The Small Body Outline Drawing and Art Therapy With a Female Substance Use Disorder Patient to Facilitate Mindful Processing of Trauma: A Case Report (Le petit dessin de contour du corps et l’art-thérapie avec une patiente souffrant d’un trouble d’abus de substances pour faciliter le traitement conscient du traumatisme : un rapport de cas)

Abstract

This case report provides detail with which to gain a further understanding of the small body outline drawing as an art therapy innovation and tool of art therapy practice used for the treatment of substance use disorder. This report focuses on the experience of an adult female patient who has been diagnosed with alcohol and stimulant use disorder and who had experienced sexual abuse and related trauma. The patient participated in a weekly art therapy group at a women’s 90-day residential substance abuse program, where she created a small body outline drawing. The patient made significant progress throughout the course of her treatment and maintained sobriety for at least one year following this treatment. The small body outline drawing, within the context of art therapy and in combination with a 12-step group and individual therapy, was observed to have assisted the patient in maintaining sobriety through the facilitation of verbal and mindful expression of past trauma.