Digital Commons Network^™

Animation As Therapy For Mental Health Treatment Across Diverse Populations And Contexts, A Literature Review, Daneile Tabana

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Scientific research has explored and identified the beneficial relationship between health and creative expression, recognizing art therapy as a source of healing. Animation has been newly recognized as an art therapy medium with potential for therapeutic healing and increased psychological well-being. This review of the literature on animation therapy explores the history of the modality’s interaction with the population observed and the effects of animation on the cognitive processes, discusses current theoretical orientations and treatment options for treating a range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior with animation therapy, and considers culturally informed and client-centered practices alongside traditional …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

A Comparison Of Body-Based Therapies Of Infant Development: A Literature Review, Nicole Rivera

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In this thesis, I discuss two body-based therapies and explore their theory, body movement observation, assessments, application, and qualifications within an infant population. After my research, I have a more in-depth understanding of the differences and similarities between the methods and have more comprehension around what makes dance/movement therapy unique. I discovered that dance/movement therapists can collaboratively work alongside any medical facility due to the extensive training one must go through. A dance/movement therapist can use an assortment of assessments to give a client a treatment plan designed uniquely for them and their therapeutic goals. A dance/movement therapist can hold …

A Music Therapist’S Clinical Improvised Songwriting To Explore Countertransference In The Therapeutic Relationship For An Individual With Multiple Disabilities, Isabella Sances

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This qualitative and arts-based capstone thesis discusses working with individuals with multiple disabilities, songwriting in music therapy, intersubjective communication and theory, and countertransference in music therapy, by sharing the literature and presenting a method of how a music therapist’s own clinical improvised songwriting explores countertransference in the therapeutic relationship for an individual with multiple disabilities. Music therapy is used to treat individuals with multiple disabilities. The literature demonstrates that music therapy and improvisation can support communication development in clients with multiple disabilities. However, there is little research regarding countertransference and reflections by music therapists. This thesis explored post-session improvised songwriting …

Trauma-Informed Expressive & Creative Arts Therapy With Survivors Of Mass Shootings, Jessica Heiler

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Survivors of mass shootings often suffer from psychological impact and mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), prolonged grief, depression, and anxiety. These individuals, who have been directly or indirectly exposed to the trauma, may find it challenging to find support and services that cater to their unique needs. Currently, there is no established framework for treating survivors of mass shootings. However, practitioners have proposed guidelines that incorporate trauma-informed practices. This literature review aims to explore how the use of trauma-informed expressive and creative arts therapies can provide an alternative to talk-based therapies when working with individuals and …

Re-Member Selfhood A Drama Therapy Intervention, Option 1, Angelique Beauchêne

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Re-member Selfhood is a specific trauma-informed, drama therapy, intervention designed to meet the needs of adults with exposure to trauma and traumatic stress, who have pertinent adverse childhood experience scores and/or experience persistent trauma cycles over the lifespan concurrent with somatization. The aim of this thesis was to introduce an intervention which could function as indirect exposure and assist in the integration process taking the whole being of trauma sufferers into account, including body, mind, and soul. Additionally, the hope of this intervention is to decrease perceived physical pain, assist in the integration of the rejected aspect of self, and …

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, …

Nerf This! Navigating The Accessibility And Inclusivity Of Video Games Through Expressive Arts Therapies: A Literature Review, Tiffany Golando

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis explores the accessibility of video games to populations with disabilities, as well as the inclusivity of video game design, and how the application of expressive arts therapy (ExAT) can benefit in processing and navigating difficult feelings that may arise for a gamer in the video game community. Video games have evolved immensely since first being introduced in the 1970-s and come a long way to accommodate a diverse set of people, yet video games are still marketed toward and for ableist populations. This paper reviews literature on the limitations of video games for the player as well as …

Language Barriers And Expressive Arts Therapy With Refugees: A Literature Review, Zeenia Kolah

