STREAM

The STREAM model, An Integrated Model of Trauma group treatment via Dance Movement Therapy and Somatic Experiencing ®

The model was developed by Dr. Meirav Tal Margalit within a PhD in Anglia Ruskin University, (Tal, 2006) and was researched in Israel with older women suffering from spousal abuse in a center for prevention and treatment of domestic violence between 2002-2004.

The Stream model, an integrated model, incorporates both SE trauma therapy and DMT (Dance-movement therapy). It draws on various relevant theories of psycho-trauma, and makes use and encourages of a good balance, from a physiological point of view, between the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems which is the best potential antidote to anxiety and depression. SE encourages the parasympathetic nervous system – the physiological ‘brake’ - to bring on calmness within the system as opposed to anxiety. DMT, on the other hand, partly comprised of physical activity, encourages the discharge of endorphins. This way, addressing major elements of trauma it contributes on one hand through SE to self-regulation and relaxation addressing activation and anxiety, while through DMT elevating level of energy, contributes to a sense of vitality and aliveness addressing depression. Both contribute to a better body-mind connection addressing dissociation, another major element of trauma.

Another major balance this specific combination enables is the between the internal-personal focus which the SE method emphasizes, and the interpersonal –communicative focus which the DMT method emphasizes.

Aims of the Model :

To sense the body anew and reconnect with it through the felt-sense.
Being able to recognize and connect with various resources, through thoughts and bodily.
To acquire control over the body and over personal space in order to be able to regain control over one’s life, individually and in relation to the others.
To learn knowledge about psycho-physiological reactions in traumatic stress situations to understand and normalize these reactions.
To discharge somatically survival energy (that belongs to fight &flight if those were not completed during the traumatic situations).
To experience touch as part of positive, supportive communication. At times even an opportunity for intimacy without harm or pain and as a calming and companionate way.
To sense movement, dance and play as a liberating experience, as though connecting to the 'child within', and experiencing being part of ‘the tribe’.
To express through body movements feelings such as anger, shame, embarrassment, sadness and loss. The group facilitates containment of the difficult emotions.
To learn ways to relax and calm down and to acquire body-mind tools and skills to be able to self-regulate and manage activations.
To share and process verbally and reflectively in a way that enables cognitive–emotional & bodily integration.
To develop positive attitude that are grounded in the body that enables growth and continuity of past-present-future.

The Spiritual-Development of STREAM

Developed by Judith Spanglet MSW

To develop spiritual and deeper self reflective aspects of oneself
To develop a more objective awareness and compassion for ourselves and others.