This presentation describes The Gaya Method, created by the author, which encourages the emergence of creativity during the process of fertility, pregnancy and childbirth. It includes case studies of women who have utilized the method tools during their pregnancy and birth process. This research connects The Gaya Method with theoretical practical therapeutic approaches, and particularly as part of the fertility, pregnancy and childbirth field.

1. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
The Arch of Arts in Health 2013
The Faculty of Medicine
Technion, Israel
THE GAYA METHOD - HEALING THROUGH CREATIVITY
Emotional Support in the Processes of
Fertility, Pregnancy and Childbirth
Sarit Zeltzer M.A
saritzeltzer@gmail.com

2. THE GAYA METHOD
Healing Through Creativity
Emotional Support
in the Processes of
Fertility, Pregnancy
and Childbirth

3. The Gaya Method
encourages emotional
support through creativity
as an essential tool
in the journey toward
childbirth and parenthood.

4. Pregnancy is a process of change
Early last century, research proved
that a state of mental stress and
anxiety affects the progression of
labor (Read, 1987).
Researches prove that in the process
of pregnancy, due to physiological
and psychological changes, occurs an
emotional imbalance. It's known that
Emotional state has a significant
influence on pregnancy and labor
development (Raphael- Lev, 1993;
Northrop, 2000; Balaskas, 2004).
According to prenatal psychology,
Fetus development is influenced by
the mother's emotional and mental
condition (Odent, 2006; Katzenelson,
2007; Lupien, et al, 2009).

5. “The process of transformation from being
a woman to being a mother develops a
mind fundamentally different than it was
before, and enters into an unfamiliar
experience to those who are not mothers”
(Stern, 2000, p. 12 ).
Starting in the early stages of development
in the womb, stress can have serious
negative effects on the health of a
pregnant woman and her baby (Lupien, et
al, 2009; Verny, 1984; Schwartz, 1984)
Studies done with pregnant women in high
risk situations such as pre-eclampsia, high
blood pressure and in breech presentation,
found a direct relationship between the
state of high anxiety and physiological
state of the women (Northrop, 2000).

6. Pregnancy is an internal
creative process, yet creativity
and the ability to be creative
as a balancing, encouraging
and supportive quality is
usually a neglected issue
during the physical process
of pregnancy and birth.

7. The Gaya Method tools are rooted in therapeutic
approaches that encourage creativity in order to heal.

8. Creation is a process that enables
maintaining a sense of control (knill, 2000).
Creation is a communication channel in
which internal impulses and instinctive
parts can be manifested and expressed out
(Winnicott, 1962).

9. Through imagination and recreation, when
thinking becomes more imagery, symbols
continue to appear, meaning to implement
processes, often without many words, but
in a concrete way (Jung, 1993).
Creativity is what causes a person, more
than anything else, to feel that life is worth
living (Winnicott, 2010).

10. Pregnancy and birth as an
opportunity for a change
A Woman’s ability to intuitively connect with
emotions increases, as well as her motivation
to learn, because there is a clear and focused
goal towards birth. Pregnancy and birth are an
important time, a better opportunity, then at any
other time over a woman's life, to make a
change (Raphael- Lev, 2005; Northrop, 2000).

11. Emotional support through
creativity during pregnancy
Jung referred to the human ability to express an
internal amorphous, experience outside in the real
world, in a creative way, as a significant part of
the process of transformation and healing
(Chodorow, 1997).
Images or symbols that express current situation
and emotion can be observed by the pregnant
woman from a different perspective then the one
she was accustomed to before.

12. Birth is a spontaneous and instinctive bodily process. Any
attempt to control during birth according to prior thinking
only interfere with the body function (Gross, 2005).
A creative process that encourages spontaneous, authentic
expression of a bodily or emotionally necessity or desire, is
important during pregnancy since this practice enables the
woman to have a sense of body control when the mind is
relaxed, and to create a new balance .

13. Research findings show the
positive impact of the use of art
in therapy. A transference of
realistic situations, such as fear,
to the language of image, and
artistic expression of the image,
allows further processing
experience and relaxation
(Shalev, 1987).
The Gaya Method tools help to
connect between inner
amorphous creative processes,
and external concrete creation
processes, between thought and
emotion, dream and reality.

14. Encouragement of flexibility and the ability to
improvise during the pregnancy period in
preparation for labor will prepare the mother to
the encounter with the imaginary baby that
becomes real after birth, as Stern (2000) refers
to that possible conflict ; However, when
specific expectation for something unpredictable
to happen can cause frustration, intent for an
evolving change as an essential part of the new
identity, can help to create a positive attitude and
even curiosity toward change.

15. "Women are more accessible to deeper processes
and to what occurs in our inner unconscious world,
accessibility and the possibility of self-
consciousness it embodies, a re-evaluation of
identity and growth, on the dangers of increased
level of anxiety; also because unresolved conflicts
from childhood may rise to the surface„
(Katzenelson, 2007, p. 22).
The Gaya Method tools help develop the ability to
move from an external space of thought and
knowledge to the internal space of emotions and
sensations.

