Finding Ground

Seeking Ground/clay sculpture '09 (art making to combat triggers)

Living with PTSD is a circus of reactivity to triggers which are memories of trauma and resulting behaviors of depression, anxiety, anger, fear, confusion, dissociation, addiction, isolation, suicidal thoughts etc and often derail 'normal' functioning in life.

Grounding with the senses can assist the individual in managing the triggers of past trauma by centering them in the safety of the present.

Arts and creativity allow us to access our base instinct and express our feeeling, the connector to the present. The use of the senses through touch, hearing, smell, sight and taste are tools for the PTSD survivor/support system to balance mental health issues.

Once the feelings have a mechanism to be expressed safely, ( i.e. art making, music, dance, cooking) they can be released from destructive behavior This allows the survivor to be heard, respected and validated providing connection and a sense of belonging. This results in being more present with a sense of safety from the trauma memories and ability to continue healthy functioning.