Process Not Perfection: Expressive Arts Solutions for Trauma Recovery

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to healing the wounds of traumatic experiences, although most survivors agree that just talking about the trauma does not work. Expressive arts therapy offers a wide range of potential solutions for trauma survivors by taking an all of the above approach to creative practices, working with multiple expressive pathways in a variety of combinations. This book invites you into artmaking, music, dancing, movement, writing, and other expressive practices to both cultivate your existing strengths and to help you step outside of your comfort zone. Explore how the practices of expressive arts can best support your healing and recovery journey.

REVIEWS:“Dr. Jamie Marich’s new book is a great introduction to engaging in expressive arts as a way of treating trauma. Full of practical and accessible experiences, this is a wonderful gateway to reclaiming your creative soul while also being mindful of past traumas and moving forward in a gentle way. I highly recommend Process Not Perfection to anyone who desires to explore how creative process might help them along the road to emotional healing. With chapters exploring mindfulness, grounding, breath, compassion, your own edges, as well as others, this book encourages daily practice of play and presence.”—Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, Co-author of Awakening the Creative Spirit: Bringing Expressive Arts to Spiritual Direction and The Wisdom of the Body: A Contemplative Journey to Wholeness for Women

“As more and more forms of therapy come into public consciousness, we are, as a society, at long last learning new ways to heal. That makes Process Not Perfection: Expressive Arts Solutions for Trauma Recovery such important reading. It’s filled with lesser known but extremely important forms of therapeutic expression and comes complete with exercises, recommendations, summaries and ideas for everyone— from the therapy newbie to the person who’s tried everything.—Anna David, New York Times Best Selling Author of Party Girl

“Dr. Marich has managed to capture what other books have not—a practical guide for those who want a heart-felt, embodied approach to self-care and healing. In this highly readable volume, the author clearly and passionately explains the many ways expressive methods can help each of us to once again feel not only whole, but also alive in our own bodies. Trauma is healed only through our commitment to an inner journey of reparation. This book will support you in that journey and give you countless dynamic approaches to support your transformation of mind, body and spirit.”—Cathy Malchiodi, PhD, LPCC, LPAT, ATR-BC, REAT, Director, Trauma Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute, Louisville, KY USA

“Every line in this book shows Jamie’s authenticity, her love of the human spirit, and the fact that she is a cheerleader for all of us to find our way back to the home that has always been inside of us. Thank you for showing us how to use the expressive arts as a tangible, concrete, safe, and step-by-step process back into the body. A great book for those in healing as well as healers from all backgrounds looking for new and creative ways to be of service.”—Kamini Desai, PhD, Author of Yoga Nidra: The Art of Transformational Sleep Education Director, Amrit Yoga Institute