Grounding in Nature: Local Event + Art Prompt
Join us for a Wellness Walk in Old Town Alexandria or Create at Home with this Nature Based Art Prompt
You’re not alone if you’re feeling like you’re treading water or in survival mode these days. It’s a common question in therapy — but I always feel like I’m in survival mode. How can I get back to feeling good?
It might not feel like it’s enough to start with something very simple. In therapy, we often focus on foundational elements - coping strategies, soothing skills, simple routines to practice. If we use the metaphor of renovating a house, we focus on reinforcing the foundation first. Then we build scaffolding. As an art therapist, I could go on and on with the metaphor ..
The reality is, it can be really difficult to start from the big picture space. It might not make sense to decorate the walls if the foundation isn’t stable. How do you build towards a bigger goal? Well, first we need the full brain online, which includes the frontal lobe responsible for recognition of time, analytical thought, and executive functioning.
In trauma therapy, we understand that the brain is built to survive. It responds reflexively to stress — engaging in fight, flight, freeze, and fawn without us evening thinking about it. When the brain senses a threat, it will do what it can to get through the experience in one piece. What can this look like? Common experiences can look like panic, anxiety, shut down, and depression. With chronic stress, our brains can get stuck in patterns of survival.
To heal these reflexive patterns and reinforce the foundation for healing, we begin with grounding tools - practicing resources that help reconnect with the present moment. There, we can focus on what is happening now, looking for cues of safety (or, as I like to say - okay enough).
So, how can you get your full brain back online and engage in the present moment?
Keep reading over on the blog or join me at an upcoming local (free!) event hosted by River Grove Therapy and Patagonia of Old Town Alexandria.
Join me next Wednesday, April 23rd for a Nature Based Art Making experience during a Wellness Walk sponsored by River Grove Therapy and Patagonia Alexandria. No art experience is necessary to engage in this FREE community event. All materials provided.
News & Updates
Sylvia Mongold, ATR-BC has art therapy openings for kids, teens, and adults during afternoon and evening hours Tuesday - Thursday. She specializes in supporting anxiety, depression, and disordered eating. Fill out our contact form to get started right away.
Adele Stuckey, LPC, ATR-BC has daytime availability for individuals and couples Monday - Thursday. She specializes in working with neurodiverse couples and offers therapy to support ADHD, Autistic adults, LGBTQ+ folks, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Reach out today to schedule your free 15-minute consultation or get started right away.
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