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Impact Of Covid-19 On Asian Communities In The U.S. And A Treatment Intervention For Collective Trauma Through Art Therapy: A Literature Review, Elena Zhuoqian Li Sep 2021

Impact Of Covid-19 On Asian Communities In The U.S. And A Treatment Intervention For Collective Trauma Through Art Therapy: A Literature Review, Elena Zhuoqian Li

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Acknowledging the Asian community’s racial trauma during the COVID-19 is extremely important for the mental health community to understand as the impact of collective trauma can be significant on an individual. Discussions on how racism could play a major role in aggravating collective trauma have been re-ignited due to the COVID-19. This literature review aims to introduce a different perspective from an Asian-identifying person as part of the minority groups that have been amid racial prejudice and hatred in the United States, what they are experiencing during this time, and how the pandemic impacts their mental health. By analyzing existing …


Drag As A Method Of Expressive Art Therapy For Lgbt+ Individuals, Nicole Soubosky Sep 2021

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+ …


Giving A Voice To Children In Foster Care Through Narrative Puppetry And Storytelling, Lindsay Beebe Sep 2021

Giving A Voice To Children In Foster Care Through Narrative Puppetry And Storytelling, Lindsay Beebe

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract Children in foster care are typically under the direction of adults and are rarely given a chance to share their voices. Whether it be the confusion they have regarding what led them to be placed in foster care, hopes for their future, or what they require to feel safe and supported in their foster home, it is rare for children in foster care to be given the opportunity to communicate their experiences in a creative and safe environment where they are encouraged to play and be the experts of their experience. The placement of a child into the foster …


Exploring Gender Identity Through A Camera's Lens: A Literature Review, Mackenzie Ganier Sep 2021

Exploring Gender Identity Through A Camera's Lens: A Literature Review, Mackenzie Ganier

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Despite a growing number of individuals who identify as non-binary, there is still a lack of understanding, language and acceptance of their identity. Dominant narratives perpetuate the gender binary and often exclude individuals who identify outside of this narrative. With so little representation regarding non-binary identities (spelling), how can therapists support potential non-binary clients? Phototherapy may be used as a viable intervention for non-binary individuals as they continue to explore their gender identity. Through a review of research and literature, this thesis attempts to gain information regarding gender identity development based on environmental factors such as dominant narratives and socialization.


Dance Movement Therapy For Clients With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Literature Review, Holly Inman Sep 2021

Dance Movement Therapy For Clients With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Literature Review, Holly Inman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The overall focus of this thesis study is to take a closer look at how dance movement therapy could beneficially impact people diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The literature reviewed focuses on the history of dance movement therapy along with several methods of the therapeutic practice, the beginning stages of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder re- search as well as the current treatment methods, and the current work being done with dance movement therapy and clients with this diagnosis. Many of the symptoms considered within this diagnosis are supported by the structure of dance movement therapy, serving as a beneficial …


Exploring Identity Development Through The Expressive Arts Among Immigrant Youth, A Literature Review, Jessika De Castro Sep 2021

Exploring Identity Development Through The Expressive Arts Among Immigrant Youth, A Literature Review, Jessika De Castro

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

According to the APA’s Presidential Task Force on Immigration (2012), the immigrant population within the US increases every year. Immigration to a new country increases risk factors for young immigrants, resulting in a negative impact on their mental health. It has been shown in the literature that arts-based approaches can be extremely helpful in the treatment of mental health issues brought on by the stressors of immigration and when people are dealing with a sense of loss towards their country of origin. For first generation immigrants, coming to the US during their adolescence, as young adults, means that they are …


The Use Of Digital Mediums In Expressive Arts Therapy, Katherine Mcadams Sep 2021

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 …


Exploring The Circle Of Courage Through Art Therapy: A Literature Review, Kendra Denny Arey Sep 2021

Exploring The Circle Of Courage Through Art Therapy: A Literature Review, Kendra Denny Arey

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The Circle of Courage is a framework based on Native principles of childrearing that identifies four major components of healthy human development. When fulfilled, these areas of development provide a strong foundation of resilience to life challenges. However, with youth of today these basic developmental needs are often unmet, leaving them at risk for maladaptive coping strategies, behavioral problems, and other challenges as they transition into adulthood. Although extensive work has been done to adapt the Circle of Courage framework to clinical settings, there is little information on how to help youth engage in a process of self-reflection within this …


