ABSTRACT
There are three key inter-related elements to consider before undertaking any expressive arts work with a child or young person with a background of trauma. These are:
The safe space
The trusted adult
The creative materials
https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781003121442/dec91e69-0f55-41fc-b345-b9d5e9d8cec7/content/figI_1_1.tif" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/> Each inter-related element of the therapeutic triangle reflects the trauma-informed sequence of engagement: Regulate, then Relate, then Reason (Perry and Ablon, 2019). Like the resounding of a ‘triangle’ in music, if all three elements of this therapeutic triangle successfully combine, they allow the child’s voice to be heard (element four). A fifth element can then be achieved, which is emotional resonance. This is the resounding feeling we have in our hearts and minds when we feel we are truly understood.