Multisensory Therapies
Multisensory Therapies: Giving a Voice to Kids After Trauma
Since 1911, we’ve been part of the Erie community. While our services have grown and changed, our mission has not: we help kids succeed. We are a nationwide leader in psychiatric residential treatment providing trauma-informed care services.
The children in all our programs have experienced trauma and require the highest level of Behavioral Health Care. Our agency has made researching, developing, and implementing state-of-the-art, evidence-based treatments for the effects of trauma the cornerstone of our programs.
The Effects of Trauma on a Child’s Mind and Body
HYS began a journey to study and treat the impact of trauma on children in 2007. The current research in the field of trauma theory tell us some important things. The body goes into “fight or flight” mode when experiencing a traumatic event. This means the “higher brain” goes on hold while the part that controls basic functions like respiration and circulation kicks into high drive. The result is that the experience of trauma is stored in the body, not just in the higher brain (van der Kolk 2014). Research also shows that complex (“compounded”) trauma interferes with a child’s normal development, affecting their emotions, behavior, physical health, and even cognitive development. When it interferes with a child’s cognitive functioning, they often experience problems related to slow development of their higher brain functions. The process for healing has to rely less on traditional talk therapy which depends on the higher brain, and more on therapies that engage the body’s entire nervous system (multi-sensory therapies) where trauma is stored. In short, we know trauma doesn’t just affect mental health, but physical health as well.
“Through the use of art, clients at HYS have the ability to express unfiltered responses allowing them to connect with themselves often more authentically. It is important to remember defenses are there for a reason, and we should never take them away without helping create an alternative coping measure. It is through the process of making art (visual, auditory, written, etc.) that we can enable the use of metaphors to overcome emotional obstacles. It is through this process, as well as others, that art therapy can nurture deep personal growth and transformation. Using Art Therapy with the boys at Harborcreek Youth Services has been a great experience for them. It enhances their treatment by bringing their issues into visual form.”
In 2009, the agency began its first expressive therapy, a therapeutic Writer’s Group. In 2014, HYS began to offer Music Therapy and later, Art Therapy. With the help of grant monies and community support, HYS was able to grow the implementation of a multi-sensory structured language program (the Barton System) now in use in our on-campus school. Movement Therapy is offered in the forms of Trauma-Informed Yoga and Trauma Release Exercise (TRE sessions). Writers’ Group and Nature-based therapies like our Therapy Garden offer something for everyone. The goal is to address trauma not just as a mental health issue, but as serious physical health concern that must be treated with a wide range of tools.
“The healing we have witnessed of the kids served by the passionate and dedicated staff and administration of HYS is truly inspiring. Vikki and I have been blessed with art, music, and sport throughout our lives and know it will provide another resource to help these traumatized kids thrive. We pray our gift motivates others to continue to donate so that Harborcreek Youth Services can provide these life-changing therapies.”
-Vikki & Larry Serafin, Lead Donors, HYS Therapeutic Arts Initiative
Expressive therapies combine psychology and the creative process to promote emotional growth and healing. It is believed that we all have an inborn desire to create – be it music, theatre, poetry, or other artistic forms – as a therapeutic tool to help initiate change.
These therapies are more than just recreational activities: they are state-of-the-art programming initiatives that no one else in the region is offering. Harborcreek Youth Services does what no one else can do - we help kids that have failed at other institutions, have nowhere else to go, and no other options for their care.
We need your help providing these cutting-edge therapies. Your donation of any amount will make a difference in a child’s life.
All funds raised will go directly towards helping us fund the programming and supplies for this innovative treatment. This advanced, trauma-focused Initiative is a direct investment in the future and sustainability of our agency and in our ability to fulfill a critical gap in treatment options. Thank You for Your Support!
Donating only takes a minute, but the benefits will last a lifetime!
Harborcreek Youth Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.