Is It Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?, Ivette Berger Sep 2021

Is It Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?, Ivette Berger

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This is a review of the current literature between the comorbidities and physiological symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), specifically in adolescents. The method used by this writer was examining peer- reviewed articles and books focused on PTSD and ADHD. Quantitative and qualitative research was reviewed and used to provide support on the comorbidities between PTSD and ADHD. Lastly, this paper discusses and explores how dance/movement therapy (DMT) should be a treatment option when working with this population since dance/movement therapy uses body observations and assessment tools that aid in diagnosing and treating individuals diagnosed …


A Literature Review On Expressive Dance/Movement Therapy Supporting Mental Health And Menstruation, Chantal Nathalie Bañuelos-Atienza May 2021

A Literature Review On Expressive Dance/Movement Therapy Supporting Mental Health And Menstruation, Chantal Nathalie Bañuelos-Atienza

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The aim of this thesis is to inform and showcase the importance of Expressive Dance/Movement Therapy Supporting Mental Health and Menstruation. Through the extensive search for data the writer found a gap in current treatment options that do not utilize the benefits of Expressive Dance/Movement Therapy and or Creative Arts as a treatment option for womxn suffering from Premenstrual Symptoms (PMS), Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME) and or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). By using case studies that support Expressive Dance/Movement Therapy as a theoretical framework to demonstrate the effects of mindfulness, emotional benefits of creative arts, and cultivating embodiment of sensual empowerment. …


The Effectiveness Of Build-A-Bop As A Tool To Build Self-Efficacy On An Inpatient Unit, Keynessa Nazaire May 2021

The Effectiveness Of Build-A-Bop As A Tool To Build Self-Efficacy On An Inpatient Unit, Keynessa Nazaire

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis explored Build-A-Bop, an original intervention that utilizes elements of drama therapy, music therapy, and Hip-Hop therapy with adults who have been admitted to an adult inpatient short-term unit. Research has shown that hip hop therapy and drama therapy are effective approaches in an adult short-term psychiatric unit (Keisari & Palgi, 2017). This paper presents the foundation for Build-A-Bop and explored its capacity to encourage self-efficacy with adults in an inpatient psychiatric unit. For the purposes of this thesis, Build-A-Bop was broken into four different groups, where each group activity was run by a single drama therapist, who was …


Trauma Effects, Empathy, And Dance/Movement Therapy: A Literature Review, Jenna Soldati May 2021

Trauma Effects, Empathy, And Dance/Movement Therapy: A Literature Review, Jenna Soldati

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Trauma exists at many levels, affecting people in various ways biologically and emotionally. Trauma and adverse experiences have been researched, suggesting effects on the whole individual including their psychological, physical, and social wellness (Cristobal, 2018; Greenberg, Baron-Cohen, Rosenberg, Fonagy, & Rentfrow, 2018; Levy, Goldstein, & Feldman, 2019; Olofsson, Iddli, Hoffart, Eielsen, & Vrabel, 2020). Similarly, empathy and empathic behaviors exist on a varying scale as well. Investigating the effects of trauma on empathy, themes of resilience emerge in survivors of trauma and provide insight into alternative healing modalities. Dance/movement therapy and other mindfulness-based treatments provide a method of trauma-informed care …


The Value Of Parental Involvement In Play Therapy With Children Exposed To Trauma: A Literature Review, Kellie Difederico May 2021

The Value Of Parental Involvement In Play Therapy With Children Exposed To Trauma: A Literature Review, Kellie Difederico

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review explores current research focusing on parent, caregiver or guardian involvement in therapy for children exposed to trauma. This research differentiates parent as a safe space, or systemic work with family dynamics, from parent as an important role within the healing process. Current methods inspired from the attachment approach to therapy including trauma focused-cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), filial therapy, child parent psychotherapy (CPP), parent child dyadic art therapy, child parent relationship therapy (CPRT), and child centered play therapy (CCPT) are explored, helping to gain a better understand of both clinical and parental perspectives of parental involvement in therapy. …


The Need For School-Based Trauma-Informed Drama Therapy Interventions: A Literature Review, Nicole Ventura May 2021

