It is very common that people, children or adults, who have gone through a terrible experience, would like to forget it as soon as possible and get on with their lives. Sometimes, this works well and no extra help is needed. However, where serious complaints do arise, the application of art therapy should be considered.

As therapeutic counselor, one can ask a victim to draw images from his past, present and future. One could also ask him to draw images of what may help him to overcome difficult circumstances – so called “supporting images”. One does not ask straightforward to portray terrible experiences, but it is another possibility if someone appears to do this spontaneously.

The drawing, drama or music activity may result into a catharsis, a release of fear, anger and tension. This is not enough in itself. It is of great importance that the victim can start making a bearable story of what has happened to him; in words or images.

In events where many people have been severely affected, the possibilities of a counselor usually end here. And yet, this support will be of major importance. An estimated 80% of the survivors can continue at their own strength.

“We had not been to school for a very long time because shooting had been going on. One morning, however, we did return to school. The teacher allowed us to make drawings about what had happened. Everyone could say something about it, if he felt like it. I told them that my father had been taken away, because that is what I had drawn about. More fathers had been taken away. No one liked that. Then some children had to cry. We stuck all the drawings together on a big sheet of paper and hung it on the wall. It had become very beautiful. ….. Many people came to look at it who also thought it was beautiful. I think my father would find it beautiful too.”

It goes without saying that the therapeutic attendance should best be practiced by – specifically trained – counselors from the country itself.