How Arts-Based Psychotherapy Regulates Your Nervous System
We all know that life can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions, thoughts, and sensations. When you are dealing with feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, and overwhelm, it can throw off your inner balance – leading to a dysregulated nervous system.
Traditional talk therapy is effective for many, but there's growing recognition of the power of arts-based psychotherapy in regulating the nervous system and facilitating emotional recovery.
In this blog post, we will explore how art-based psychotherapy can offer a unique path to healing and self-discovery.
Understanding The Nervous System
Before we get into the therapeutic benefits of arts-based psychotherapy, let's first talk about the nervous system's role in our well-being.
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing. It consists of two branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
You can think of the autonomic nervous system as the body's autopilot system. The SNS is like the gas pedal, making you ready for action when there's danger. The SNS is often associated with “fight or flight” mode, and it’s crucial when we need to react quickly.
On the other hand, the PNS functions like the brakes. It is responsible for slowing things down and helping your body to relax and recover. Ideally, these two systems work together smoothly, shifting from SNS when it's go time, and PNS when it's time to unwind and heal.
However, chronic stress, trauma, and mental health challenges can lead to a dysregulated nervous system. When the SNS is stuck in overdrive, it can cause significant physical and emotional distress.
This is where arts-based psychotherapy comes into play.
The Healing Power of Arts-Based Psychotherapy
Arts-based psychotherapy can involve a wide range of expressive modalities, including:
Music
Visual Arts
Dance
Drama
Writing
Engaging in creative expression offers you a non-verbal and non-threatening way to explore your emotions, thoughts, and bodily sensations. It helps to regulate your nervous system in 5 main ways:
Bridging the Gap
For those who find it challenging to verbally express their feelings, creative expression provides a bridge between their inner experiences and external communication. It allows you to convey emotions, memories, and thoughts that might be too difficult or too painful to express through words alone.
Necessary Emotional Release
Creative expression can trigger the release of pent-up emotions for a sense of relief and catharsis. This process helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Strengthened Mindfulness
The act of creation demands mindfulness and presence in the moment. By focusing on the creative process, you can temporarily shift your attention away from fear and anxiety, encouraging the PNS to engage and restore balance.
Increased Self-Awareness & Empowerment
Arts-based psychotherapy fosters a sense of agency and empowerment. It allows you to regain control over your narrative, especially if you are processing a trauma history. This sense of empowerment can trigger the PNS response, promoting emotional regulation and self-healing.
Deepened Therapy Process Through Metaphor & Symbolism
Creative expression often involves the use of symbols and metaphors that can tap into the unconscious mind. This can lead to profound insights and self-discovery, which can aid in processing of traumatic experiences and emotional wounds.
Learn more about the power of creativity →
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