The Need For School-Based Trauma-Informed Drama Therapy Interventions: A Literature Review, Nicole Ventura

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In this capstone thesis, the author explores the availability and accessibility of school-based trauma-informed drama therapy interventions as a means to address the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). A significant amount of research exploring the impact of ACEs is focused on the long-term negative effects they have on adults, reflecting back on how the adverse childhood experiences impacted their continued development (Brown et al., 2009; Chapman et al., 2004). However, less attention has been paid to the impact of such experiences on children during their childhood. Rather than waiting for ACEs to turn into lifelong physical and mental health …


Developing A Movement-Based Group For High Schoolers With Anxiety During Covid-19, Samantha Harding May 2021

Developing A Movement-Based Group For High Schoolers With Anxiety During Covid-19, Samantha Harding

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with negative mental health outcomes, including increased rates of anxiety among adolescents. Adolescents with social-emotional disabilities experience additional challenges adapting to disruptions in routine and coping with feelings of anxiety caused by the pandemic. While effective treatments for reducing symptoms of anxiety exist, a large proportion of adolescents with clinical or sub-clinical levels of anxiety lack access to such treatment or do not seek out treatment on their own. Schools are seen as an ideal setting to implement programs that teach adolescents effective coping skills, however, the pandemic has drastically altered school settings and …


The Effectiveness Of Art Therapy As A Treatment Modality In Improving Quality Of Life For Adults With Chronic Pain, Kayley Nelson May 2021

The Effectiveness Of Art Therapy As A Treatment Modality In Improving Quality Of Life For Adults With Chronic Pain, Kayley Nelson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The efficacy of art therapy is explored in the context of improving the quality of life and mental health of individuals experiencing chronic pain. The exploration and examination of previous research on chronic pain and art therapy have led to various interconnected themes that tie together the needs of this population with the healing aspects of this treatment method. Through gathering data on both the negative impact of chronic pain and the healing aspects of art therapy and exploring research on chronic pain art therapy groups already in action, it can be deduced that future research may further illuminate the …


Disrupting Self-Silencing In Cisgender Women Using Drama Therapy’S Role Theory And Role Method, Jennifer Ansted May 2021

Disrupting Self-Silencing In Cisgender Women Using Drama Therapy’S Role Theory And Role Method, Jennifer Ansted

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Self-silencing is the repression of one’s own emotions, restriction of self-expression, and showing concern for others over the self as a result of societal ideals and expectations imposed on a person because of gender. This thesis approaches self-silencing from a relational cultural perspective and uses attachment theory and Jack’s (1993) Silencing the Self Theory to understand why self-silencing occurs and its impact on cisgender women. Potential therapeutic interventions for women who self-silence are proposed using drama therapy’s role theory and role method. Furthermore, updates to the current role taxonomy to be more inclusive of roles relevant to women and self-silencing …


Exploring Tactile Art-Making With Deafblind Students And Their Families: An Opportunity For Creative Play, Alice Rodgers May 2021

Exploring Tactile Art-Making With Deafblind Students And Their Families: An Opportunity For Creative Play, Alice Rodgers

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The impact of a deafblind diagnosis on an individual’s mental health and the well-being of the family involved can be profound. However, current research and available literature for the mental health treatment and therapy practices of deafblind persons and their families is limited (Kyzar et al., 2016; “WFDB Global Report 2018,” n.d.). This thesis used the Leeds Family Psychology and Therapy Service principles (Leeds FPTS) and the Expressive Therapies Continuum with established deafblind teaching strategies to facilitate an original arts-based community project entitled: “Things We Like.” This project provided an opportunity for deafblind students (ages three to 22) and their …


Queer Embodiment And Semiotics: Reclamation In Lgbtq+ Adult Community By Designing And Wearing Temporary Tattoos, Sara Bonnick May 2021

Queer Embodiment And Semiotics: Reclamation In Lgbtq+ Adult Community By Designing And Wearing Temporary Tattoos, Sara Bonnick

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper presents a new approach that centers on supporting and bringing forth the embodied narratives of LGBTQ+ adults through designing and wearing temporary tattoos. The researcher synthesizes literature in regards to notable historical symbols of queer visibility, tattooing as a social work adjacent practice, and previous interventions that have been conducted with the LGBTQ+ community. The researcher also provides a focus on how temporary tattoos have been utilized in past expressive art therapy methods. The majority of preexisting research within the intersections of queerness, tattoos, and art therapy techniques are often rooted in themes related to self-perception, community connection, …


