The Neuroscience of Art Therapy in the Treatment of Addictions and Trauma

This virtual power point presentation is based on the transdiagnostic effect of early and adult traumas. It demonstrates the advantages of art therapy to treat the underlying causes of substance use, co-occurring disorders like PTSD, and other behavioral addictions. The neurobiological changes of addiction, trauma, and art therapy is demonstrated. In light of this, the expressive therapies continuum (ETC) model and art therapy’s activation on large scale brain networks (LSBN) to treat both trauma and addiction is shown with case examples.  Art interventions based on the ETC are offered.

This 2 CE online event is offered by the LCAT Advocacy Coalition as a fundraiser for ongoing legislative advocacy in New York State to increase access to the creative arts therapists and to protect the rights of current clients who depend on insurance to access these therapies.

Learning Objectives:

• Define the neurological connection between addiction and trauma
• Learn the 3 main ways substances alter the brain that interferes with recover
• Identify 5 neurological advantages of art therapy that facilitates recovery

Presenter:  Patricia Quinn, MS, LCAT, ATR-BC, NBCCH

Patricia is an art therapist and author who worked in the field of addiction for 23 years, and is currently in private practice in the Hudson Valley focusing on trauma, addiction and neurodivergence in children and adults. She is EMDR trained and is certified also in hypnotherapy and neuro-linguistic programming. Patricia is the Author/Editor of Art Therapy in the Treatment of Addiction and Trauma 

CEs are available for NYS LCSW, LMSW, LMFT, LCAT, LMHC, and Licensed Psychologists. New York Creative Arts Therapists, PLLC, SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board as a provider for licensed social workers #0275, licensed creative arts therapists #CAT-0026, licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0065. LMFT and Licensed Psychologists.