHAN University of Applied Sciences Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nijmegen, Gelderland)
Trial IDNCT05593302 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Art Therapy (TFAT) for patients with trauma-related symptoms who may not benefit from traditional therapies like CBT or EMDR. The approach utilizes visual and tactile methods to help patients express and process their traumatic experiences, particularly those who struggle with verbal communication. By employing a Mixed Method design, the researchers aim to assess both the therapeutic outcomes and the personal recovery experiences of participants in specialized mental health care. The study is particularly focused on individuals with severe trauma and poor verbal memory.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals experiencing trauma-related symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, or anxiety, and who are motivated to work on their traumatic memories.

Not a fit: Patients with psychosis, acute crises, or intellectual disabilities that prevent them from completing questionnaires may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could provide an alternative treatment option for patients with trauma-related symptoms who do not respond to conventional therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that trauma-focused art therapy is feasible and acceptable for patients, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Having trauma-related symptoms ((i.e. nightmares, flashbacks, persistent fatigue or depression, anxiety in regards to specific triggers, sleep disorders)
* Being eligible for art therapy on discretion of multidisciplinary treatment panel (consisting of, for example. a psychiatrist, psychologists, sociotherapists, and art therapists)
* Being motivated to work on traumatic memories

Exclusion Criteria:

* Psychosis or acute crisis
* intellectual disability (precluding the filling out of questionnaires).

Where this trial is running

Nijmegen, Gelderland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions TraumaPsychologicalArt Therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.