The Effect Of Architecture And Design On Mental Health And Implications For Open Art Studios, Alyssa Chappe May 2021

The Effect Of Architecture And Design On Mental Health And Implications For Open Art Studios, Alyssa Chappe

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In this literature review I will discuss the history of architecture and design in the mental health field. I investigate what has been studied on how different aspects of design, such as safety and security, noise and external stressors, space and interior layout, nature, lighting and atmosphere, art, community, and the therapeutic milieu all impacts mental health. With the understanding of these aspects, I explore the importance of and how to utilize purpose-built design in open art studio spaces. Incorporating elements such as natural lighting, open floor plans, private and open community spaces, artwork, safety procedures, and nature/views of nature, …


A Virtual Art Therapy Curriculum For High School Students During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Informed By Bronfenbrenner’S Ecological Systems Theory, Kendra Soule May 2021

A Virtual Art Therapy Curriculum For High School Students During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Informed By Bronfenbrenner’S Ecological Systems Theory, Kendra Soule

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

During the 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic became a global health threat. In order to maintain public safety many schools had to transition onto a virtual space using online programs and classrooms. Not only did schools move to an online platform, but also mental health therapy moved to telehealth platforms to serve those affected by the pandemic. Art therapy is a form of therapy that uses the tangible art making process, art piece, and therapeutic relationship as aspects of therapy. With the move to the virtual setting, art therapists had to modify their work to fit the new setting. Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological …


Neuro-Informed Music Therapy For The Treatment Of Anxiety And Depression: A Literature Review, Sarah E. Sullivan May 2021

Neuro-Informed Music Therapy For The Treatment Of Anxiety And Depression: A Literature Review, Sarah E. Sullivan

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis project is a literature review of research specifically regarding the neuroscience and neurochemistry of music and how it can inform music therapy treatment of mental health. Mental health is a large, overarching term that includes many disorders that refer to one’s psychological and/or emotional condition(s), which further includes an individual’s social well-being. This can include, but is not limited to, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This paper will focus in on a research-based, neuro-informed music therapy treatment of anxiety and depression. The goal of this paper was to provide research toward a future method in …


Positive Self Imagery Collage: An Expressive Arts Therapy Intervention Developed For Adolescents In A Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program, Mackenzie Lee May 2021

Positive Self Imagery Collage: An Expressive Arts Therapy Intervention Developed For Adolescents In A Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program, Mackenzie Lee

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis describes an intervention for adolescents in a virtual, group-based partial hospitalization program (PHP). Research in various effective therapeutic methods including supportive music and imagery (SMI), trauma-informed art therapy with adolescents, strength-based psychology, and digital artmaking informed my intervention, “Positive Self Imagery Collage” (PSIC). Group members created virtual collages representative of a SMI experience designed to imagine oneself “trying on” positive traits. PSIC was implemented in a virtual PHP via Zoom for adolescents. The intervention was documented through personal journaling and virtual artmaking. PSIC took place multiple times between January and March 2021, each time with a new set …


How Nature Calls In A More Secure Sense Of Self In The Face Of Perfectionism: An Expressive Arts Therapy Journey To Self-Identity, Marissa Aldieri May 2021

How Nature Calls In A More Secure Sense Of Self In The Face Of Perfectionism: An Expressive Arts Therapy Journey To Self-Identity, Marissa Aldieri

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis explores the relational dimensions of perfectionism, expressive arts therapy (ExAT), and the more-than-human natural world as these components influence the development and maintenance of the “sense of self.” This term refers to a perception of the “self” as a set of traits and beliefs that shape an individual’s perceived purpose in the world, often heavily influenced by external societal pressures at a young age. “I’m not good enough” often rings in the ears of educators, parents, coaches, expressive arts therapists, and other mental health workers as the fear of vulnerability, judgment, and failure inhibits creative impulse and intuitive …


Exploring Music, Imagery, And Racial-Ethnic-Cultural Identity With Youth In A Community Music Program: A Community Engagement Project, Anne Case May 2021

