After attending the PA NASW Conference at Kalahari, we came away wanting to share a message with you that we received throughout the conference. When it comes to healing trauma, talk therapy isn’t enough. As therapists, we know how powerful it can be for clients to find words for their experiences but trauma often lives beyond language. It gets stored in the body (specifically in the amygdala), influencing our nervous system, our reactions, and even the way we move through the world.

That’s why healing requires more than conversation. It asks us to engage both sides of the brain, the logical, thinking side and the creative, sensory side. When we integrate art, music, movement, or mindfulness practices into therapy, we help clients process what words can’t always capture. These creative methods can unlock new pathways to healing and help release what’s been trapped in the body for too long.

One takeaway from this year’s conference was clear: the future of trauma work lies in connection between mind and body, thought and emotion, art and science. When we embrace holistic, body-based approaches alongside talk therapy, we open the door to deeper and more lasting healing. Please be sure that if you are seeking therapy in dealing with trauma that the therapist you are working with is willing and able to support you through non-traditional talk therapy methods. 

We were able to connect with a non-traditional practitioner that we have both decided to follow on Instagram. This is a therapist who combines therapy, poetry, drumming and music is fascinating. If you are interested in learning more and using some of her music in your healing you can follow her on instagram @drumdrdot.  Check her out!