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Right brain to right brain therapy: how tactile, expressive arts therapy emulates attachment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2020

Melissa Urquhart ,
Fiona Gardner ,
Margarita Frederico Open the ORCID record for Margarita Frederico [Opens in a new window]  and
Rachael Sanders
Melissa Urquhart*
Affiliation:
Department of Social Work and Social Policy, La Trobe Rural Health School, Latrobe University, Bendigo, Australia
Fiona Gardner
Affiliation:
Department of Social Work and Social Policy, La Trobe Rural Health School, Latrobe University, Bendigo, Australia
Margarita Frederico
Affiliation:
Department of Social Work and Social Policy, La Trobe Rural Health School, Latrobe University, Bendigo, Australia
Rachael Sanders
Affiliation:
Social Work and Social Policy, La Trobe Rural Health School, Bendigo, Australia
*
Author for correspondence: Melissa Urquhart, Email: clinicalcreativity@gmail.com
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Abstract

The impact of a manipulative art therapy technique combined with an attuned therapeutic relationship which aims to replicate the experience of nurturing touch in infancy is explored in this paper. The current literature will be reviewed in relation to the interface between attachment-related trauma and the use of expressive art and play therapy in the context of relevant clinical experience. Specific experiences of clinical practice with children and associated therapeutic outcomes are used to illustrate the potential of this combination. In addition, we argue for further investigation of therapeutic benefits inherent in manipulative art and play in replication of the regulating role of touch with children who have experienced early relational trauma.

Keywords

Infancyattachmentearly relational traumaright brainaffect regulationexpressive arts therapy
Type
Practice Commentaries
Information
Children Australia , Volume 45 , Issue 2 , June 2020 , pp. 91 - 96
Copyright
© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press

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