How does art therapy help heal trauma when talk therapy isn’t enough?

In this episode of Healing and Growing Hand in Hand, host Lisa Tickel sits down with board-certified art therapist Tracey Saia to explore how art therapy accesses parts of the brain trauma lives in—beyond words.

Tracy explains how trauma is stored in the nonverbal parts of the brain and why traditional talk therapy can sometimes fall short. Through powerful real-life stories, she shows how drawing, color, movement, and metaphor help survivors process experiences they can’t yet explain—and reclaim safety, clarity, and empowerment.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- Why trauma shuts down language and logic

- How art therapy bypasses the thinking brain

- Why you don’t need to be “artistic” for art therapy to work

- How images reveal truths words often defend against

- Real examples of breakthroughs art therapy made possible

About Tracey:

Tracey Saia is an energetic and compassionate board certified, licensed professional art therapist, who has been pioneering in the mental health and art therapy landscape since 2000. Her journey began in the heart of nonprofit domestic violence agencies, where she offered invaluable free services to the non-offending parent and their children. Tracey's footprint extends across New Jersey, where she has left her mark of expertise and empathy in many counties across the state.

Art Psychotherapy, her chosen field, stands out as a unique mental health specialization that harnesses the power of artistic creation and expression for psychological growth and healing.

Connect with Tracey:

Website: www.traceyesaia.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracey-saia-ms-atr-bc/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traceysarttherapy/?hl=en

Get Tracey's coloring book for children: https://a.co/d/7CGnfXi

00:00 Introduction to Art Therapy

02:03 The Journey into Art Therapy

05:27 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact

09:03 The Role of the Body in Healing

11:54 Art as a Medium for Expression

16:00 Personal Experiences with Art Therapy

19:53 Breakthroughs in Art Therapy

24:55 Exploring Safety and Self-Expression

27:45 The Power of Visual Representation in Therapy

30:52 Aha Moments: Understanding Through Art

34:53 Art Therapy: A Path to Empowerment

38:54 The Science Behind Art Therapy

42:47 Connecting with Tracey Saia: Resources and Insights