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The Healing Power of Tattoos

When we see people who have tattoos, we may often use stereotypes or prejudices to inform how we perceive these individuals. For some of us, the way we perceive people who have tattoos may be negative. For example, some research studies have found that people with tattoos were often perceived by others as deviant, rebellious, or aggressive (Broussard & Harton 2018; Resenhoeft Villa, & Wiseman, 2008; Swami et al.,2015). On the other hand, other findings have found that tattoos can cause people to be perceived as unique, creative, and for women (in particular), tattoos can cause them to be perceived as strong and independent (Broussard & Harton 2018; Strübel & Jones, 2017; Swami et al., 2012). 

In recent years, increased research in this area has shown that tattoos can serve as a way of expression for healing and self-empowerment. Tattoos offer a powerful means of coping, symbolize survival, and personal growth. At the same time, tattoos can also play a vital role in restoring a sense of bodily autonomy, particularly for those who have felt a loss of control over their bodies. Research suggests that tattoos offer a unique and empowering avenue for people to express their identities, process trauma, and reclaim bodily autonomy. Whether you like tattoos, dislike tattoos, or are indifferent towards them (and people who have them), tattoos are a personal choice, and for many people, the choice to get a tattoo transcends beyond artistic creativity. In this therapy sketch, we will discover the power of tattoos beyond the stereotypes. 

Tattoos and Their Healing Power

In this concept, we will explore three key themes that highlight the transformative potential of tattoos: empowerment and identity expression, coping, and bodily autonomy.

  1. Empowerment and Identity Expression

Among many marginalized communities, tattoos can provide a sense of empowerment and expression of identity. Research suggests that tattoos can carry great social and cultural significance, as tattoos can serve as cultural affirmations and acts of resistance against things like racialized trauma or traditional beauty standards (Rosenthal,2016; Strübel & Jones, 2017; Tabassum, 2013). In LGBTQIA+ communities, research has found that tattoos can be a form of reclaiming their bodies by challenging cis/heteronormative boundaries. Tattoos can also create a sense of community or belonging among LGBTQIA+ people, and tattoos can empower individuals and create a sense of outward pride regarding their identities (Bonnick, 2021; Dolinsky, 2022).

  1. Coping

Another growing area of research has found that, for many people, tattoos can serve as coping mechanisms to manage distress and trauma. Some studies have found that tattoos can symbolize resilience, growth, or recovery from challenges and adversities people have faced. This is because tattoos can memorialize the individual’s ability to overcome traumas (for example) and reconstruct themselves (McCandlish & Pearson, 2023). Another study found that tattoos can be a coping mechanism for soldiers by allowing them to process their emotions and promote positive feelings regarding their military service experiences (Cohen‐Louck & Iluz, 2025). 

  1. Bodily Autonomy

When people experience trauma, they can sometimes experience a sense of loss in regard to their bodily autonomy. Tattoos can help people regain this sense of autonomy by providing a space for people to choose how they express ownership of their bodies. In a recent study, researchers found that tattoos can function as a therapeutic tool for survivors of sexual violence (Maxwell, Thomas, & Thomas, 2020; Maxwell et al., 2024). Findings suggest that survivors of sexual violence seek out tattoos as a way to regain control of their bodies, reclaim non-conventional forms of healing, and gain empowerment by resisting oppressive systems.  

Key Take-Aways

  • Though tattoos can still be considered taboo and be subject to societal stigma, tattoos are more than just permanent art people put on their bodies. 
  • Tattoos can carry deep, personal significance that can be rooted in trauma, oppression, and perseverance.
  •  There is a growing body of research that highlights the many empowering roles tattoos play in people’s lives. 
  • Tattoos can symbolize identity, pride, and resistance. Tattoos can also help people process and cope with trauma and reclaim bodily ownership. 
  • Whether or not tattoos are for you, they are a personal choice that not only provides a form of self-expression but also celebrates an individual’s resilience, empowerment, and healing.

