What is an Expressive Therapy? What Does it Mean?
At FTC, we have well skilled providers who are trained in expressive therapies. Expressive therapy relies on more than just talking. Art therapy, sand tray, journaling, are all examples of how one might express him/herself during therapy. Interestigly enough, one does NOT need to be artistic to engage in these therapies. Open mindedness and creativity are the only prerequisites to trying out an expressive outlet. Often these modalities are coupled with traditional talk therapy to help the adult and teen achieve a well rounded approach to therapy and healing.
Expressive therapies target healing deep in the brain whereas cognitive based therapies happen higher. Research is showing that an integration of high and low brain as well as left/right brains offers the best success for those struggling through trauma. This is why adults and teens often feel more relief when a combination approach is achieved.
"Although I have tried therapy in the past, utilizing art therapy AND talk therapy together has helped me heal faster and deeper than ever before"
- Quote from an adult survivor of sexual abuse.
Expressive therapies target healing deep in the brain whereas cognitive based therapies happen higher. Research is showing that an integration of high and low brain as well as left/right brains offers the best success for those struggling through trauma. This is why adults and teens often feel more relief when a combination approach is achieved.
"Although I have tried therapy in the past, utilizing art therapy AND talk therapy together has helped me heal faster and deeper than ever before"
- Quote from an adult survivor of sexual abuse.
Art Therapy for the Teen or Adult
Art therapy is a modality that utilizes drawing, painting. collaging, sculpting (for those brave enough) and more. No need to feel intimidated because art therapy is NOT about the product, but is more about the process. The prompt itself becomes the therapy. as well as how someone goes about it. Often clients find it more helpful to tell their story in cartoon prompts, more than with words. Or maybe collaging about specific emotions or periods of time helps communicate the tone of the event better than talking.
One interesting note: trauma is stored in our senses and those who have been traumatized often carry "sensory memories". Art therapy is a wonderful indirect tool that helps the sufferer approach these memories safely and indirectly without re-traumatizing or overstimulating the victim. Sometimes the time of year, or particular smells or sensations will trigger flash backs or negative emotion. Art therapy can help bring these triggers from the low brain emotional experience to a higher logical "let's make sense of this event" place all the while helping control the impact and control the effect the amygdala (fight or flight response) can have on the situation.
One interesting note: trauma is stored in our senses and those who have been traumatized often carry "sensory memories". Art therapy is a wonderful indirect tool that helps the sufferer approach these memories safely and indirectly without re-traumatizing or overstimulating the victim. Sometimes the time of year, or particular smells or sensations will trigger flash backs or negative emotion. Art therapy can help bring these triggers from the low brain emotional experience to a higher logical "let's make sense of this event" place all the while helping control the impact and control the effect the amygdala (fight or flight response) can have on the situation.
Sand Tray Therapy for the Teen or Adult
This picture still moves me...YEARS after it was created, the power is still relevant. The miniatures help one feel the emotion of the parents fighting to get to their children...to save them before it's too late. What an amazing tool and effective manner of communication. Sometimes words do not deliver what pictures can. Try organizing your emotion with sand tray figures today. No experience necessary. None at all!
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This is cabinet one of 2. The miniatures help teens/adults express themselves. When words are not enough...sand tray delivers.
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