Traumatic experiences can register powerful images and symbols within the right hemisphere of the brain.  This session will highlight functions of the left and right hemispheres of the brain.  Trauma will be examined as a cause for left brain dominance.  With traumatic memories, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts and night terrors stored in a person`s memory bank avoidance of one`s right brain tools becomes a means of coping/surviving post trauma.  This session will promote the importance of helping the trauma survivor reconnect with the strengths of the right brain.  Through artistic expression, a person can learn to externalize the images of trauma and move toward managing the memories rather than being a victim of them.

Learning Objectives:

1. Illustrate trauma’s effect on Right Brain functioning  

2. Identify assets of the Left and Right Brain Hemisphere  

3. Demonstrate benefits of expressive art for trauma survivors  

4. Describe the mission/objectives of the Arts For The Humanities a non-profit dedicated to assisting trauma survivors through expressive art 

Faculty:

George J. Kamps, MSW, ACSW, LCSW

George J. Kamps, MSW, ACSW, LCSW, earned his MSW  in 1974 at UW-Milwaukee after serving 2 years in the U.S. Navy.  He has worked for Family Services and the Oneida Nation for a combined 33 years.  He currently has a private practice in Green Bay where he specializes in trauma recovery. George has served on the Board of Directors of NASW-WI from 1994 - 2000.  He is currently Chair of the Social Workers Section of the Marriage and Family Therapists, Professional Counselors and Social Workers Board at the WI Dept. of Regulation and Licensing.