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Recent decades have seen a precipitous increase in global forced displacement. Events such as the 2015 Syrian refugee crisis have put a spotlight on the arduous and life threatening journeys forcibly displaced people take to try to reach safety and have also begun raising awareness about the psychological needs of forcibly displaced people. Because of experiences before, during, and after migration, refugees frequently have elevated levels of PTSD, depression, and other mental health symptoms. However, mental health service utilization by refugee populations in various host countries tends to be low. This literature review examines existing research on the barriers to …

Recovering Vitality After Trauma Through The Use Of Body-Oriented Expressive Arts Therapy: A Literature Review, Kate Hall

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis examines how to use body-oriented expressive arts therapy to address dissociative symptoms of trauma in adults. Dissociation can arise during or after trauma has occurred and creates a state of disconnection in the body, inhibiting one’s sense of vitality. In this literature review, I provide a basis for why to look to the expressive arts and the body as effective resources for restoring vitality. I present relevant research on trauma, dissociation, and body-oriented expressive arts therapy; I also explore how concepts embedded in sensuality, pleasure, and eroticism may help inform how to use expressive arts therapy as …

Expressive Art Group Therapy To Improve Children With Autism's Social And Expressive Skills And Facilitate Parent-Child, Yueyun Tang

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper discusses an approach to expressive arts therapy that involves joint participation by parents and children to utilize expressive arts therapy to enhance parents' comprehension of their children's communication styles and to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder acquire practical communication skills. The study included children between the ages of 6 and 9 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and one of their parents. The author gathered information and concluded by process notes, conversations with co-leaders, and final participant interviews. Most children and parents reported experiencing a sense of support and ease within the group. This paper demonstrates that when …

A Literature Review Exploring The Effectiveness Of Dance/Movement Therapy As A Treatment Modality For Adults With Dual-Diagnosis In Recovery, Helen Turnbull

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

The following literature review is an investigation of the current state of the literature regarding the use of dance/movement therapy as a treatment modality for adults with dual diagnosis in recovery. The theories explored in this paper present the primary and conventional modes that are currently being used to treat substance use and comorbid mental health disorders, such as the 12-Step program model of Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as introducing alternative methods of treatment, which include the use of dance/movement therapy, body-oriented psychotherapy, and the somatic work of the Alexander Technique, which offer a more holistic approach to healing …

Growing In Grief: A Meaning-Making Expressive Arts Therapy Method Developed For Bereaved Youth, Jessica Wilson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Approximately 5.3 million youth in the United States have experienced the death of a sibling or parent. They face challenges such as an increased risk of depression, anxiety, substance use, and other detrimental effects on adjustment. A small subset of this population experiences significant emotional and behavioral difficulties, characterized by an inability to function in major life roles, a preoccupation with the loss, and separation distress. Modern grief literature describes meaning-making as an adaptive coping process contributing to a sense of renewed hope and self-efficacy and a reduction in distressing grief symptomology. Expressive arts therapy is an effective way to …

How Creative Arts Journaling Offers A Holistic And Humanizing Container For Chronic Pain Experiences: A Literature Review And Autoethnography, Courtney Putnam

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This expressive arts therapy capstone thesis explores the efficacy of using a creative arts journal in the exploration and management of chronic pain, as well as the correlative mental health issues that arise from chronic pain experiences. Using a biopsychosocial perspective with an awareness of racial health disparities related to chronic pain, I have provided information about chronic pain from medical and humanistic perspectives with a critical review of the literature that showcases the usefulness of the arts for reducing pain, hopelessness, and depression, and increasing mood, self–understanding, and hope. While research on visual journaling for chronic pain is in …

Self Determination Theory And Expressive Arts Therapy: A Path To Needs Satisfaction And Mindful Autonomous Motivation, Sara Truitt

