Artistic Expression Of Medical Experiences Of Mothers Of Color: Perspectives Using Art Therapy, Lauren Barrett

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine perspectives of mothers of color living in the US and their experiences in the healthcare system through art therapy. The study aimed to further identify personal narrative experiences of mothers of color navigating the healthcare system, promote individual voices, and acknowledge disparities impacting those within marginalized communities. The participants in this study included a total of eight identified mothers of color (non-White) living in the US. Participants took part in four weeks of consecutive art therapy sessions either in 60-minute group or individual virtual meetings. One art therapy directive was provided …

Elementary School Teacher’S Experiences Of Open Studio Process In Examining Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Topics, Tiffany Thompson

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This qualitative research study examined the experiences of two Black female teachers and six White female teachers who participated in five Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) workshops that incorporated Open Studio Process (OSP) using Expressive Therapy Continuum (ETC). It is informed by research on defensiveness and resistance that often accompanies and presents barriers to effective DEI training.

All eight study participants were elementary school teachers, ages 22-56. Participants engaged in five workshops that used artistic mediums to explore DEI topics. Participants visually and metaphorically represented their experiences. Results were analyzed using qualitative techniques.

Findings are that OSP using ETC …

Elementary School Teacher’S Experiences Of Open Studio Process In Examining Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Topics, Tiffany Thompson

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This qualitative research study examined the experiences of two Black female teachers and six White female teachers who participated in five Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) workshops that incorporated Open Studio Process (OSP) using Expressive Therapy Continuum (ETC). It is informed by research on defensiveness and resistance that often accompanies and presents barriers to effective DEI training.

All eight study participants were elementary school teachers, ages 22-56. Participants engaged in five workshops that used artistic mediums to explore DEI topics. Participants visually and metaphorically represented their experiences. Results were analyzed using qualitative techniques.

Findings are that OSP using ETC …

Stories In The Sand: The Use Of Play And The Arts With Siblings Of Children With Cancer, Kristina Sawetz-Glasener

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

The primary objective of this study was to explore how siblings of children with cancer utilize the expressive therapy technique of sandtray to express their lived experience. Using child-centered and creative research approaches, this study provided participants an opportunity to use art, play, and sandtray, in addition to verbal responses, to communicate what was important to them about their experience in ways that also respected participant’s emotional safety and developmental age.

Phenomenological and arts-informed methods were used throughout the research process, so that verbal accounts, sandtray creations, photographs, drawings, and poetic inquiry, were integrated to amplify the unique perspectives of …

A Polyvagal Theory And Mindfulness Based Art Therapy Approach To Self-Regulation And Self Compassion In The Face Of Trauma, Michaila Sheehan-Klein

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Many people experience dysregulations for all kinds of reasons. Our bodies are constantly sensing our environments and taking in information. Recent research shows mind-body approaches, such as art therapy, can increase somatic awareness and self-acceptance. The posed question for this papers research was if art therapy experiences are combined with psychoeducation in polyvagal theory, how will it affect the participants level of self-compassion and understanding for their own self-regulation. A group of four women met for five total one-hour sessions over six weeks. They learned about the nervous system, how to identify its three states, gained skills for regulation, and …

Embodied Co-Regulation: A Neuroregulatory-Informed Dance/Movement Therapy Transition Intervention Method For Arousal Regulation For Adolescents In A Partial Hospitalization Program, Anamaria Guzman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis introduces a novel Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) approach, focusing on nervous system arousal regulation during transitions between therapy groups. The core of the method involves a brief 5-minute exercise designed to modulate arousal levels, encompassing alertness and energy, aiming to establish a baseline homeostasis. Rooted in Polyvagal Theory and Developmental Neurobiology, the approach assumes the co-regulation of nervous systems within a group therapeutic setting. Two primary outcomes are self-assessed: 1) somatic experiences documented through narratives and 2) nervous system biodata measured using the Flowtime headband monitoring of brainwaves, heart rate, and other biomarkers. Results indicated that all six sessions …

Aligning With Adolescents: A Literature Review Of Art Therapy In Residential Treatment Programs, Olivia Moore

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Adolescents in residential treatment programs throughout the United States are a specialized population that demonstrate resiliency and hope every day. Many adolescents in these programs have experienced prominent levels of trauma that impact their ability to function in lower-level programs, foster homes, and in their communities. Residential treatment approaches may look like locked facilities with trauma-informed staff who provide programming options, mental health care, and safe living conditions for adolescents. Without strength-based approaches to treatment, this population may struggle to overcome their trauma, mental health challenges, and developmental needs. In this literature review, art therapy was offered to provide developmentally …

Dance/Movement Therapy: A Novel Approach For Latino Males With Incarceration Histories In Sud Treatment, Aletia Egipciaco