References:           

  • Bonnick, S. (2021). Queer Embodiment and Semiotics: Reclamation in LGBTQ+ Adult Community by Designing and Wearing Temporary Tattoos.
  • Broussard, K. A., & Harton, H. C. (2018). Tattoo or taboo? Tattoo stigma and negative attitudes toward tattooed individuals. The Journal of social psychology, 158(5), 521-540.
  • Cohen‐Louck, K., & Iluz, Y. (2025). Tattooing Among Combat Soldiers as a Coping Resource With Their Military Service Experiences. Stress and Health, 41(1), e70018.
  • Dolinsky, E. R. (2022). Tattoos as Forms of Self-Expression for LGBTQ+ Individuals.
  • Maxwell, D., Leat, S. R., Thomas, J., Thomas, S. A., & Coad, S. (2024). The tattoo environment as a therapeutic healing space for sexual assault survivors. Deviant Behavior, 45(3), 438-455.
  • Maxwell, D., Thomas, J., & Thomas, S. A. (2020). Cathartic ink: a qualitative examination of tattoo motivations for survivors of sexual trauma. Deviant Behavior, 41(3), 348-365.
  • McCandlish, C., & Pearson, M. (2023). Tattoos as symbols–an exploration of the relationship between tattoos and mental health. The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, 18(3), 217-227.
  • Resenhoeft, A., Villa, J., & Wiseman, D. (2008). Tattoos can harm perceptions: A study and suggestions. Journal of American College Health, 56(5), 593-596.
  • Rosenthal, D. (2016). Thick Skin: The History of the Black Tattoo Community in Atlanta.
  • Strübel, J., & Jones, D. (2017). Painted bodies: Representing the self and reclaiming the body through tattoos. Journal of Popular Culture, 50(6), 1230.
  • Swami, V., Gaughan, H., Tran, U. S., Kuhlmann, T., Stieger, S., & Voracek, M. (2015). Are tattooed adults really more aggressive and rebellious than those without tattoos?. Body Image, 15, 149-152.
  • Swami, V., Pietschnig, J., Bertl, B., Nader, I. W., Stieger, S., & Voracek, M. (2012). Personality differences between tattooed and non-tattooed individuals. Psychological reports, 111(1), 97-106.

While our physical offices are located in South Loop and Lakeview neighborhoods in Chicago, Illinois for in-person sessions, we also welcome and serve clients for online therapy from anywhere in Illinois and Washington, D.C. Clients from the Chicagoland area may choose in-office or online therapy and usually commute from surrounding areas such as River North, West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Rogers Park, Logan Square, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Little Village, Bronzeville, South Shore, Hyde Park, Back of the Yards, Wicker Park, Bucktown and many more.  

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At Roamers Therapy, our psychotherapists are here to support you through anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship issues, race-ethnicity issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, ADHD, Autism, or any challenges you encounter. Our psychotherapists are trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance, and Commitment Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Gottman Therapy. 

Whether you’re seeking guidance on a specific issue or need help navigating difficult emotions, we’re ready to assist you every step of the way.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule a session with our mental health professionals to begin your healing journey. To get started with therapy, visit our booking page.

First, decide if you’ll be paying out-of-pocket or using insurance. If you’re a self-pay client, you can book directly through the “Book Now” page or fill out the “Self-Pay/Out-of-network Inquiry Form.” If you’re using insurance, fill out the “Insurance Verification Form” to receive details about your costs and availability. Please let us know your preferred therapist. If your preferred therapist isn’t available, you can join the waitlist by emailing us. Once your appointment is confirmed, you’ll receive intake documents to complete before your first session.

This page is also part of the Roamers Therapy Glossary; a collection of mental-health related definitions that are written by our therapists.

While our offices are currently located at the South Loop neighborhood of Downtown Chicago, Illinois, we also welcome and serve clients for online therapy from anywhere in Illinois and Washington, D.C. Clients from the Chicagoland area may choose in-office or online therapy and usually commute from surrounding areas such as River North, West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Rogers Park, Logan Square, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Little Village, Bronzeville, South Shore, Hyde Park, Back of the Yards, Wicker Park, Bucktown and many more. You can visit our contact page to access detailed information on our office location.