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A Play Therapists Guide to Safe Expressions through Rhythm, Movement and ArtFlossie Ierardi, MM, MT-BC, LPCMark Bottos, MCAT, R-DMTMichele Rattigan, MA, ATR-BC, NCC, LPCPsychology SafetyFound in work group literature in addition to clinical psychology literatureDescribes individuals perceptions about the consequences of interpersonal risk in their work environment. Complementary to trust: willingness of a party to be vulnerable to the actions of anotherKramer, R. M., & Cook, K. S. (Eds.). (2004). Trust and distrust in organizations: Dilemmas and approaches. New York, NY: Russell Sage Foundation Psychological SafetyImplications for:Therapeutic boundariesStructure and predictabilityTherapeutic competence

Does not imply:A cozy environmentAbsence of problems

Safety in TherapyNeurobiology of TraumaMusic and movement activities that provide patterned, repetitive, rhythmic stimulation of the brainstem are very successful in helping modulate brainstem dysregulation.Perry, B. D. (2006), Applying principles of neurodevelopment to clinical work with maltreated and traumatized children: the neurosequential model of therapeutics. In N.B Webb (Ed.), Working with traumatized youth in child welfare (pp. 27-52). New York, NY: Guilford PressNeurobiology of Traumaspeechless terrorDuring recall of a traumatic event, language areas of the brain shut downNon-verbal visual and sensory-emotional areas of he brain remain activeBridging the Black Hole of Trauma: The evolutionary significance of the Arts. Sandra Bloom, MDhttp://www.sanctuaryweb.com/PDFs_new/Bloom%20Bridging%20the%20black%20hole%20of%20trauma.pdfDance/Movement TherapyBased on the empirically supported premise that the body, mind and spirit are interconnected, the American Dance Therapy Association defines dance/movement therapy as the psychotherapeutic use of movement to further the emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration of the individual.

Dance/movement therapy focuses on movement behavior as it emerges in the therapeutic relationship. Expressive, communicative, and adaptive behaviors are all considered for group and individual treatment.

Body movement, as the core component of dance, simultaneously provides the means of assessment and the mode of intervention for dance/movement therapy.Dance/Movement TherapyCreating a Safe SpaceSpace usage: Personal, conversational, and public space.Use of touch: who needs it?, for what?, and is it appropriate?Rules or limits: i.e. everyone in the group must move to their ability to participate.(no audiences)Assessing the group energy level: when to encourage development and when to modulate for closure or safety purposes.Creating a Safe SpaceA predictable, clear and safe environment is helpful to encourage self-expression.Providing boundaries/structure through forms/formations support this type of environment. Forms to encourage expressionThe circle is a classic shape to explore movement expression. Dividing the room into quadrants, with each space having a movement concept or characteristic gives children the freedom to move through the space at their own time.Creating a line (imaginary or real) to use as a continuum, traveling from one movement quality to its opposing quality. (i.e. fast to slow)