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper investigates how open clients would be to participating and engaging in Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) sessions at a residential SUD facility. The questions asked were (1) What level of engagement would clients have and (2) How would they engage in DMT group sessions at a residential substance use disorder facility? A program lasting 8 weeks, aimed at facilitating DMT group sessions, was conducted at a residential SUD facility twice a week. The objective was to assess participant engagement levels and observe their involvement in the DMT sessions. Residents of the facility were invited voluntarily to attend the DMT groups. …

Improving Quality Of Life And Connection Amongst Pediatric Oncology Patients And Their Families Through Art Therapy: A Literature Review, Gabby Johnson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review seeks to answer the question of how art therapy can be used to improve quality of life and connection between pediatric cancer patients and their families.

This literature review also aims to connect art therapy with traditional medical interventions for pediatric cancer patients as a way to create more integrated and supportive care modality that children and their families can benefit from. With a significant amount of children and families being affected by cancer in the world today, it is important to not only focus on the physical health aspects, but the intersection of mental health as …

Utilizing Dance/Movement Therapy For Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Development Of A Method, Jayda Pearson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

While there is limited research on the use of dance/movement therapy (DMT) with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. This thesis introduces an intervention focused on utilizing (DMT) to assist children with ADHD in self-regulation during periods of dysregulation associated with the disorder. The research is backed by literature reviews covering various topics related to ADHD symptoms such as dysregulation, impulsivity, and attention difficulties. Furthermore, the thesis delves into the background of dance/movement therapy and explores how DMT can be integrated with other modalities such as play therapy for a comprehensive therapeutic approach.

Expressive Arts Therapy And Oncology Care Teams, Edwige Raimbault

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review offers an overview of the mental health of oncology care team members, medical professionals as well as oncology floor hospital staff, and the therapeutic benefits of expressive therapies on that specific population. Working on an oncology floor means interacting with patients and their loved ones at a time of utmost suffering, uncertainty, and possible death. This environment presents risks of burnout, compassion fatigue, and a sense of isolation for the medical and non-medical professionals working with cancer patients. The results of qualitative, quantitative, and art-based studies conducted pre-and post-Covid-19 pandemic show multi-faceted and multi-layered positive impacts of …

Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrator's Attachement Style's Effect On Parenting And Art Therapy Implications: A Literature Review, Patricia Lucas, Patricia Lucas

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Fathers are seen in contemporary society as having a significant impact on their children's development. The processes in which a person's parenting skills are shown to relate to their adult attachment orientation style. Intimate partner violence( IPV) has detrimental effects on children who are exposed to this violence, starting early in a child's interaction with a caregiver. There is a lack in research considering the relationship between children who have been exposed to IPV and the Internal Working Model (IWM) of abusive parents. There currently exists few options for professional interventions, which are often part of Batter Intervention Programs (BPs), …

All In The Image: Nightmares, Posttraumatic Stress, And Expressive Therapy: Critical Literature Review, Emma Geller

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper reviews the therapeutic potential of combining expressive therapy approaches with dreamwork protocol in treating recurrent nightmares seen in populations with PTSD. The intersection between the dreaming state, nightmares, dreamwork, and trauma can provide important insights into the purpose of dreaming, subconscious processing of trauma, and effective treatments for individuals struggling with nightmares. Clinical implications of dreamwork are considered in working with posttraumatic stress disorder along with this condition’s connection to recurrent nightmares. In working with trauma and the arts at a sensory and affective level of experience, there is potential for individuals to explore and process their recurrent …

Creative Resilience Against Racism Among Asian Americans: Development Of A Method, Janice Chen

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The experience of racism is inevitable and can become internalized when racism is persistent. As an Asian American woman, I am interested in exploring how art can be used as a form of resilience against internalized racism among Asian Americans. Racism against Asian Americans and recent immigrants from Asia has always existed throughout the history of the United States. Systematic laws, institutional policies, and cultural norms have set rules and narratives to put Asian Americans at a disadvantage. In addition, Asian Americans may have difficulty opening the conversation about racism. Internalized racism can cause physical and mental harm. I used …

Exploring The Literature On Art Therapy Interventions In Mitigating The Negative Effects Of Loneliness In College Students, Molly Hoekman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Experiences of loneliness and social isolation among college students pose a concern for emerging adults’ mental and physical health, as well as greater impacts on university systems across the country. While social isolation and loneliness are subjective experiences, there are a range of factors rooted in developmental psychology and sociocultural theory that influence the rising rates and acuity of loneliness. Attachment theorists posit that secure attachment early in life can impact how individuals make lasting interpersonal connections long after their childhood. Secure and insecure attachment styles combined with the dramatic transition to college for a young adult are influencing factors …