16. Northrop (2000) claims that "when we allow ourselves to
get full emotional release, the body, mind and spirit free
and clear" (Northrop 2000, p. 61). creative tools enable a
spontaneous expression of inner experience, a
possibility to release and conceptualize a vague internal
state, by making it visible.
Metric (2005) claims that labor is an intensive Condition
of acute imbalance, but that does not mean that trauma
will occur. A woman who prepares herself for birth, with
self-study and improvement of creative capacity of the
response to the unknown in the birth, will find her path
more easily.
The Gaya Method's creative tools enable the processing
of conditions and sensations within a ‘creation space‘.
It helps to create a new balance within the imbalanced
situation.

17. Fear of pain, of the unknown and of
losing control, are natural fears that
women experience during the
pregnancy process. Recognition of
the internal creative resources, lets
women be more flexibile, open to
change and Strengthens the
emotional
leading ability of birth on the path
toward parenthood.
Milner (2006) refers
to the cooperation required
between the conscious mind and
the unconscious mind in
cooperation with an unknown depth
to create a work of art.
In pregnancy and birth context,
there is a need for a connection
between the unknown interior and
the known exterior in order to be
open to changes during birth and
new parenthood.

18. Creativity integrates Condition detection and
attention to what occurs in the relationship in
present time and adjustment and construction of
perception accordingly (Bohart, 1999, p. 300).
Creative experience of expressing
and processing feelings and thoughts,
helps to create beneficial coping ability
with the unfamiliar and unknown
during pregnancy, birth and later on.

19. Creative abilities such as spontaneity, flexibility
(physical and of thought), together with the dedication
and investment in the experience, are important during
pregnancy and birth process for the woman to be
concentrated with the inner experience and act
accordingly to promote her birth.

20. The Gaya Method's tools
Creative expression enables the release of emotions and
thoughts, and the discovery of empowering sources from within.
Observation at information that arises from the subconscious. Self
acceptanse and change formed while in the act of creation, to
create a new aproach, a new balance in the present time.

21. Creative Awareness
This concept describes a development process,
which slowly leads to a recognition of the
existence of creative empowering sources from
within and the ability to be spontaneous, while
developing mindfulness quality.
Birth is a physical, emotional and instinctive
process and those are usually the factors that
will affect the labor progress, when the mother
and the fetus are in good health.
I created a spiral development model which
consists of five modes that refer to the body,
emotion and instinct factors. This model
indicates a process of a creative awerness and
mind formation. The model aims to enable a
pregnant woman to be aware of her mental and
emotional condition and develop her own path
toward her baby's birth and her own emotional
birth as a mother. The spiral development model
has five conditions that support each other and
often arise apart: Release, Discovery,
Acceptance, Change, Being.

22. Knowledge circles
The circle is used as a symbol for follow-on processes, in a
periodic motion such as the life circle. The purpose of the
creation of the knowledge circles is intended to illustrate in
a logical manner the connection between circular circuits
of thought and knowledge, emotion and feeling, in order to
allow connection and integration between knowledge that
comes from outside and knowledge that comes from the
inside. Moreover, this presents the ability to move between
the circles, to the inner space for focusing and intended
listening.

23. Voice centering
The power of voice components
enables healing, connection
between mind and body needs.
The voice components contain
the healing medication
(Newham, 2002).
The ability to intuitively explore the
Voice helps to focus the mind,
releases the body, and
encourages an Attentive
movement.

24. Movement
Movement and voice
preliminary,
spontaneously arises,
enable the woman
and her partner to
meet primary
unprocessed parts,
as mode of coping
during childbirth.

25. Visualization
Visualisation or guided imagery, is actually a
"conversation" with the subconsciousness ,
when the conscious mind "rests". It is an
important dialogue that allows to relate to
events or past Memories which were
subconsciously seen as obstacles of achieving
present and futuristic goals. (Epstein, 2000:
Fanning, 1995).
The virtues of guided imagery are now quite
apparent in different treatment techniques, as
well as practicing childbirth preparation and
support during labor.

26. Visualization and Painting
Nava noticed the roots of the tree during
the visualisation practice and her own
space at the foot of the tree where she
can rest. The painting was made during
early pregnancy, and it helped her to
recognize her changing needs during this
period.
Gila, in her first pregnancy, was painting a tree.
she identified the fear held in the trunk center, her abdomen.
She described it as if she was Holding anxiety (painted in red)
in both hands. As a result of her discovery it became possible
to create a change in her emotional holding,
to find a way to release and relax.

