[Xtree]

In an effort to express unresolved grief and trauma T asked me to draw my devastation. I have no idea what it would look like or how to draw it?

Thanks
Xtree

Oh, I hate doing assignments like that. I'm very uncomfortable with artwork. I'd suggest just picking up a pencil or marker or color and letting yourself just do whatever comes up, even scribbling. Eventually something may take form.

In writing, we tell kids to do something very similar when they don't know what to write about. Just start with, "I don't know what to write about . . ." and go from there. Something almost always takes shape.

[dfh932]

hmmm the first thing i thought was just a bunch of black and red scratchy marks. Then i thought maybe a pretty, soft...dying flower...alone in a field in the rain and lightening.
Or maybe the image of the back of a person who has abandoned me, walking away with my heart in their hands. A heart like this <3 not a real bleedy heart...
Just thoughts to get you going. I'm not very creative but can give you some ideas so you can have a good idea !

I recommend crayons...and just sit with how you feel and see what happens

[Perna]

I would start with a dream symbol? Do you remember anything you've dreamed that upset you? I once did a picture of a "bug" that was weird :-) Just think of what "bothers" you and put it in symbol form and draw that. Do you doodle at all? What do you doodle most? I use to do boxes in 3 dimensions over and over when I learned a little perspective. A box is not too far off the mark for being about "me", LOL. Just play! Your Self will express itself, no need to "plan" it.

[pegasus]

(((((((( Xtree ))))))))))

I would go out and buy a variety of art materials so that you have a choice in what to use and then let all of you draw, paint, doodle whatever comes to you. Only you will know what you need to do. It's an excellent idea because sometimes the trauma will not come out in any other way. Words sometimes cannot explain it. I think you will find this very therapeutic.

[darkrunner]

Xtree,
This does sound challenging. I've done a lot of art therapy during inpatient / residential treatment, and even though I am not a very creative or artistic person, I've found it to be helpful in an unexpected way.
Try to remember there is no right or wrong answer, and try not to worry about the 'quality' of your drawing. You may find that discussing the drawing with your T is even more helpful that drawing it.
Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

[Melbadaze]

I think just thinking about what it may look like, opens up new areas in the mind.

[WePow]

One thing you might try is to use your non-dominate hand (if you are right handed, use your left hand). Hold a crayon in that hand and close your eyes. Allow your body to just guide the hand and to do what it feels it needs to do. You will be amazed to see how this technique will tap into the subconscious very quickly! And the things that come out as a result of this type of work are life changing.

[Sventek]

Perhaps you could ponder the fear that has driven your grief and trauma.