Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Climate Grief And Dance Movement Therapy: A Literature Review, Elisabeth Lovin

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Research is starting to focus on the effects of climate change on mental health, especially future-oriented anxieties and uncertainty about our planet’s liveability. Less commonly discussed are feelings of grief for the climate-related losses we have already sustained. This thesis organizes current literature about climate grief and data about the psychosomatic effects of climate-related losses and examines general grief counseling research, as well as presenting applications of dance movement therapy for grief and loss. Cultural and historical gestures and movements of grieving bodies and portrayals of grief in dance history support the proposal that dance movement therapists are capable of …

Effects Of Dance Movement Therapy On Nonverbal Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Erin Walsh

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis investigates the effects of an approach to Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) on communication outcomes in nonverbal children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Drawing inspiration from the DMT mirroring method, the research employed a unique methodology throughout five 60-minute group therapy sessions. The participants, five 13-16-year-old students each with a diagnosis of ASD, attended a private school specializing in behavioral and mental disabilities. Each participant presented with varying levels of communication and language impairments, ranging from nonverbal to minimally verbal. The study explores the intersection of ASD and DMT, focusing on how different DMT interventions can be tailored …

Developmental Transformations And Pediatric Ocd: A Review Of The Literature And Proposal For Drama Therapy In Treatment, Elizabeth A. Lewis

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

One to four percent of the population experiences obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and the majority of cases of begin in childhood or adolescence (Agarwal et al., 2016). Youth with OCD may experience barriers to their personal, familial, social, and academic success. In this Capstone Thesis paper, a critical review of the literature is conducted about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children and adolescents, standard treatment methods including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Developmental Transformations (DvT). DvT is proposed as a supplemental treatment method for pediatric OCD to be combined with ERP to combat treatment resistance, address …

Theatrical Intimacy Direction And Drama Therapy: A Community Workshop, Caitlin Mcfann

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Within the last several years, the field of intimacy direction and coordination has grown exponentially, both in usage within theatre and film and within public consciousness. Contributing to this rise is an increased awareness of and consideration for the potential psychological and emotional harm of production processes on performers. Both intimacy directors and drama therapists are uniquely equipped to handle such concerns: intimacy directors, due to their their frequent engagement with sensitive and potentially activating material, and drama therapists, due to their background in and understanding of both artistic and clinical processes.This thesis presents the process and results of a …

Being With Shame: A Literature Review Exploring Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts Therapy For Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Ellen Wildhagen

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review thematically explores the potential benefits of the Focusing-Oriented Expressive Art Therapy (FOAT) approach as a treatment for shame for adults survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The goals of this literature review are to discuss the characteristics, consequences and prevalence of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and its impact on subsequent pathology as well as outline terms and themes related to shame, dissociation, and avoidance; explore treatment models for working with shame-based negative sequelae for CSA survivors; investigate the theoretical models and benefits of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Sensorimotor for working with trauma and the body; condense the …

Utilizing Dance Movement Therapy In The Treatment Of Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder, Elizabeth Powers

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

There is a gap in the literature regarding treatment of pediatric Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FNSD) with Dance Movement Therapy (DMT). Functional neurological symptom disorder (FNSD) is a mental illness in which the affected individual experiences somatic symptoms in response to atypical nervous system activation. Dance movement therapy incorporates embodied experiences and physical movement in collaboration with emotional and psychological expression and processing. FNSD symptoms occur when the person’s symptoms are poorly integrated (Weiss et al., 2021) and is best treated through a variety of multidisciplinary treatments supporting all aspects of the client (Kim et al., 2022). Treatment often incorporates …

Navigating Cultural Transitions: A Drama Therapy Exploration Of Culture Shock Among International Students From South Asia And East Asia, Rithika Gopalakrishnan

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

South Asia and East Asia drive the recent surge in US global student enrollment, exceeding one million, collectively representing 60.141% of international students, with China and India contributing 53% alone. These figures underscore the need for focused research into the experiences of South Asian and East Asian international students in the United States, an area currently lacking comprehensive study. This thesis examines culture shock among South Asian and East Asian students at a university in the Northeast, exploring relevant theories, role of media portrayals, and drama therapy interventions. It investigates the effects of culture shock, such as strain, loss, rejection, …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

