Art for Change
The Book
Creativity in working with trauma and mental health
Let art speak when words fall short
Art for Change is written for therapists and practitioners who want to understand how creative expression can become a new language for people who have lived through trauma.
Through five principles in a body-centred approach, the book opens onto artistic processes where both therapist and client can reflect on their lives and shape meaningful narratives that strengthen calm, healing and wellbeing.
The book is an invitation to rediscover the connection to art and storytelling as therapy.
By Cæcilie Liv Carlsen & Jens Larsen with Loa Brix · ArtMentum, 2026 · ISBN 978-87-977183-2-2 · The book is in Danish.
About the book
The book is written for those who work professionally with people carrying different forms of trauma – people whose life experience does not always allow itself to be captured in conversation, explanation or linear narrative. It addresses therapists, teachers, social workers and other professionals navigating complex practices where language at times falls short, because trauma is often held in the body.
Here art can offer a complementary approach – through art therapy and a bodily grounded form of storytelling. An approach that can open shortcuts to self-worth, self-confidence and the capacity for play, creativity and creative expression.
A central message is that you do not need to be an artist to work with art therapeutically. Art as therapy is not about making something beautiful, but about making something that is true for the individual. The book draws on relevant research, but is first and foremost intended as a practical and inspiring handbook.
Inside the book
- Five principles for creative trauma work
- Concrete exercises for individuals and groups
- The method behind True Storytelling®
- Practitioners’ experiences from practice
The five principles
- Expressing yourself through art
- Creative group exercises
- Grounding in the body and the present moment
- Creating a new life story
- The therapist’s wellbeing through art
Each principle is unfolded in an expert interview on this site.
Would you like a copy?
The book is printed and is being distributed to professionals in the field. Write to us if you would like a copy – we will come back to you as soon as we can.
info@nordicsah.com · +45 27 52 12 66
The book was developed with support from the Danish Victims Fund.