27. Breathing and focusing
Noa (fictitious name) experienced a positive first birth, but after birth had
experienced depression that caused lack of function and a need of medication
treatment. About two years after the birth she planned to be pregnant again;
she and her husband were concerned due to the traumatic experience of
depression. She wanted to be emotionally ready for the next pregnancy and
birth.
A begining of a session includes conversation followed by a breathing exercise
that leads the woman, according to her needs, to be centerd. Following is a
description of a meeting with Noa.
The breathing exercise enabled her to locate insuficient air supply in both
arms. She felt lack of power, could associate the lack of power she felt in her
arms with the lack of power to take care of two children. drawing 2, 30X30,
pencil color on paper.
Noa identified emptiness, felt the fear of engaging with a new child. The
process was gradual and gently guided her to create with colors a feeling of
emptiness. She painted a hollow tree, connected with her own sensation of
emptiness . As Noa was looking at her drawing, she discovered that the tree
looked like a person figure with arms. The branches, she said, are the kids,
while roots resemble the family. She needs to take care of herself with the
next child. I asked her to express it on the same paper. Noa added two trees
on both sides of the tree she painted before. She said the tree on the right is
for technical support; the tree on the left is for mental and emotional support
from her partner and her parents. She realized at that point what she wanted
to have, emotionally, physically and mentally. At this stage, attention through
breathing exercises, regardless of the organic body structure, but through a
sense of internal areas, enabled Noa to discover the feeling of emptiness and
the way to express it. Most important is the ability to express what she
needed in order to transform and to create a new balance in her condition.

28. Birth Stories. . .
Tamar’s first birth
“ Before the treatment I was really worried because I thought that guided
imagery and all kinds of exercises might embarrass me. Given that I am a
dancer and grasp myself as someone with a high physical awareness,
I thought I could handle the pain with movement during labor and thought
traditional childbirth preparation course is enough, but I was wrong. I do not
think I could cope with pain during labor without the help of Sarit. During the
treatment my husband and I practiced our voices together with movement in
the most comfortable way for both of us. When contractions arrived, my
partner and I expressed the sounds and moved together. He was the best
doula for me with the guidance of Sarit.”

29. Maya's first birth
"towards the middle of my first pregnancy I knew that I should prepare for
childbirth. I felt that the preparation should be both physical and emotional.
I continued to swim and regularly practice yoga and came to Sarit with the
intention to open creative channels in me-I wanted to paint. But what happened
in the meetings was more than painting. I talked about my fears and concerns,
there was dancing, I moved as I wanted to intuitively move, I learned to use my
voice correctly and I found the places of creativity and freedom. I prepared
myself to cope with the labor pains througt the objections relieving and
empowering of the flow and relaxation. Sarit was amazing and her tolerant
attitude allowed her to accept my difficulties. She continued to travel with me and
direct me sensitively and exactly to birth. I had a wonderful birth and a powerful
platform like I wanted, quick, without the epidural, I trusted my body, I was there
like an animal, with the body and the birth process.

30. Michal and Ron, experienced their first birth as traumatic, were wishing
for a corrective experience toward a second birth.
Michal wrote: "while we came in order to decide whether to give birth
at home or in a hospital, the process with Sarit became an
unexpected double process, which was not possible in another
frame.
self introspective as well as a couple introspective....we were able to
strengthen the ability of organization and possession together.
Process can lead to the finding of the places of relaxation and
creating a space of my own for birth and to some extent at all. It
allowed the development of the ability to look a little closer, to
understand what I have - again in the context of childbirth, including
everyday life. It hekped me to learn my limits and keep myself and
my energy better.
The process allowed us to arrive to birth out of a clear choice and
prepared, coordinated and want to be in this process together.

31. Sigal's third birth story after two vacuum births:
It was important to have a natural birth after two severe traumas from previous births. At the
seventh month of my pregnancy I practices once a week, not so sure what to expect but
curiosity overcame fear and began to practice the Gaya Method. I can not say it was easy,
what can you innovate? I read, I asked, I inquired. But from a meeting to meeting, Sarit led me
to places I did not know before. "Your body knows what to do - you just have to let it„, She
reminded me every session. And between exercises, guided imagery, between writing out of
movement and into the voices who taught me to play, I began to listen to the body.
Contractions started at 07:00 in the morning, I sent the kids to school, I said goodbye to them
with love and got into the bath. In the water I began to concentrate in the process where it all
begins. At 08:30 I told my husband that we must go to the hospital, I yelled at him not to stop
at traffic lights, and all the way closed my eyes and practiced what Sarit tried for two months
to teach me ... to breathe, concentrate, be there. I growled softly, I assured myself (and my
husband) until we got to the delivery room. In 09:15 started pressure contractions and at 9:30 I
was holding my amazing daughter Gal in my hands."

32. Sarit Zeltzer is an Art Therapist M.A. graduate of the Lesley
University (2012). She has studied the Anthroposophical
approach to Art Therapy at the Tobias School of Art in
England (2001). Sarit is a B.F.A. graduate of the Bezalel
Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem (1992). After
teaching Intuitive Creativity courses and workshops for 8
years in Israel and abroad, Sarit has created the Gaya
Method (2002). Sarit Zeltzer is working for more than 10
years in her clinic with pregnant women and couples, gives
workshops in colleges on training courses for Doulas and
child birth instructors and lessons for childbirth professionals
in hospitals. More information about the Gaya Method can
be found at: www.gayamethod.com