Trauma is complex. It leaves scars, visible and invisible. Traditional treatments, like therapy or medication, focus on talking or chemical balance. But what happens when words aren’t enough? Dr. Jay Johannigman believes art therapy can bridge that gap.
“It’s about expression,” Johannigman says. “Art lets people process emotions they can’t articulate.”
Art therapy is gaining traction in trauma care. This approach combines creative expression with psychological support. For trauma survivors, it’s a way to make sense of chaos.
Why Art Therapy?
Studies show that trauma disrupts the brain’s ability to process emotions. Survivors often feel trapped, unable to articulate their pain. Art therapy bypasses these barriers. It engages the brain’s creative side, fostering expression and healing.
Dr. Jay Johannigman believes that while traditional talk therapy is critical, art therapy can complement it in meaningful ways. “Art stimulates different parts of the brain,” Johannigman explains. “It gives trauma survivors a non-verbal way to tell their story, allowing them to process emotions in a less intimidating way.”
For many survivors, words feel insufficient or even harmful. Trauma can shut down verbal communication, particularly when recalling painful memories. Art therapy provides an alternative—one that doesn’t rely on language but still accesses deep emotional layers.
A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that 65% of participants reported reduced PTSD symptoms after art therapy sessions. Another report from the American Art Therapy Association highlights how creating art enhances emotional resilience, particularly when integrated into a broader therapeutic plan.
Enhancing, Not Replacing
Some critics argue that talk therapy is the gold standard and should remain the primary approach to trauma treatment. While Dr. Johannigman agrees that talk therapy plays a central role, he suggests that art therapy can enhance traditional methods rather than replace them.
“Art therapy isn’t a substitute,” Johannigman clarifies. “It’s a tool that works alongside other treatments. It helps patients reach areas talk therapy might not touch.”
This dual approach can be especially effective for patients who struggle to open up in conventional therapy settings. For instance, drawing, painting, or sculpting can help survivors externalize feelings they might otherwise repress. Once these emotions are visually expressed, therapists can guide patients toward deeper verbal exploration.
Johannigman points out that art therapy works as a bridge. “For some, words reopen wounds too soon. Art offers a safer outlet, helping survivors ease into their healing journey.”
Accessibility for All
Another benefit of art therapy is its inclusivity. It doesn’t require artistic skill or advanced materials. “You don’t need to be Picasso,” Johannigman says. “A simple drawing or splash of color can unlock powerful emotions.”
This accessibility is crucial for trauma survivors who feel judged or misunderstood. In art therapy, there’s no wrong answer—just an opportunity to explore feelings in a judgment-free environment.
Caregivers can create a more holistic treatment plan by combining art therapy with traditional talk therapy. For many survivors, this multi-faceted approach makes healing possible and transformative.
Ultimately, art therapy doesn’t compete with conventional methods; it completes them. As Johannigman puts it, “Trauma affects everyone differently. The more tools we offer, the better equipped we are to help.”
Cincinnati Is A Hub for Healing
Cincinnati is more than Dr. Jay Johannigman’s workplace—it’s his foundation. Raised with strong Midwestern values, he has deep ties to the city. Johannigman is a founding member of the Cincinnati Center for the Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills (CSTARS), a program dedicated to preparing medical professionals for combat and civilian emergencies. His contributions to trauma care have made him a hometown hero, a title awarded by the community for his outstanding service.
One of Johannigman’s most notable achievements is spearheading the integration of battlefield medical technology into Cincinnati’s first responder systems. With a generous donation from Western & Southern Financial Group, the city acquired groundbreaking equipment featuring a daylight-readable display, intuitive interface, ruggedized construction, centralized charging, and a long-lasting battery. “It was a game-changer,” Johannigman recalls. “This technology bridged the gap between military and civilian trauma care.”
The results were transformative. Cincinnati’s first responders gained tools that increased survival rates and improved emergency care. This innovation solidified the city’s reputation as a leader in trauma preparedness.
The Role of CSTARS in Trauma Training
CSTARS, under Johannigman’s leadership, became a critical component of trauma care education. A member of Cincinnati’s elite Air Force medical teams, he helped establish a training model that is now replicated nationwide. Johannigman and his colleagues trained at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where they applied their expertise to assist over 5,600 military families. This humanitarian service earned widespread gratitude, reinforcing Cincinnati’s commitment to service and care.
“CSTARS is more than training—it’s a legacy,” Johannigman emphasizes. “It ensures that medical professionals are ready for the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
As the head of the UC Medical Center’s trauma and critical care center, Johannigman delivered lifesaving training programs tailored to Cincinnati’s needs. His leadership ensured that health professionals received up-to-date, practical instructions, equipping them to handle high-pressure situations effectively.
A Full-Circle Career in Cincinnati
Dr. Jay Johannigman began his career at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, and it remains the heart of his professional journey. From providing trauma care to shaping the next generation of medical leaders, his work has touched countless lives. “Cincinnati isn’t just where I work—it’s home,” he says. “It’s where I started and where I’ll finish.”
His roots in the city continue to influence his approach to care. He advocates for collaboration between hospitals, non-profits, and local organizations like ArtWorks Cincinnati and the Creative Arts Center. These partnerships expand access to innovative treatments, including art therapy, and bring hope to underserved communities.
“Cincinnati understands the importance of holistic healing,” Johannigman notes. “Programs here integrate art, technology, and training in ways that set a national standard.”
Stories of Transformation
Real stories bring art therapy to life. Johannigman recalls a veteran who struggled with severe PTSD. Traditional therapy wasn’t working.
“He started with charcoal sketches,” Johannigman says. “Over time, those sketches turned into vibrant paintings. His progress was incredible.”
Another case involved a child who had witnessed violence. Through clay modeling, the child processed fear and regained trust.
“These aren’t isolated cases,” Johannigman asserts. “Art therapy transforms lives.”
The Science Behind It
How does art therapy work? Science offers answers. Trauma affects the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. These areas regulate fear, memory, and decision-making.
Art therapy activates the brain’s reward center. It increases dopamine, improving mood and focus. It also encourages neuroplasticity, helping the brain form new connections.
Dr. Johannigman explains, “Trauma rewires the brain in harmful ways. Art can rewire it for healing.”
Expanding Access
Accessibility remains a challenge. Many trauma survivors lack resources for therapy. Johannigman advocates for change.
“We need more funding and trained therapists,” he says. “Art therapy should be an option for everyone, not just a privilege.”
Cincinnati is making strides. Local programs offer free workshops and sliding-scale fees. Mobile art studios bring therapy to remote areas.
Key Takeaways
Art therapy is more than a trend. It’s a lifeline for trauma survivors.
Dr. Johannigman urges healthcare systems to embrace this approach.
“Trauma doesn’t define you,” he says. “Art therapy helps you reclaim your story.”
As Cincinnati leads the charge, Dr. Jay Johannigman elaborates trauma survivors deserve tools that work. Art therapy is a missing piece.
Art heals. Sometimes, it speaks louder than words.
