Quotes and Collage

Trauma-Informed Non-Verbal Expression Through Images and Words

Developed and implemented in Spain by AFENES, in collaboration with AIIJ, Quotes and Collage offered young people a deeply reflective, trauma-informed space for emotional expression without verbal pressure.

Using recycled magazines, inspirational quotes, and symbolic imagery, participants created personal collages that reflected inner resources, emotions, and lived experiences. The non-verbal nature of the activity allowed each participant to engage at their own pace, choosing silence, focus, or optional sharing according to their comfort level.

Throughout the session, facilitators observed exceptionally high levels of concentration. The room often settled into a quiet, grounded atmosphere described as calm, safe, and emotionally containing. For many participants, the collage became more than an artwork—it functioned as a tangible emotional anchor, something they could return to after the session as a reminder of their strengths and inner capacities.

Optional storytelling circles allowed those who wished to share the meaning behind their collages, often revealing powerful insights. Even when words felt difficult, the visual language of the collages carried meaning clearly and respectfully.

“My collage is a map of my inner resources.”

This tool demonstrated the strength of trauma-informed, low-threshold creative practices in supporting emotional literacy, self-awareness, and psychological safety—particularly for young people who find verbal expression challenging.