Embodied Parenting, Attentive Movement And The Kestenberg Movement Profile For Improving Physical, Emotional And Mental Health Domains For Postpartum Parents: A Literature Review, Kayla M. Medeiros

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Research has shown that dance/movement therapy (DMT) can improve the physical, mental, and emotional health of parents and DMT continues to be researched for parents going through postpartum. Postpartum is a phase of pregnancy that can affect the well-being of both birthing and non-birthing parents. DMT studies such as Kestenberg Movement Profiles (KMP), Embodied Parenting, and Attentive Movement offer techniques that can be used in all phases of the pregnancy. Phases include perinatal, delivery, postpartum, and family work. The review of dance/movement therapy literature and the impact it has on parents going through postpartum is just the beginning of some …

Art Therapy As A Tool To Enhance Social Skills In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Literature Review, Alejandra Deleon

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review delves into the advantages of using art-making as a means to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder acquire necessary social and communication skills. The review hones in on the challenges that children with ASD face in regards to their self-perception, social behaviors, emotional regulation, and environmental triggers. Specifically, it poses the question: how does art therapy benefit children who have been diagnosed with ASD? The review covers various literary categories, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Social Skills, Emotional Regulation, Attachment, Art Therapy Groups, and Art Mediums. Ultimately, the paper provides evidence that art therapy can be a beneficial …

Securing Attachment In The Nicu Through Polyvagal-Informed Dance/Movement Therapy: A Literature Review, Sophia Schneider

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The integration of polyvagal theory (PVT) and dance/movement therapy (DMT) may offer a nuanced approach to healing attachment between the parent-infant dyad in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This embedded modality offers insight into the manner in which attachment is influenced by a neurobiological basis, as well as how various somatic elements may assist in restructuring the autonomic nervous system to promote social engagement, self-regulation, and co-regulation. Therefore, this literature review explores the core elements of PVT and DMT, including the core rhythms of respiration, heart rate variability (HRV), heart rate, and vascular feedback/rhythmicity, and their influence on improving …

Nou Rive La Ak 2 Pye Nou: Exploring Creative And Expressive Movements With Recently Arrived Haitian Migrants Through A Community Engagement Project, Sahita Pierre-Antoine

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Haitian individuals and families constitute a large portion of the recently arrived migrants in Massachusetts. As the State struggles to respond to the logistics of the migration crisis, migrants are grappling with the mental health sequelae of their long and traumatic journeys: post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms are the top diagnoses among this population. Offering mental health services requires culturally-centered and trauma-informed methods that can respond to the needs of this population. Dance/movement therapy is an expressive modality that can be rooted in the rich cultural symbols and practices of the migrants to support them as they …

Exploring The Therapeutic Synergy: Dance/Movement Therapy And Electroconvulsive Therapy In Geriatric Patient Recovery, Alexandra Niezgoda

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone literature review synthesizes existing independent research on Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) to provide recommendations for professionals working with geriatric psychiatry patients who are undergoing Electroconvulsive Therapy treatment. This research addresses a gap in alternative care approaches for geriatric patients who are experiencing the side effects of long-term medical procedures. The data collected from this literature review offers evidence to support the use of Bartenieff fundamentals as a recovery tool for Electroconvulsive Therapy patients. Based on pre-existing research there are recommendations provided in the discussion section of this thesis on how to implement a movement group …

From Boys To Non-Toxic Men: An Intervention Using Expressive Arts Therapy To Foster Healthy Masculinity In Adult Men, Jennifer Liff

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

“Toxic masculinity” is a rigid form of masculine expression in the United States and other Western countries that espouses traditional norms of expression such as stoicism, power over others, control, aggression, and subjugation of women. Research has shown that it is detrimental to men’s mental health, and strict adherence to it is associated with higher rates of loneliness, depression, suicidal ideation, and violence. Earlier theories that have addressed toxic masculinity, such as the gender role strain paradigm, have taken a more pathological lens. However, the positive psychology/positive masculinity theory and relational cultural theory—contemporary theoretical frameworks that focus on healthy masculinity—show …