Healing Our Midwives With Art Therapy: A Literature Review To Identify Gaps In Research And Practice, Virginia Perry

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The current crisis in the U.S. healthcare system, exacerbated by the pandemic, has had a marked negative impact on maternal health. Community-based midwives, who serve pregnant and birthing families outside of institutional and hospital settings, can be part of a systemic approach to improving maternal health. This literature review reveals an acute lack of research on and resources for these essential care providers. Current research on workplace-related stress in healthcare providers indicates a growing need to better understand healthcare providers’ traumatic experiences and to develop therapeutic methods for prevention and treatment. This review investigates the research base for using art …

Dancing Through Anxiety: A Dance/Movement Therapy Intervention To Treat Comorbid Anxiety In Youth With Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Sarah Taggart

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Neurodevelopmental disorders are complex disorders that impact many factors of functioning. Many individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders have comorbid anxiety that often goes untreated because clinicians have difficulty recognizing and differentiating symptoms of the disorder from symptoms of anxiety. For this reason, noticing and treating symptoms of anxiety in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders is important in improving quality of life. This thesis shows the development of a method to treat comorbid anxiety in youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders tend to have difficulty expressing emotions verbally. Dance/movement therapy is a psychotherapy specializing in nonverbal communication. Research has shown that …

Nourishing Movement: The Role Of Food In A Dance/Movement Therapist’S Practice: A Literature Review, Gabriele Dunkley

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review is an inquiry into the role of food in dance/movement therapy (DMT). It aims to deepen the understanding of how essential nutritional requirements, nourishment, and an individual's relationship with food can integrate into the practice of a dance/movement therapist. The review explores the impact of nutrition on physical energy and brain function, underscoring its significance. It also examines factors influencing food choices and delves into the historical relationship between dancers and food and DMT's connection with eating disorders. Ultimately, the review proposes practical methods for DMT practitioners to integrate this knowledge into their work by introducing a …

Drawing Closer: Enhancing Connection In Romantic Relationships Through Expressive Arts – An Autoethnographic Community Engagement Exploration, Jessica Surprenant

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review aims to raise awareness around the many physical and mental health risks associated with loneliness, especially in today’s sociopolitical climate. It explores how fostering healthy relationships with feelings of connection and intimacy is one promising avenue toward mitigating those risks. Through synthesizing existing research on successful relationships, this thesis proposes a list of five beneficial relationship characteristics and traits that can be cultivated through expressive arts therapy. To further the investigation, this thesis includes an autoethnographic community engagement project exploring a real-life application of collaborative, creative artmaking. Due to researcher demographics, the information presented is geared towards …

Tap Dance Therapy For Children With Medical Complexity: A Literature Review, Beth Calabrese

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Although various genres of dance and movement have been studied to serve as therapeutic tools for individuals, research on tap dance for children with serious illnesses and complex medical needs is near non-existent. This thesis aims to analyze the available literature on tap dance and dance/movement therapy for children, as well as identify gaps in research in service of improving the quality of lives and mental health of children with medical complexity (CMC). Additionally, a discussion of a possible tap dance therapy (TDT) program for children with special needs related to medical complexities will be introduced, which will include evidence-based …

Perreando To New Lyrics: Integrating Feminist Reggaeton In Expressive Art Therapy A Literature Review | Perreando A Nueva Lírica: Una Revisión Literaria Sobre Integrar El Reggaetón Feminista A Las Terapias Con Artes Expresivas, Marilina Arsuaga

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper presents how feminist reggaeton can be used as a creative tool for women's empowerment. The literature review explores the work that has been done with feminism in expressive arts therapies, defines what feminist reggaeton is, and presents different considerations to incorporate the musical genre into a therapeutic intervention. Among these considerations, there is the social stigma that is held about the musical genre and female gender; the community-based work; the importance of cultural identity centered on the Latinx, more specifically Puerto Rican; and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community in the creative spaces. To navigate these issues, the author …

Toward An Autism-Affirmative Art Therapy Practice: A Literature Review, Mariah Geiger

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Recent research across disciplines has begun to explore the strengths associated with Autism, and the internal experiences of Autistic people. Advocates of the neurodiversity movement promote a nuanced view of Autism which celebrates unique strengths while supporting unique needs and understanding that these strengths and needs are often interconnected. The inclusion of Autistic perspectives in research has shown that compassionate adaptations to the social and sensory environment can often reduce difficulty with emotional regulation. This research has implications for the use of art therapy with Autistic populations. Art therapy has commonly been implemented from a deficit perspective with Autistic clients, …

