I have created my way through many a crisis in my life.  Art Therapy has always been my go-to.  Recently I broke my wrist quite badly, it required surgery.  I now have permanent hardware in it, and it has taken some getting used to.

As soon as I was able to bear any movement, I started practicing Guided Drawing.  I knew it would be a great way to give the injured hand a voice, offer my body the opportunity to release the trauma and to gently start the rehabilitation process.  I am sharing my very first session whilst I was still wearing the splint.

1. Anchoring Strength

2. It feels good to express all of this but ouch it hurts my wrist.

3. Dropping in. MY BODY is aching for movement but ouch my left hand. I'm relieved it works.

4. Calming and soothing. Surrounded by Angels wings.

5. Strong boundaries - sacred space. I can relax, I can rest.

6. I am vulnerable. I am tired. I need a safe place to rest. I need to heal.

This session was a great reminder of how important titration is in a therapeutic session. This approach to trauma healing encourages release in small increments, safely and carefully. In this case my hand is holding a lot of frustration (it’s evident already in 1 but very much so in 2) and I wanted to bolt away with the expression of it, but it was causing me physical pain (in 3 I come back into the body). I am checking in with myself. I made a deal with myself when starting this that I was not going to cause myself pain.... this is about healing.

So as soon as the effort was getting too big, I reigned it back into a safe place (in the angels’ wings in 4.) I then go about giving myself the space I need to undertake the next phase of my healing. I create a space with strong boundaries for my vulnerability and give myself permission to rest (5 & 6).

I knew the release wasn’t finished but it was enough for the first day.

I think it’s always important to know when it’s enough and to be kind with ourselves in the healing process. Take it easy, take our time. It’s great to go deep but also important not to overwhelm and re traumatize.  When we are stable and safe enough the body always finds its own amazing ways to release and rebalance itself. In my case working with GD was the perfect environment.

There have been many more GD sessions since this one and I am very happy to report that the rehabilitation is going extremely well.

Helena Ambrosia is an Initiatic Art Therapist who lives on the north coast of Tasmania.

https://www.uniqueambrosia.com.au

Healing Trauma with Guided Drawing®

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This highly acclaimed training has been tailored to a global, online audience. The 7-week accredited course features over 21 hours of professionally produced HD videos. Lessons include comprehensive theory modules illustrated with case histories, practitioner round-table discussions and filmed Guided Drawing therapy sessions. Cornelia Elbrecht is available to actively support you through the moderated student forum. The course has been designed as professional development for mental health practitioners.

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