The artwork presented in this section is by one survivor of childhood sexual abuse who has worked with an arts therapist for eight years. The artist has chosen ‘Kali’ as her pseudonym for the purpose of publishing her pictures on this website. ‘Kali’ has given the titles to these pictures, and instructed her therapist to add comments to each that would give the viewer some idea of the context of each drawing, especially a context that would show the movement through the therapeutic healing journey.

“This is artwork by Kali from 2009, aged 19, the year that she took her father to court over the long term abuse she was subjected to for many years. Kali has been attending arts therapy since 2009 and has found using art in different modes helpful for expressing what is difficult to say in words and to make sense of her world.”

Please click on the first picture (top left) to be taken through a slideshow

The monster on my back 2009. Kali’s early artwork was often in black and white. I believe this image depicts her father as a constant torturer in her life even when he is in gaol.

Stuck in Limbo 2009: Some colour starts to enter the artwork. Kali depicts herself hanging helplessly while other people or aspects of herself look on.

Overwhelmed Drowning 2009: More colour and movement enter the artwork although the themes are still around being victimised and powerless.

Fallen 2009: Perhaps a representation of herself as a fallen angel (or of her own guardian angel) with shackles, but now standing tall.

Cutting off both his Heads so he can’t hurt again 2011 : A new empowered version of herself arrives that holds more of a survivor narrative. This is where the name Kali came from as the image is reminiscent of the powerful Hindu goddess who wears skulls and holds a severed head in one hand.

Catching my Dreams 2016 : A synthesis of themes and symbols are held in the dream catcher heralding a new beginning. This correlates with Kali’s journey with a drug and alcohol rehab program.

Tree of Life, when you choose to see the beauty, there is unlimited potential 2017 : A culmination of much personal soul searching and growth is represented in this image. Kali has moved from being a traumatized and suicidal teenager to an empowered young woman who has overcome drug addiction and is enjoying being in a relationship with ‘normal everyday dysfunction’!

Kali is planning to return to study in youth work so she can help other young people. It’s been an absolute privilege to work with her for the past 8 years demonstrating to me again that for people with trauma and attachment issues a longer term view is needed for therapy.

The stabilizing presence of a consistent relationship with one or more support people is essential (rather than short term involvement  and frequent changes of worker which is encouraged by many services).

[please note the captions/descriptions with these artworks were supplied by the therapist, as per the instruction from the client ]

Return to Gallery