Bilateral Drawing

Purpose and goals:

To engage both hemispheres of the brain through bilateral, rhythmic movement that supports emotional regulation, trauma processing, and embodied self-awareness. Bilateral drawing or painting uses movement—not artistic skill—to promote grounding, vagal activation, and flow, helping clients reconnect with their bodies in a gentle, controlled way.

• Stimulate cross-hemisphere integration by engaging both hands simultaneously

• Activate the vagus nerve through rhythmic, repetitive bilateral movement

• Support trauma processing and regulation by accessing sensorimotor pathways safely and nonverbally

• Encourage flow and embodied awareness

• Provide structured, movement-based approach (helpful for individuals who may find verbal processing overwhelming)

Theoretical Rationale:

Tally Tripp’s A Short-Term Therapy Approach to Processing Trauma: Art Therapy and Bilateral Stimulation (2007) outlines how bilateral movements—such as mirrored drawing—activate both brain hemispheres, similar to mechanisms used in EMDR. This supports memory reconsolidation, emotional integration, and grounding. that marbling:

• Encourages sensorimotor integration

• Repetitive bilateral motion calms the autonomic nervous system and helps regulate emotional intensity

• Rhythmic engagement encourages flow, release, and shifting of stuck emotional energy

Art-Making:

• Use large paper (18x24” or larger) or butcher paper rolled out and tape to prevent from moving on table, wall, or surface. *optional to play music

• Invite the client to settle into the moment and choose colors that reflect their emotions or what feels right for them today

• Ask them to start kneading just one color of clay, notice how it feels, and notice their breathing

• Therapist provides other colored clay in small, thin pieces

Prompt: “Let the colors blend naturally as you twist and fold. Watch patterns emerge without forcing them—part of this process is allowing the clay to surprise you. Watch patterns emerge without forcing them. “

*Try not to overmix to preserve the marbled patterns.

• Invite the client to shape the clay into something symbolic if they wish or keep it abstract, whatever feels right to them.

Reflection:

Once the drawing is complete, invite the client to pause and observe their work.

• What was it like to draw with both hands simultaneously?

• What feelings or emotions came up during the process?

• If you did this again what might you do differently or explore?

• Did you notice any shift in your body through the process?