Art therapy is a form of therapeutic support and a proven alternative to ‘talk’ therapy. It benefits women impacted by trauma by allowing expression of feelings through creative work rather than with speech.
Using a symbolic framework titled Dreams and Lemons, our art therapy clients expressed their emotions, hopes, and challenges through watercolour and pastel artworks.
In this approach, bubbles became symbols for dreams and aspirations; representing things that are beautiful, hopeful, and floating upwards, yet also potentially fragile and temporary. Lemons, on the other hand, symbolised life’s disappointments and difficulties; the “sour” experiences that can be challenging to process.
The group, guided by a trauma-informed art therapist, explored the relationship between their dreams (bubbles) and their struggles (lemons), reflecting on how disappointments affect aspirations, or how dreams can persist despite difficulties. This gentle but powerful symbolism created a space where complex emotions could be expressed without the need for words, allowing women to connect with one another through shared understanding.
Art as a bridge for connection
For many in the group, art therapy offers a way to externalise internal experiences, to take feelings that are often overwhelming and give them shape, colour, and texture. By making the intangible visible, participants could step back, reflect, and engage in supportive conversations with others in the room.
The contrast between the lightness of bubbles and the tartness of lemons became a metaphor for the full spectrum of human experience, joy and sorrow, hope and hardship, growth and loss, and the resilience it takes to hold all of these at once.
A safe space for creativity and healing
During the Mary’s House Services art therapy sessions, there is no expectation of artistic skill, only an openness to explore. This freedom allows each participant to use imagery in a way that feels right for them: some filled their bubbles with vibrant patterns, symbols, and memories; others left space and lightness to represent possibility. Lemons appeared as both subtle motifs and bold statements, each telling its own story.
Through this process, the group discovered common threads, the shared challenges of navigating life after trauma, but also the shared hopes for safety, joy, and renewal.
Honouring the work
All women involved have given their consent for their artworks to be shared. These pieces are more than creative exercises, they are visual stories of courage, self-reflection, and community connection.
We honour and thank each woman for her willingness to share a piece of her journey, and we acknowledge the strength it takes to explore and express the complex interplay of dreams and lemons.
If you would like to learn more about our community programs, or how you can support them, please visit our Mary’s House Community Programs page.