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature explores supporting mindful autonomous motivation by meeting basic psychological needs using expressive arts therapies. Self-determination theory was created from the extensive research of two psychologists, Edward Deci and Richard Ryan. The theory proposes that an increase in well-being and personal growth can be achieved by meeting the psychological needs for competence, relatedness, and autonomy (Reeve & Lee, 2019, p. 102). This paper investigates how various theories in expressive art therapy can be used to support psychological need satisfaction. The examination includes the therapeutic relationship, the expressive therapies approach and examples of populations impacted by frustrated need satisfaction. The …

Musical Theatre And Drama Therapy: A Duet For Dementia, Amy Bingen

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The purpose of this capstone thesis is to explore the potential of developing musically informed dramatic interventions that directly support the quality of life (QoL) for patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Alzheimer's disease (AD) is progressive, causing people to lose their memory and thinking skills and eventually carrying out simple daily tasks. Researchers estimate that more than 5 million Americans live with AD today. There is no known cure for dementia, but treatment care has evolved into person-centered, non-pharmacological approaches often involving expressive art interventions to channel a patient's creative strengths. Research has become increasingly valuable in …

Finding A Middle Path: Using Expressive Arts Therapy To Engage Adolescents In Dialectical Behavior Therapy: A Literature Review, Rebecca Miller

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This critical literature review explores the limited research on integrating expressive arts therapy (ExTH) with dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT, an evidence-based, third-wave cognitive-behavioral intervention, has been adapted for use with adolescents struggling with emotional and behavioral dysregulation. Yet, the didactic and almost rigid nature of DBT can feel more like a school lesson and less like therapy, making it difficult for adolescents to engage with the treatment. This is problematic as DBT's effectiveness requires the client to be fully committed and willing to engage in the therapy. This paper explores the literature on combining ExTH with DBT and conceptual …

Adolescents And Art Therapy: Exploring Safe Spaces Through Telehealth, Sarah Murphy

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis discusses an art therapy intervention in a virtual partial hospitalization program (PHP) with an adolescent population. Research involving the use of safe spaces in therapy, telehealth, adolescent group development, group dynamics, and digital technology in art therapy was explored. The intervention involved adolescent clients depicting a visual safe space using digital tools and exploring the concept of safety through telehealth. After the intervention, clients reported an increase in self-reported mood on average. Common themes found in the artwork include physical safety by holding boundaries and being around items or people they felt comfortable around. Personal artistic responses were …

Art Therapy Interventions For Fear Of Childbirth: A Model For Implementing Expressive Arts Interventions In Prenatal Populations, Cheyne West

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone investigates fear of childbirth (FOC) and correlated prenatal anxiety and/or prenatal depression. This literature review examines the current research related to FOC in prenatal birthing populations and art therapy interventions. Careful considerations were taken in regard to language for this population. Gender neutral terminology is used to be inclusive of trans, non-binary, and queer pregnancies. FOC is common, affecting about 80% of birthing individuals (O’Connell et al., 2021). Symptoms and implications for FOC are vast, including anxiety, depression, preeclampsia, increased medical inventions, and possible long term mental health risks. The baby's wellbeing is also affected by FOC, including …

Expressive Arts Therapy With Pregnant Adolescents In South Africa: Observations And Reflections On Intimate Partner Violence And Intergenerational Transmission Of Violence, Alexandra Zimeray

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper is based on a qualitative arts-based pilot research aiming at understanding pregnant adolescents, victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) in South Africa (SA) with the long-term goal to design a mental health service to support the adolescents and positively influence intergenerational transmission of violence. Through a literature review and the author’s observations and reflections, the relation between adolescent pregnancy, trauma, intimate partner violence and intergenerational transmission of violence is discussed and explored. This paper details the expressive arts interventions, the relevance of those interventions in relation to the prevention of intergenerational transmission of violence, and the experience of …

Prioritizing Bereavement In Counseling Education And Expressive Therapies: A Critical Review Of The Literature, Kayla Frazer

