Treatment Modalities
A Bilateral Drawing Approach
In just the years since 2010, the new disciplines of neuroscience, developmental psychopathology, and interpersonal neurobiology have profoundly changed the therapeutic landscape. These new sciences around neurobiology and complex developmental trauma promote therapies that have a body focus, are bilateral and movement based, and allow sensory integration. Talk therapy does not involve the brain stem where trauma lives. Top-down modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy do not address the involuntary fight-flight-freeze mechanism that is triggered in the autonomic nervous system (2018, Elbrecht, C).
Sensory integration is often associated with similar bilateral techniques found in occupational therapy. Bilateral hand movement can be effective in stimulating cross-hemisphere activity as both hands are engaged, both hemispheres of the brain are stimulated. This is not unlike eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) treatment, sensorimotor therapy, Somatic Experiencing, and other forms of body-based trauma intervention that also include bilateral practices. Bilateral drawing is effective as a method of self-regulation as well as a post trauma grounding technique.
A sensorimotor art therapy approach attempts to help us focus on body sensations in the present moment rather than being drawn into traumatic past events or fear-based future expectations. Solutions are not cognitive nor can they be found through understanding the problem. Our brain has neuroplasticity, it can change. By creating new experiences, the brain can recalibrate to better respond to the current reality, interrupting destructive habits and negative belief systems from the past.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Neurological trauma from childhood can have a lifelong impact, manifesting as emotional dysregulation, eating disorders, immune system breakdown, chronic illnesses, drug and alcohol addiction, and more. Trauma is a part of life. How we recover from it depends on our level of resilience, and support from family, friends, and experts.
In addressing implicit body sensations with pastels, markers, or paint on paper, it's possible to address and transform physical discomfort, emotional distress and pain. Making marks on paper with both hands communicates the body's sense of distress and can allow a shift of attention from distressing sensations such as lack of control or helplessness, to a self-empowered focus. Mindfulness, sensory awareness, and trust in the therapeutic process are all crucial factors in healing long-held sensory-based traumatic memories.
In just the years since 2010, the new disciplines of neuroscience, developmental psychopathology, and interpersonal neurobiology have profoundly changed the therapeutic landscape. These new sciences around neurobiology and complex developmental trauma promote therapies that have a body focus, are bilateral and movement based, and allow sensory integration. Talk therapy does not involve the brain stem where trauma lives. Top-down modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy do not address the involuntary fight-flight-freeze mechanism that is triggered in the autonomic nervous system (2018, Elbrecht, C).
Sensory integration is often associated with similar bilateral techniques found in occupational therapy. Bilateral hand movement can be effective in stimulating cross-hemisphere activity as both hands are engaged, both hemispheres of the brain are stimulated. This is not unlike eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) treatment, sensorimotor therapy, Somatic Experiencing, and other forms of body-based trauma intervention that also include bilateral practices. Bilateral drawing is effective as a method of self-regulation as well as a post trauma grounding technique.
A sensorimotor art therapy approach attempts to help us focus on body sensations in the present moment rather than being drawn into traumatic past events or fear-based future expectations. Solutions are not cognitive nor can they be found through understanding the problem. Our brain has neuroplasticity, it can change. By creating new experiences, the brain can recalibrate to better respond to the current reality, interrupting destructive habits and negative belief systems from the past.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Neurological trauma from childhood can have a lifelong impact, manifesting as emotional dysregulation, eating disorders, immune system breakdown, chronic illnesses, drug and alcohol addiction, and more. Trauma is a part of life. How we recover from it depends on our level of resilience, and support from family, friends, and experts.
In addressing implicit body sensations with pastels, markers, or paint on paper, it's possible to address and transform physical discomfort, emotional distress and pain. Making marks on paper with both hands communicates the body's sense of distress and can allow a shift of attention from distressing sensations such as lack of control or helplessness, to a self-empowered focus. Mindfulness, sensory awareness, and trust in the therapeutic process are all crucial factors in healing long-held sensory-based traumatic memories.