Episode 42: Healing Through Creative Outlets

In this episode of Almost Oblivious, host Autumn Baker explores how creative outlets can become powerful tools for healing after trauma and abuse. From art and journaling to faith, movement, volunteering, and trying new experiences, Autumn shares both research and personal stories of how creativity can help survivors rediscover their voice, purpose, and joy.

You’ll hear about:

• Art as therapy: how expression through color, shape, or collage can give emotions a safe outlet.

• Journaling: prompts and practices to untangle thoughts and track healing progress.

• Faith and spirituality: grounding practices that offer hope and connection.

• New experiences: how classes like singing, cooking, or photography can unlock joy.

• Exercise and movement: the research-backed benefits of biking, yoga, and other forms of physical activity for trauma recovery.

• Volunteering and purpose: how giving back, speaking out, and creating Almost Oblivious became transformative parts of Autumn’s own healing journey.

This episode encourages survivors to explore creative paths that fit their lives, reminding each listener that healing is not about perfection — it’s about rediscovery.

🔗 Resources:

• Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 254–263. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497

• van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.

• Malchiodi, C. A. (2015). Creative Interventions with Traumatized Children. Guilford Press.

• American Psychological Association. (2011). The Exercise Effect: Evidence on the Mental Health Benefits of Exercise. APA Monitor on Psychology. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/12/exercise

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2022). The Importance of Community and Purpose in Recovery. https://www.nami.org

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