Expressive Arts Therapy and Sensory Processing to “Reset” the Nervous System

Expressive arts therapy and sensory processing are part of the current forefront of emerging methods that incorporate both neuroscience (brain-wise) research and somatosensory (body-wise and sensory-oriented) findings within the contemporary treatment of stress and traumatic stress. Expressive arts therapy integrates the arts—movement, music/sound, drawing, storytelling, improvisation, dramatic enactment, play, and creative writing – within the practice of psychotherapy and counseling. Material presented in this course draws not only from the healing components of the arts themselves, but also from Polyvagal theory, autonomic nervous system, bilateral work and sensory integration, mindfulness practices, and narrative therapy approaches.

In each session, participants will explore and experience why expressive and sensory-based practices go beyond what language and traditional talk therapy capture to access implicit, sensory-based experiences. These approaches not only “reset the nervous system”, reduce stress, distress, and traumatic stress reactions, but also enhance and increase our capacities for joy, enlivenment, playfulness, curiosity, and resilience. It is this reparative nature found in expressive arts and the senses that help individuals “re-sensitize” both body and mind to positive sensations rather than simply learning to expand tolerance for distressful reactions. It also helps individuals to begin to live in the present, rather than remaining stuck in the distressful sensations of past events.

Participants will experience one or more expressive and sensory-based practices each day, approaches that can be immediately applied to clinical practice with a variety of individuals, groups, and families. A four-part expressive therapies framework, the Circle of Capacity Model, and a bottom-up/top-down framework that explain how to develop, initiate, and apply interventions to address distress and traumatic stress. The emphasis is on establishing internal safety, supporting self-regulatory and co-regulatory skills, and communicating the implicit and interoceptive experiences of trauma in the body through expression and the senses.

Each session includes lecture, media, films, hands-on experientials, and group discussion. The goal of this course is to demonstrate why these practices should be a key part of clinical practice when it comes to trauma. Based on the book Trauma and Expressive Arts Therapy, participants will learn numerous methods and approaches that can immediately be applied in their work with children, adults, families, groups, and communities experiencing traumatic stress. No previous arts experiences are required; just come prepared to engage your capacity for creativity, play, and imagination.

Special Note: This course qualifies master’s and doctoral level participants for a certificate of completion in Expressive Arts Therapy: The Foundations from the Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute. 15 Continuing education hours can also be applied toward the Expressive Arts Therapist EXAT or Expressive Arts-Coach Educator EXA-CE designations or additional Institute specialty certificates.