THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 4, 1995 TAG: 9505020108
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JOAN C. STANUS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
At times, the rage is so overwhelming, the sense of violation so pervasive, the only way they can unlock their feelings is to take crayon in hand and stroke intense, vibrant colors on a piece of blank paper.
For many victims of sexual abuse, this act of creation can often be a vital step on their path to recovery.
``Feelings are very difficult to get in touch with,'' explained Susan E. Casselman, a resident psychologist based in Portsmouth. ``You can seal them over and lock them away.
``Art therapy is a form of expressing those feelings you can't put into words easily. It can help get to basic emotions by uncovering different levels and exploring new avenues of feelings. It's a chance to say, `It's not my mistake. I don't have to be ashamed. I am a survivor. I'm moving beyond this.' ''
Two years ago, Casselman and a handful of other therapists in the area who employ art therapy in their practices decided the work of their patients was so powerful that it needed to be shown to the public. They distributed some 500 fliers to other therapists in the area, inviting other patients to submit their work as well. The response to the show was so positive, from both patients and the public, that the therapists held another last year.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, a third showing, titled ``A Celebration of Healing, 1995,'' will be displayed at The Barry Robinson Center on Kempsville Road in Norfolk. Some 40 victims of sexual abuse from the area will exhibit their artwork.
In conjunction with the show, several free public presentations will also be held at The Barry Robinson Center. Matthew Berneir, an assistant professor at the Medical College of Hampton Roads, will speak on ``The Uses of Art Therapy for Victims of Sexual Abuse'' at 4 p.m. At 5, a reception officially opening the show will be held, and at 6:30, members of the Survivors of Incest Anonymous support group will speak.
On Saturday, the work will be on view from noon to 9 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., the members of SIA will again present an informal public program.
The showings and presentations are sponsored by The Barry Robinson Center, Reponse Sexual Assault Support Services and the Hampton Roads Committee to Prevent Child Abuse.
For many victims, the showing of their work is a chance to publicly come to grips with their violation. Viewers cannot help but ``feel'' the anger, insecurity, confusion and other emotions in their work, Casselman said.
``It's very intense work,'' the resident psychologist pointed out. ``But the level of intensity depends at what stage (the therapy) is being used. For a lot of people the greatest amount of anger comes at the middle stage of therapy. At first, they distance themselves from the emotions. But when they start to get in touch with the violation, their rage becomes incredible.
``Hopefully, later on they get in touch with it and move on with their lives. But it's a long process.''
Although the rage, confusion and violation are dominant in much of the work, often the drawings become hopeful and optimistic as the artist progresses in therapy, Casselman noted. Last year, the Portsmouth therapist purchased one of those ``hopeful pieces,'' titled ``Out of the Dark Woods.''
``There's a real hopefulness there,'' she said. ``In it, there are dark trees on either side and light in the middle. It's very hopeful . . . because it cherishes the fact that the artist is a survivor.
``Therapy is not an easy process for victims of sexual abuse. They are not dealing with pleasant things. It takes a lot of courage to deal with this head on . . . and get on with the rest of their lives.'' by CNB