How Guided Drawing Can Help with Memory Processing
Memory processing is a crucial aspect of our cognitive and emotional well-being. For those who have experienced trauma, memories can be tied to intense emotions and experiences, making them challenging to navigate. Memories can often be so intense that they cause emotional flooding and shame storms, which interfere with processing. Guided Drawing offers a unique approach to memory processing by combining sensory experiences with artistic expression. In this blog, we’ll explore how Guided Drawing can enhance memory processing and promote healing.
What Are Sensorimotor Art Techniques?
Sensorimotor art techniques like Guided Drawing are therapeutic practices that engage both the senses and motor skills through creative activities. You don’t need any artistic skills or experience to benefit from this as you’ll draw your feelings, not create an image of something tangible like a tree. Guided Drawing techniques encourage you to express yourself artistically while incorporating sensory elements such as touch, motion, and sound. This holistic approach can help you access deeper connections to your memories and emotions, making it easier to process and integrate your past experiences.
The Connection Between Guided Drawing and Memory Processing
1. Engagement of Multiple Senses
Guided Drawing techniques stimulate multiple senses, which can enhance your memory recall. When individuals engage in activities that involve sight, touch, and motion, they create more complex neural connections related to those memories. This multi-sensory engagement can make it easier for you to access and process memories, especially those that are emotionally charged, like traumatic memories.
2. Non-Verbal Expression
Many memories, particularly traumatic ones, can be difficult to articulate verbally. Guided Drawing provides a non-verbal outlet for your expression, allowing you to convey your emotions and experiences through your art. This can lead to insights that may not surface in traditional talk therapy, facilitating a deeper understanding of the underlying issues tied to specific memories. At Healing Voices Psychotherapy, our skilled therapist uses Guided Drawing as a supplemental technique to the Cognitive Behavioural approach. This is helpful for you as it allows you to discuss your focus for the session, engage in sensorimotor art techniques and end your session with cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) reframing techniques. Your therapist will assist you in making new meanings of your old memories and patterns through your course of therapy.
3. Mindfulness and Presence
Creating art using Guided Drawing often encourages mindfulness: Being fully present in the moment. This state of awareness can help you manage anxiety and emotional distress associated with memory processing. Mindfulness allows you to explore your memories in a safe, grounded manner, reducing the overwhelm that may arise when confronting difficult past experiences.
4. Facilitation of Emotional Regulation
Engaging in art-making can serve as a calming activity, helping you learn to regulate your emotions. Guided Drawing often involves rhythmic and repetitive movements, which can activate the body’s relaxation response. By incorporating these techniques, you can process memories while maintaining composure, making the experience less intimidating.
5. Creation of Tangible Artifacts
The artworks you produce through Guided Drawing are tangible representations of memories and emotions. These artworks can be revisited, providing a visual narrative of your journey through memory processing. They can also serve as conversation starters in therapy, helping you and your therapist discuss and reflect on your experiences more openly.
Who Can Benefit From Guided Drawing?
Guided Drawing can be beneficial for you, particularly those seeking to process memories associated with:
Trauma or loss
Anxiety and depression
Major life transitions
Ready for change? Our specialists at Healing Voices Psychotherapy are here to help! Please book your free, 15-minute phone or virtual consultation by clicking Book Now to set up your first online trauma consultation!
