Reclaiming the Body After Trauma
Psychology Today
by Adrian Fletcher Psy.D., M.A.March 2, 2026
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Trauma survivors often turn to tattoos as a powerful tool for reclaiming control over their bodies and minds after experiencing profound violations. For many, tattoos are not merely aesthetic; they represent choice, meaning, and sovereignty. Trauma affects both the body and the mind, leaving lasting physical and emotional scars. Survivors may feel disconnected from their bodies, which can become a source of fear or discomfort. Tattoos, however, offer a way to reclaim authorship over one's body, transforming it from a site of harm into a canvas of resilience and self-determination.
For individuals with dissociative identities, such as those living with dissociative identity disorder (DID), the body often serves as a shared space where different parts hold distinct memories and emotions. Tattoos can act as anchors, symbolizing milestones in healing, integration, or grief. They provide visual and physical reminders of progress, helping to bridge fragmented experiences and fostering communication within the system. For one psychologist and trauma survivor, tattoos have marked transitions from survival to presence, emphasizing the journey toward wholeness.
The process of getting tattooed can also be deeply relational and trauma-informed. A supportive artist who prioritizes consent, pacing, and emotional safety creates a space where survivors can heal rather than retraumatize themselves. For example, working with an artist like Nicole Petrou, founder of Ravens Nest Tattoo, emphasizes
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Originally published on Psychology Today on 3/2/2026