Healing trauma:  Creating a theoretical structure for nonverbal and expressive therapies in the treatment of trauma

Expressive and nonverbal therapies are increasingly being used in the treatment of trauma. This paper provides a theoretical structure that explains the mechanisms of therapeutic action so that empirical investigations can be conducted to determine the effectiveness of these modalities. Trauma, PTSD, memory, dissociation, alexithymia, and somatization are discussed. Donnel B. Stern's conceptualization of unformulated experience and David Kreuger's discussion of the body self and psychological self are explored and integrated with the neuropsychological research of Bessel A. van der Kolk and others. Finally, these concepts and research findings are integrated with expressive and nonverbal treatment approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Dance/Movement and Voice Movement therapies.

Dissertation/Thesis

English

Sarah L. Steele

Steele, S. L. (2003). Healing trauma: Creating a theoretical structure for nonverbal and expressive therapies in the treatment of trauma. Dissertation Abstracts International, Section B. Sciences and Engineering, 64(6), 2941