Each level exists on a continuum from left-hemispheric brain function, which is organized, sequential, and linear, to right-hemispheric brain function, which is emotional and spiritual in nature. The Kinesthetic, Perceptual and Cognitive components are predominantly located in the left-brain and the Sensory, Affective, and Symbolic components are predominantly located in the right-brain. The highest level of the ETC is the Creative level which can actually manifest at any of the functional levels below it. The Creative level addresses the integrative function (Hinz, 2009).
Again, the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) provides a framework from which therapists can gauge the level of functioning of the client and the type of materials that …show more content…
Both approaches can be utilized to address the bottom-up functioning of the brain under stress. Further, both approaches address the bottom-up healing strategy promoted by art therapists and trauma specialists (Chapman 2014; van der Kolk, 2014). Self-regulation focuses on somatic processes that calm the amygdala or the fight, flight, freeze response (Rhoton, 2016). Once that is accomplished, perceptual and emotional processes can be employed. Lastly, cognitive processing, meaning, symbolism, and spirituality can be incorporated.
As stated above, Hinz (2009), outlined certain levels of information processing in the ETC theory: Kinesthetic/Sensory, Perceptual/Affective, Cognitive/Symbolic and Creative level. Each level is a continuum from one extreme quality to the other. Art materials can be analyzed based on these levels because certain art materials tend to elicit somewhat predictable reactions from the client/artist using them. The ability …show more content…
For example, mindfulness practices (Monti, Peterson, Shakin Kunkel, Hauck, Pequignot, Rhodes, & Brainard, 2006; Altman, 2014), yoga (Gibbons, 2015) and meditation (Walsh & Shapiro, 2006) have been shown to be powerful tools for healing and reducing stress. Next we will discuss how each component of the ETC can be applied to this trauma-informed approach which includes mindfulness, yoga, and group art
Again, the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) provides a framework from which therapists can gauge the level of functioning of the client and the type of materials that …show more content…
Both approaches can be utilized to address the bottom-up functioning of the brain under stress. Further, both approaches address the bottom-up healing strategy promoted by art therapists and trauma specialists (Chapman 2014; van der Kolk, 2014). Self-regulation focuses on somatic processes that calm the amygdala or the fight, flight, freeze response (Rhoton, 2016). Once that is accomplished, perceptual and emotional processes can be employed. Lastly, cognitive processing, meaning, symbolism, and spirituality can be incorporated.
As stated above, Hinz (2009), outlined certain levels of information processing in the ETC theory: Kinesthetic/Sensory, Perceptual/Affective, Cognitive/Symbolic and Creative level. Each level is a continuum from one extreme quality to the other. Art materials can be analyzed based on these levels because certain art materials tend to elicit somewhat predictable reactions from the client/artist using them. The ability …show more content…
For example, mindfulness practices (Monti, Peterson, Shakin Kunkel, Hauck, Pequignot, Rhodes, & Brainard, 2006; Altman, 2014), yoga (Gibbons, 2015) and meditation (Walsh & Shapiro, 2006) have been shown to be powerful tools for healing and reducing stress. Next we will discuss how each component of the ETC can be applied to this trauma-informed approach which includes mindfulness, yoga, and group art