Art Therapy Workbook : for Trauma Healing and PTSD Recovery, easy do-it-yourself exercises utilizing the Solution-Focused Art Therapy method

by Rahel Bruegger

“Through the lens of art therapy, creativity becomes a catalyst for transformation.”
Barbara Studer, PhD

Are you experiencing symptoms of past trauma or PTSD? Are you a therapist working with PTSD and trauma clients?
This workbook offers simple art therapy exercises to navigate the journey of transforming trigger-reactions into a more stress-relieved daily life.

Guiding you step-by-step in your painting process, this workbook offers effective and easy exercises to relieve stress and regain hope.

Solution-Focused Art Therapy was pioneered by Bettina Egger, PhD and Jörg Merz in Switzerland, demonstrating it's effectiveness through four decades of research and practical application.

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2024

Reviews

[Emily Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a therapist and wanted to see if this would be something I could use with clients. So far, it’s been really useful. The instructions are straightforward, which means clients don’t get stuck worrying about whether they’re “doing it right.” They just jump in, and usually the art opens doors to conversations we might not have reached otherwise.

I’ve used it with a couple of people who usually shut down when asked to “talk about feelings.” But give them a pencil and one of these prompts, and suddenly they’re showing me things I never would have known otherwise. That’s powerful.

I will say a few of the exercises overlap a bit, so it can feel repetitive. But sometimes repetition is exactly what’s needed in trauma work. All in all, I think it’s a solid resource, both for professionals and for people who just want to try something at home.

[Eunice J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mom of two little kids, I rarely have time for myself, let alone for deep therapy sessions. But I’ve been carrying trauma from years ago, and it still affects me, especially when I feel stressed. This workbook was such a blessing. The exercises are short, simple, and don’t require fancy supplies—sometimes I just use my kids’ markers while they nap!

I didn’t expect much at first, but honestly, it helped me in ways I didn’t think possible. When I felt overwhelmed, I’d sit down with one of the prompts, and within 20 minutes, I felt calmer and more grounded. It gave me a way to process things quietly without needing hours of therapy time.

For moms, or really anyone juggling a busy life, this book is worth buying. It makes healing feel possible even in small pockets of time.

[Anne Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This workbook has been a revelation for me. I’ve struggled with stress and trauma for years, and I wasn’t sure if art therapy could really help. But the exercises are surprisingly effective, and they gently guided me to explore emotions I usually avoid.

I especially appreciated the focus on transforming triggers into manageable experiences. Even small sessions with the workbook left me feeling lighter, calmer, and more hopeful. It’s amazing how something as simple as drawing or painting can create such a big shift in mindset.

What I love most is that it’s easy to follow, encouraging, and backed by decades of research.

[Lillian C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The step-by-step guidance is clear and approachable. Instead of focusing on the pain, the exercises gently redirect toward hope, relief, and personal growth. I found myself looking forward to the moments I set aside for these practices it felt like giving myself permission to breathe again.

Even on difficult days, the activities were manageable, and that consistency has really helped me. I can already see improvements in how I respond to stress triggers. This workbook is more than a guideit’s like a companion for the healing journey.

[Alonzo L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll admit I doubted this book before starting. I didn’t understand how drawing or painting could really make a difference in healing trauma. But after trying a few exercises, I was surprised at how effective they were.

It’s not about creating art for display, it’s about using creativity as a tool for processing emotions. The process itself felt freeing, and the guided steps kept me from overthinking.

Now, instead of brushing off art therapy as “not for me,” I actually recommend it to friends going through tough times.

[Chawick Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rahel Bruegger has created a workbook that’s both professional and deeply nurturing. I felt encouraged to explore my emotions creatively without judgment. The exercises are simple, but they’re surprisingly effective.I particularly liked how the book explains the background of Solution Focused.

[Steven M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

To my surprise, the activities were straightforward and actually fun.