Expressive Arts Therapy & Play for Trauma Healing | Cathy Malchiodi

In this powerful and insightful episode, Lisa Dion is joined by one of the leading pioneers in Expressive Arts Therapy, Dr. Cathy Malchiodi. Known for her groundbreaking work in trauma-informed practices, Cathy is the Founder & Director of the Trauma Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute and has authored 20 books, including her all-time favorite, Understanding Children’s Drawings.

Dive into the transformative world of Expressive Arts Therapy as Cathy shares how it supports clients in sensory integration and trauma healing through rhythmic synchronization and action-oriented interventions. In this conversation, you’ll learn new ways to understand and apply these approaches to help clients fully express their authentic selves.

💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:

🎨 What Expressive Arts Therapy is and how it offers a powerful therapeutic modality for trauma recovery.

⚡ The importance of rhythmic synchronization and action-oriented interventions to help clients reconnect with their sensory experiences.

🧠 A new perspective on the Window of Tolerance—one that focuses on expanding a client’s capacity for trauma integration and playfulness.

🌀 How trauma limits our capacity for expression through movement, sound, play, and more—and how therapists can help clients reclaim their full range of restorative expression.

✨ Cathy’s mission: Helping individuals manifest a full, reparative expression that’s integral to healing.

This episode goes beyond techniques—it's about expanding your capacity as a therapist to help clients heal, grow, and express themselves fully. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of the profound role playfulness and expression play in trauma recovery.

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Aggression in Play Therapy – www.synergeticplaytherapy.com/books

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Lessons from the Playroom – www.synergeticplaytherapy.com/lessons-from-the-playroom/

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