Releasing Trapped Images: Children Grapple with the Reality of the September 11 Attacks

Paula Howie, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, Silver Spring, MD; Berre Burch, Washington, DC;

Selby Conrad, Bethesda, MD; and Shari Shambaugh, Olney, MD

Abstract: The authors were both privileged and challenged to provide art therapy groups for children and their families in the aftermath of the Pentagon attack on 9/11/01. As part of a comprehensive family support program provided by the Pentagon Family Assistance Center, the therapists provided interventions for many children whose lives were directly affected by the loss of a close family member. They endeavored to provide a holding environment and opportunities for these children to creatively experience what had occurred. This paper chronicles their participation with these children, describes their methods of working, and includes some information on the theoretical basis for the use of art in the treatment of trauma.