Tailored Therapeutic Musical Theater Community Engagement Project, Taylor Windle

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to introduce the Tailored Therapeutic Musical Theater model (TTMT) and investigate the observable reduction in social anxiety and increase in mental wellness in children and adolescents through participation in a production. The literature review provides justification for the creation of this model while refining understanding of therapeutic theater, Erikson’s stages of development, and community based, trauma informed care. This thesis culminates in a detailed explanation of the 4-phase model of TTMT during a production of Newsies: The Musical and a discussion on next steps for future research. The findings indicate the use of therapeutic …

The Feminine Expansion Of Role Theory: A Community Workshop, Alexis Cisneros

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Traditional gender roles and dominant narratives in society impose different pressures on men and women. Women experience the societal pressure to excel in multiple roles simultaneously such as caregiver, breadwinner, partner, and community member all while meeting societal judgements and expectations regarding appearance, achievements, and behavior (Ilic, 2023). This thesis will focus on the development of a drama therapy community workshop for cisgender women to explore the roles they play in Western society. Because we are living in a patriarchal society where the understanding of human experience is mostly through a white, male, heterosexual, middle-class, and able-bodied lens my focus …

Expressive Therapies And Resiliency – Resistance In Mental Health: A Literature Review, Gabrielle Lopez

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This review evaluates the current literature on psychological resistance amongst human service professionals experiencing burnout and the effect of Expressive Arts interventions on resiliency. Concepts include identifying the main symptoms, risk factors, causes, and treatments for burnout in education faculty, medical staff, and clinicians. Qualitative, quantitative, and meta-analysis studies are included to identify the most prevalent intervention frameworks for reducing stress including Arts-Based and Mindfulness-compassion based techniques. The effectiveness of Arts-based tools on strengthening identity, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and meaning-making in combating burnout is presented. Based on analysis of the literature, the author proposes a three-step intervention framework for utilizing …

Neuroqueering Art Therapy: Bringing Neurodivergent Gender Diversity Into The Creative Arts Therapy Room: A Literature Review, Avital Eisen

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Recent research across disciplines has established the significance of the overlap between neurodivergence and gender diversity, a truth long espoused by the community. Acting on this research, some mental health disciplines have begun addressing neurodivergent transgender and gender diverse people as a unified population in their research, but the field of art therapy has not yet followed suit. Theoretical frameworks of intersectionality, queer theory, and disability justice highlight the importance of centering the unique experiences and needs of neurodivergent gender diversity. Using these frameworks, this literature review synthesizes community knowledge with art therapy research on both neurodivergence and gender diversity, …

Coming Out, Letting Go, Getting Naked: A Community Engagement Arts Based Project, Tim Aumiller

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Creating a healthy sexual minority identity remains a challenge in the 21^st century, despite significant advances in social acceptance and civil rights. Sexual minorities are more likely than cis gender heterosexuals to be exposed to traumatic events, and experience shame and mental and physical health symptoms as a result. Despite this, sexual minorities do overcome obstacles to develop resilience. While the coming out process looks different depending on the background of the individual, many gay men find connection and build community through this often difficult process where even rejection may play a part. The author found connection and community …

The Hero’S Journey Through Therapy: A Literature Review, Rylee Blake

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The Hero’s Journey (Campbell, 1949) is a common narrative structure throughout ancient mythology and modern storytelling which describes the transformation of a hero through a journey of trials and represents the experience of psychological healing throughout various cultures. Because of the ancient and common nature of this structure and the psychological importance of personal narrative and storying even from an early age (Boyd, 2018; Klees, 2016), this thesis hypothesizes that a client’s experience throughout psychotherapy will follow the stages of the Hero’s Journey and that invoking this structure within the therapy room, particularly for drama therapists, will empower clients toward …

Method Acting As A Therapeutic Intervention For Trauma Recovery, Remi Moses

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

While considered controversial by some, Method acting as popularized by Lee Strasberg is a technique that elicits powerful and authentic results on stage and screen. The foundational Method acting techniques, the Relaxation Exercise (RE) and the Sense Memory Exercise (SME), share similarities to bottom-up therapeutic processes like Somatic Experiencing and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. By implementing a trauma-informed drama therapy framework with these two exercises, the RE and SME were restructured as a therapeutic intervention for people in trauma recovery. The author implemented a study of three consecutive group therapy sessions for people healing from trauma where clients participated …

Tarole Theory: Alchemizing The Drama Therapy Role Sort With The Tarot, Brooke Ferguson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In this mixed-methods qualitative and arts-based research project, the researcher conducted a community engagement workshop infusing role theory into a personalized tarot reading for each participant. The participants considered the types of roles they currently play and have played in their lives, gave themselves a tarot reading with the researcher’s guidance, and created individual expressive arts presentations based on their reflections of their readings. Data were extrapolated from the prevalent themes observed in the reflections and the performances, which included protection, self-limitation, openness, trust in self, and connection and collaboration. Lack of a focused population was one limitation of this …