When Talking Merely Made Things Worse

Alison Haitana

When local Milduran woman, Alison Haitana discovered how the traditional approach to healing trauma by using counselling and talking through issues, merely caused her more distress, she turned to art as a form of healing.

After experiencing the identity breaking situation of domestic violence and walking the traditional routes of talk therapy, that just re-ignited the trauma, she searched out and found a way to change her perspective with a powerful and transformational painting process.

2017 Research survey from The Intentional Creativity Foundation found that 92% feel that creativity influences their compassion for themselves

80% said they would suggest creative process to others who experience depression

90% said they have experienced a shift in their default thinking

79% noticed an ease of physical symptoms while creating

90% have experienced a shift in recurring emotional pain through creative process

“I had to find a way out from underneath the constant mental torture and re-imagining myself back in that time and space of that violent experience. Talk therapy wanted me to bring it up every time. I refused to speak of it anymore, to give it power, instead I wanted techniques and tools to help,” explained Alison.

However, this was met by frustration. So I left to find something else that would help me. It was only until I started to pick up a paintbrush and find solace in a canvas to allow the full spectrum of emotions, feeling and thoughts to be released, that I found compassion for myself and the experience. Without creativity, life had no colour or texture. With it, I could finally be free.”

Alison can be contacted for an interview and to arrange photography – please contact Susie Campbell on 0415 448 007 or susie

/Public Release.