복합외상을 경험한 여성의 심리적 회복을 위한 감각운동 심리치료 기반 미술치료 사례 연구

Abstract

This study explored the effects of art therapy based on Sensorimotor Psychotherapy in facilitating the psychological recovery of woman who experienced complex trauma. The participant was a 35-year-old woman who had suffered abuse and domestic violence since childhood and reported post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) as her primary concerns. The researcher conducted over 40 art therapy sessions between 2023 and 2024. Pre and post-treatment changes were assessed using the Korean version of the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS) and the Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale (CPTSD-I). Additionally, the study evaluated psychological changes through analyzing each session’s artworks, verbatim transcripts, and clinical notes. The results indicated that, first, PTSD symptoms decreased following art therapy based on the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. Specifically, the frequency of trauma-related memory re-experiencing, avoidance reactions, and anxiety responses decreased, along with a reduction in physical tension. Second, CPTSD symptoms were alleviated, with notable improvements in emotion regulation related to complex trauma, attentional and cognitive functioning, and self-awareness. Based on these findings, the implications and limitations of the study were discussed.