ElastaBlast™
Article published in 101 Play Therapy Techniques
ed. Heidi Kaduson and Charles Schaefer, published Jason Aronson Inc.
ElastaBlast, (formerly Co-OperBand), winner of the 1994 Parents' Choice Gold Award, was designed and created by dance/movement therapist, Kimberly Dye. It has been highly acclaimed in therapeutic, educational, and fitness settings with adults, seniors, families, and children. Designed originally as a movement tool for a psychiatric population, ElastaBlast's circular, visual and textural appeal serves as an outside focal point to "break the ice" with groups of adults and children. ElastaBlast's dynamic, tensile properties facilitate movements that improve coordination, balance, and muscular strength. Its rebound effect alters one's relationship to gravity and brings out the risk taker in all of us!
Participants sit or stand holding the band so there is enough tensional pull to create a group synergy. Within a few minutes of play a group's interpersonal dynamics can be discerned around issues of power and
control. One game entitled "Who"s in Control" is a favorite with families. The leaders or controllers stand holding the band on the outside while the followers stand inside with backs against the band. The controllers stretch, pull, and move with the band while the inside followers let themselves be led. Insiders reckon with the task of how to let go without "getting out of control" This is therapeutic not only for child/parent relationship, but also for those with phobias or addictions.
ElastaBlast's tensile properties is helpful in faciltating tension or aggression release for therapy groups, faculty, or staff. In "Tree Rooting" participants pull out into an expanded circle, widen their stance, plant their feet and try to maintain their feet solidly on the ground while using their arms and full body weight to shift either neighbor off their balance. This exercise promotes a physical "grounding" and confronts in a spirit of play, issues of competition, and personal effectiveness.
Another method of releasing tension is to have participants expand the circle as far as they can. On the cue of the leader everyone runs towards the center of the circle making a sound, starting softly and gradually getting louder as they approach the center.
Push/pull dynamics can also simulate interpersonal tension. Working with couples to physicalize push/pull dynamics by using the band can release tension that prohibits moving together harmoniously.
One of the magical moments ElastaBlast facilitates is when everyone moves as a single unit while still maintaining individual movements. Selfhood is maintained while becoming part of something greater than the sum of its parts. For those fearful of intimacy, or "not belonging", or for whatever reason unable to participate in groups, ElastaBlast, makes the bridge from self to community.
ElastaBlast Page/ For Therapist Page
