Creative Therapies, Complex Childhood Trauma, and Neurological Improvement: How the Arts can Enhance Neuroplasticity: A Literature Review

Author

Kelseigh E. Garrett, Lesley UniversityFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-16-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Elizabeth Kellogg

Abstract

This literature review examines the ways in which creative arts therapy can enhance neuroplasticity after experiencing chronic and severe trauma. Trauma that occurs in childhood can negatively impact neurotypical brain development. Trauma experienced in childhood often leads to dysregulation or deficits in attachment, executive functioning, memory, and emotion regulation. This review outlines and defines complex developmental trauma, neurotypical brain development and brain structure, neurological impacts of trauma, and examines the use of single creative arts modalities for therapeutic treatment. This literature review shares research on the creative therapies focusing on single modalities such as: dance/movement, music, drama, and art, and investigates the use of a multimodal expressive arts approach for the treatment of childhood trauma.

Creative Commons License

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Recommended Citation

Garrett, Kelseigh E., "Creative Therapies, Complex Childhood Trauma, and Neurological Improvement: How the Arts can Enhance Neuroplasticity: A Literature Review" (2020). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 366.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/366