Throughout history, in poetic and esoteric writings, humans have been compared to trees. The Tree of Life denotes a connection between three worlds (above, between, below) and four directions (north, south, east, west). In movement analysis terms, one could say that a healthy tree fully inhabits its kinesphere, just as a healthy human being does; it inhabits all levels of existence. Its roots grow deep in the ground, drawing nourishment out of what has been composted in the earth and water flowing underground; its trunk grows straight and strong  - a connecting principle facilitating the flow between below and above; its branches and leaves reach toward the sky, harvesting energy from sunlight and transforming it into nourishment through photosynthesis. Sometimes, when a tree has been injured or wounded, its trunk, branches, and roots grow in adaptive and beautiful ways to accommodate to these challenging circumstances. This beautiful tree is thriving on all levels, and is a potent symbol of inner connectedness and healing - a potent reminder for human beings to remember and live their own ways of connection.

Depth psychology is concerned with what might be considered the "roots" - with the unseen and often undervalued aspects of humans, nature, and culture. Carl Jung, the great Swiss psychologist, encouraged his students to trust the significance of what lives in the unseen places, such as the unconscious, saying that accessing, engaging, and integrating these aspects of ones self will lead to a fuller, more vibrant life and to genuine usefulness in the world.

Movement and the expressive arts, used psychotherapeutically, can open doors to these places within -including the vast resevoir of the unconscious and the transpersonal realm - putting one in touch with innate resources that they may have been unaware of. These resources, once integrated in a helpful way, can contribute in a significant and powerful way to healing and wholeness.

"All sickness is homesickness," says author Dianne Connelly, "and all healing is a journey home". Home is found in the Self, where one experiences wholeness. The expressive arts - dance, movement, music, sound, imagery, drawing, sculpting, writing, poetry and improvisation - can facilitate this healing journey home.