Exploring Family Stories Through Clay: A Community Project Inspired By Helen Cordero's Storytellers, Tamar Forman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This community art project presents the development and implementation of a clay workshop designed to engage families in intergenerational storytelling and joint creation of storyteller sculptures, inspired by the storyteller figurines created by Pueblo potter Helen Cordero. The paper presents research regarding the positive impact of intergenerational storytelling on family members' mental health, well-being, self-esteem, and identity formation. Additionally, there is a review of research that points to the transformative qualities of clay, which can enhance people's overall well-being, their sense of presence, wonder, and joy, and their ability to self-reflect. Since this project was inspired by the artwork of …

Enhance Inner Resilience And Self-Esteem: An Exploration Utilizing Expressive Arts Therapy In A Curriculum-Based Approach With Asian Immigrant Adolescents, Kevin Lin

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Asian and new immigrant adolescents often encounter difficulty transitioning to a new culture and environment foreign to their previous understandings. The clash between individualism and collectivism can impact their ability to adjust into the host culture, leading to limited coping skills when faced with acculturation difficulties. This capstone thesis utilized the integration of expressive arts therapy as part of a curriculum designed to help Asian immigrant adolescents build inner resilience and self-esteem to cope with immigration. Through further research on immigration, collectivism, individualism, creative expression, improvisational performance, art-based interventions, and expressive arts therapy, a curriculum-based approach was implemented in the …

Taking Off The Mask; Identity Development With Queer Emerging Adults, Lital Dotan

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review examines the potential of superhero-based drama therapy as a tool to foster feelings of agency, community building, and identity formation in queer emerging adults. Identity formation in this population is disrupted by internalized sexual stigma and isolation due to minority stressors specific to queer emerging adults. Identity formation is a crucial aspect of the developmental stage of emerging adulthood and is essential to mental wellness. By reviewing the history of queer readings of superhero media, the effective use of superhero-based therapeutic interventions, and the relevance of drama therapy processes in these interventions, it is concluded that drama …

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 …

The Arts As A Bridge For Connection With Filipino-Americans: A Literature Review, Jillian Mariano

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review focuses on how the arts in therapeutic practice can be utilized to enhance the well-being and mental health of the identified population of Filipino-Americans. This literature review explores the culture of origin of the Philippines, reviewing the country's history with colonization and contemporary influences, the outlook of mental health, and the quality and access to treatment. Filipino values are also examined in connection to the human condition, in addition to the roles of the arts in culture, as well as how Filipino-Americans navigate mental health challenges. This includes the culture created from the Filipino identity in the …

Moving And Dancing Mindfully: A Community-Based Project For A Competitive Dance Team, Clare Terrio

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This graduate-level thesis explores the integration of mindfulness and Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) principles applied to the competitive dance community. Drawing from the personal experience and studies of DMT of the author, there is an exploration of the importance of mindfulness when fostering dancers' connection to their bodies and promoting wellbeing through a community-based project. A one-hour workshop titled "Moving and Dancing Mindfully" was conducted to explore these concepts with a competitive dance team (N = 18), aged fourteen to eighteen. The workshop took place at a dance studio located in a suburban, lower to middle-class community in the East …

The Use Of Music Therapy With Non-English Speaking Older Adults, Yeeun Lee

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This study explores the unique challenges associated with language barriers and cultural adaptation by immigrant older adult populations, especially non-English speaking individuals aged 65 and older, in English-speaking environment, and explores what music means as a communication tool beyond cultural and language barriers. The researcher addresses three big topics which include the challenges faced by non-English speaking older adults, the role of music therapy in addressing language barriers, and music therapy with non-English speaking older adults. The researcher sought to answer the following question: What does the academic scholarship on music therapy as a form of nonverbal expression say about …