Exploring Music, Imagery, And Racial-Ethnic-Cultural Identity With Youth In A Community Music Program: A Community Engagement Project, Anne Case

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The purpose of this community engagement project was to explore the use of music and imagery activities to support the racial-ethnic-cultural identity development of youth in a community music program. Using music, how do youth navigate identity development in their social-political-cultural context? The workshop structure and approaches were grounded in the liberatory approaches of Paulo Freire, with the aim of shifting power dynamics and expanding the critical awareness and consciousness of participants. In an unjust society in which marginalized groups are disproportionally burdened, the exploration and development of racial-ethnic-cultural identity and consciousness are protective factors and should be important topics …


The Weight Of Trauma: Exploring A New Method In Dance/Movement Therapy For Trauma Processing With Adolescents, Xavia Hawkins May 2021

The Weight Of Trauma: Exploring A New Method In Dance/Movement Therapy For Trauma Processing With Adolescents, Xavia Hawkins

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This author developed a movement-based trauma informed method that implemented symbolic play with sandbag weights with light and dark colored scarves, with adolescents at the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster, MA. This thesis was developed to observe how adolescents prioritize the magnitude of their trauma experiences to serve as additional insight towards treatment planning. Over a four-week process, participants created artistic responses to the trauma they identified most prevalent and engaged in symbolic play with different mediums in order to ultimately choose which prop felt most representative to how they viewed their trauma. This movement-based study supports …


Art Therapy Provides Relief To New And Expecting Mothers, Dailie Jeffs May 2021

Art Therapy Provides Relief To New And Expecting Mothers, Dailie Jeffs

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Throughout pregnancy, during childbirth, and after childbirth, new and expecting mothers often experience a great amount of anxiety and depressive symptoms that can be classified into three divisions: prenatal anxiety, fear of childbirth, and postpartum depression. Often these symptoms are overlooked and unresolved due to their short time span and being specifically linked to childbirth. However, these symptoms cause a lesser quality of life for the mother that can highly impact the mother and her newborn short-term and long-term. Art therapy techniques, explained by the Expressive Therapy’s Continuum, have proved beneficial in the aid of alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms …


How Can The Expressive Arts Therapy Benefit Latinx/Latine Immigrant Families? A Literature, Maria Ticona May 2021

How Can The Expressive Arts Therapy Benefit Latinx/Latine Immigrant Families? A Literature, Maria Ticona

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Although there are many years of research and practice for the fields of family therapy and expressive arts therapy, there have been few times when the two integrated. In this Literature Review, the intersection between expressive arts therapy and family therapy is explored to further envision how it could benefit families who are Latinx/Latine immigrant. These families often experience traumatic poverty and violence in their home countries which leads them to decide to migrate. The journey to migrate to the United States, acculturate to a new culture, a new language, grapple with being undocumented or having temporary legality, and discrimination …


The Care And Keeping Of Therapeutic Connection In Telehealth: An Embodied Inquiry, Caitlyn Gilmore May 2021

The Care And Keeping Of Therapeutic Connection In Telehealth: An Embodied Inquiry, Caitlyn Gilmore

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This qualitative embodied artistic inquiry self-study, developed through my perspective as an emerging dance and movement therapist, explored the effects of using telehealth for therapy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The available literature discussed throughout this capstone thesis suggest that the adaptations made to therapy as a result of the pandemic affected the practices associated with dance and movement therapy’s theoretical principles of embodiment, attunement, and somatic countertransference. Because of the unknowns of COVID 19, research on mitigating the negative aspects of telehealth is still emerging, thus increasing my anxiety as an emerging professional. In order to address the anxiety …


Bringing The Body Into Art Therapy: The Use Of Touch And Body Awareness In Creative Healing, Janna Corsetti May 2021

Bringing The Body Into Art Therapy: The Use Of Touch And Body Awareness In Creative Healing, Janna Corsetti

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The focus on the use of healing touch and body awareness in art therapy is critically lacking. Despite the research supporting the use of body-oriented techniques in clinical therapy, there is little research related to this use specifically in art therapy. Research reveals that healing touch and body awareness can be instrumental in healing trauma, if done with the proper training and boundaries in place. The first form of attachment and comfort for children is that of touch. Therefore, it is imperative to acknowledge the power of touch and body awareness when healing from traumatic experiences. The purpose of this …