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Bereavement is a topic of clinical counseling that is limited in the education of clinical counselors. This is possibly due to bereavement not being a required course for state licensure or CACREP standards; thus, it stands as a lower priority for colleges/universities to offer a course in this subject. I sought to research new counselors’ perspectives on supporting clients who have experienced bereavement as they may not have had any foundational education on bereavement. Multiple articles have recommended that bereavement should be a prioritized course in master’s level counseling education. As an expressive arts therapy student and counselor in training, …

Phototherapy And Empowerment For People Living With Chronic Conditions, Lauren St John

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

An exploration of combining empowerment theory, photo-based art interventions, and hope-based interventions in a group setting and whether this method can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety and increase feelings of hope, power, and empowerment for those living with chronic conditions and chronic pain. The reviewed literature showed that hope-based art interventions, photo-based art interventions, and empowerment can increase feelings of hope and empowerment and decrease levels of depression and anxiety in people living with chronic conditions. I created a method that combined all three interventions in a group therapy setting where the participants completed the artwork between sessions and …

Using Art Therapy With Grieving Adolescents Through Telehealth: A Critical Review Of The Literature, Brenna Cole

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Grief is an inevitable part of the human experience. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, art therapists across the world were abruptly forced to adapt their services to an online model, most with little to no training on how to do so. Adolescents experienced death of loves ones and trauma at colossal rates. Legal and ethical issues arose as art therapists blindly began navigating this new terrain all while maintaining client caseloads. This literature review examines the strengths and limitations of the rising use of art therapy through telehealth with grieving adolescents. A search for literature on using art …

Dance Movement Therapy Interventions To Build Coping Skills And Identity In Adolescent Patients Dealing With A Cancer Diagnosis: Development Of A Method, Ariel Hortin

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Adolescents are a special category in pediatric oncology because of their unique physical and mental development. This patient population has needs specific to both their development and cancer diagnosis. Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) focuses on building awareness of inner sensations so that the patient can then connect those observations with felt emotions and thoughts. Connecting the physical experience with the emotional experience can provide helpful information for the patient as a tool for change. Building and strengthening relationships with family members also strengthens the critical support system for the patient. Dance Movement Therapy interventions may be effective in working with …

The Use Of Digital Mediums In Expressive Arts Therapy, Katherine Mcadams

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In recent years, there have been considerable advances in technology, which have made digital devices such as computers and cellphones cheaper and more accessible for most Americans. The Pew Research Center (2019) reports that 96% of adult American’s own a cellphone, with 81% owning a smartphone. Usage rates for cellphones and other digital devices amongst children and adolescents are also high with 95% of teens, aged 13-17, report owning a smartphone (Jiang, 2018). Despite these staggering statistics the field of psychology and creative therapies have been slower to adopt and incorporate the use of digital media and technology into the …

Drag As A Method Of Expressive Art Therapy For Lgbt+ Individuals, Nicole Soubosky

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The field of expressive art therapies utilize the process of creativity to promote therapeutic healing. The focus of this thesis is the mental health concerns that impact the LGBT+ community, and how the art of drag performance can be implemented as an arts-based treatment approach for this population. Traditional forms of mental health treatment reflect majority values that discount the experiences of queer individuals, despite the disproportionately high levels of mental health challenges faced by the LGBT+ population compared to those who identify as heteronormative. The research included in this thesis explores the mental health concerns prevalent within the LGBT+ …

Advocating For Neuro-Informed Music Therapy For Ptsd In Diverse Populations, A Literature Review, Shanell A. Percy

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Research indicates that music positively affects the brain, health, and wellness and continues to be researched for its effectiveness in treating PTSD. Traumatic memories are stored in the brain structures of the limbic system. Music has been shown to affect these brain structures, giving prospect to its use through music psychotherapy interventions as an effective treatment for PTSD. This review of music therapy literature assesses the effects of music on the brain, identifies current models for treating PTSD with music therapy, and considers culturally informed approaches to treatment. A widely known gap in the research of evidenced-based studies of music …