A Polyvagal Theory and Mindfulness Based Art Therapy Approach to Self-Regulation and Self Compassion in the Face of Trauma

Author

Michaila Sheehan-Klein, Lesley UniversityFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-18-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Raquel C. Stephenson

Abstract

Many people experience dysregulations for all kinds of reasons. Our bodies are constantly sensing our environments and taking in information. Recent research shows mind-body approaches, such as art therapy, can increase somatic awareness and self-acceptance. The posed question for this papers research was if art therapy experiences are combined with psychoeducation in polyvagal theory, how will it affect the participants level of self-compassion and understanding for their own self-regulation. A group of four women met for five total one-hour sessions over six weeks. They learned about the nervous system, how to identify its three states, gained skills for regulation, and engaged in somatic experiences through art therapy and mindfulness practices. Art materials from the Expressive Therapies Continuum were used with the participants as they were guided through each state of the nervous system. This allowed the participants to experience and deepen how they could identify state. It was found, when given information on the body’s functions from a nonjudgmental and curiosity-based approach, participants gained more self-compassion and increased interoception.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Sheehan-Klein, Michaila, "A Polyvagal Theory and Mindfulness Based Art Therapy Approach to Self-Regulation and Self Compassion in the Face of Trauma" (2024). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 787.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/787