Cathy Malchiodi, PhD

About the channel

Neurobiology has taught us that we need to “come to our senses” in developing effective components for addressing trauma. Expressive arts therapy releases the potential of the senses to “tell the story” of traumatic experiences via nonverbal, implicit forms of communication. It helps people discover just what forms of expression will be self-regulating, communicate their experiences in reparative ways, imagine restorative narratives, and ultimately support recovery. The expressive arts have a unique role in restoring a sense of vitality and joy in traumatized individuals because aliveness is not something we can be “talked into.” Instead, it is experienced in both mind and body and particularly on a somatosensory level. Cathy A. Malchiodi, PhD, holds a doctorate in Psychology with a specialization in research and health psychology, and is a clinical mental health counselor, and expressive arts therapist who has spent over 30 years working with individuals with traumatic stress.