Emerging Art Therapist Integrating the Psychophysiological Principles of Self Regulation Therapy (SRT): Integration of mind, body, and soul

• Author / Creator

  Janet Claire Stalenhoef

• Nearing completion of my studies required for obtaining a Master degree in Psychotherapy and Spirituality with specialization in Art Therapy I enrolled in Self Regulation Therapy (SRT) training. Though personal and professional immersion in both therapeutic processes I developed a curiosity over the possible integration of the theoretical underpinnings of art therapy and SRT. My research methodology included heuristic inquiry (Moustakas, 1990), along with reflexive/narrative autoethnography (Ellis, Adams, and Bochner, 2011). I explored the lived experience of my immersion into the neurobiological approach to healing trauma, as taught in SRT, while also developing my emerging identity as an art therapist. Through self-reflective narrative I sought answers to my questions around how I might integrate overlapping therapeutic principles and practices of SRT with what I have come to value through my aligned identity and commitment to the community of the creative art therapies. Both approach the client therapist relationship through right-brain-to-right-brain intersubjective attunement, which attempts to reintegrate the mind body and soul of individuals dealing with the experience of trauma and its resulting dysregulating effects. Significant evidence of theoretical and therapeutic overlap was discovered, leading to validation for further research into this possible integration. Further client work and research study is needed to explore the feasibility of developing a protocol that might successfully integrate these two processes.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Self Regulation Therapy
  • Healing trauma
  • Integration of Art Therapy and SRT

• Graduation date

  2014

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Psychotherapy and Spirituality (Art Therapy Specialization)

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3Z60CG6B

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.