What are the benefits of PATCH Methodology and the process of healing and nurturing through Creative and Sensory Exploration?

Just like we need food, shelter and clothing, people also require meaningful connection and relationships to thrive in our world. We believe Restorative Practices offer the guidelines and structures needed to begin to help diverse individuals and groups cultivate a sense of belonging, understanding and agency that is essential to building a healthy, thriving community. These practices are rooted in Indigenous communities that have understood the importance of the circle and actions of reciprocity for connection and unity for hundreds of years. We cannot heal and thrive without a safe environment that allows diverse people to collectively share their social identities, stories, and wisdom without judgment. The Circle process by its very nature promotes the sharing of different experiences and perspectives.  However, oftentimes the vulnerability and courage needed for authentic sharing, healthy dialogue, and breaking down barriers is difficult to achieve due to the levels of trauma, oppression  and stress we have experienced. This is where the infusion of playful expressive arts and somatic practices into the process becomes critical. They offer the creative and sensory stimulation needed to soothe the body and the nervous system and cultivate a sense of bodily safety and belonging. The creative and sensory processes connect us to our bodily sensations so that we can gain awareness of our feelings and what we need to transform and release them.  Once we can safely understand and transform our identities, feelings and memories, we can successfully begin to interact with and meet the challenges of others.  The playful and creative group exploration builds the deep trust and empathy needed to navigate challenges and come up with innovative solutions and new ways of being. It has been proven that this kinesthetic and creative exploration not only reduces stress and increases regulation but it also breaks down barriers between people, opening the door for more authentic sharing, compassion, empathy, and collaboration.

Our unique methodology draws from the knowledge and skills we have acquired as highly trained and experienced Expressive Arts Therapists and Restorative Practitioners. For the past decade we have been working with diverse individuals and groups of all ages struggling with loss of agency, grief, anxiety, depression, illness, and other difficult life challenges. Our combined methodology creates the  supportive, safe container needed to creatively explore, process, and transform our experiences, identities, and challenges and meet the demands of today’s ever changing world. The methodology is so successful because it is Process Focused, Arts-Based, Trauma-Informed, Culturally Sensitive, and Holistic.