Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

An Open Studio Approach To Adolescent Identity Formation: A Development Of A Method, Bailey E. Mccombs

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Adolescence is a time of growth, enhanced understanding of self, and testing out how one may present in a group. Erikson described this stage as an opportunity to branch out from family influence and begin to understand one’s role among peers. This method involved an open studio approach using altered books to support adolescent identity formation. The participants were all from a private middle school in the Boston area. Participation was voluntary for each student and all materials were provided by the facilitator. Participant engagement in the group increased each week. The open studio group appeared to appeal to certain …

Using Body Oriented Interventions For Impulse Control In Individuals Struggling With Addiction: A Literature Review, Cheryl Cavey

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper is a literature review that explores the literature on addiction, impulsivity and dance/movement therapy (DMT), culminating in a discussion on combining the research to inform a new direction in treating Substance Use Disorders (SUD). Exploring an understanding of addiction paired with what is understood about the reality of impulsivity, it is suggested that a DMT approach can be used to create a deeper personal understanding of the self. By focusing on sensations and recognizing established patterns, those in treatment can begin to respond instead of react to the urges and cravings that inform impulsive behaviors. This paper examines …

Trauma-Focused Cbt Informed Music Therapy: Connecting Traumatized Youth With Affective Modulation — Developing A Method, Genevieve Kurtzman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

Remediating the impact of trauma experienced by children and adolescents is a focus of psychotherapy treatment. Research in neurology suggests brain development of youths who have experienced trauma is impacted in negative ways. One impact noted is a delay of the development of emotional perception and regulation, where youths may demonstrate an inability to perceive and identify feelings within themselves or others and may experience inappropriate emotional outbursts or emotional withdrawal. Evidence-based practices (EBPs) with specific components and protocols are increasingly preferred by consumers and insurance providers due to research-supported results within expedient timeframes. Music therapy is an evidence-based …

Anxiety Symptoms, Childhood Autism And Improvisational Music Therapy: A Clinical Method, Talaye Zarafshandardaky

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis explores the efficacy of improvisational music therapy in reducing symptoms of anxiety among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Through a clinical review of the literature on the topic of anxiety symptoms, autism disorder and improvisational music therapy in conjunction with individual music therapy sessions with one student, which pertained one session of music therapy per week for a month with a client, diagnosed with autisms disorder. The participant was observed from his transition from class to music therapy session until the end of the day at school. The observations found from the study suggest that children …

Treating The Trauma Within: Dance/Movement Therapy And Survivors Of Child Sexual Abuse, A Literature Review, Alexandra Welych-Miller

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a form of sexual assault that affects a large percentage of the world population. Whether the abuse occurs once or chronically across a period of time, sexual trauma caused by CSA can contribute to severe post-traumatic symptoms throughout the lifespan. These symptoms can affect an individual’s mental health and relationship to their body. Because sexual abuse directly violates an individual’s body, it is important for practitioners to find creative ways to treat its lingering effects. Many researchers have turned to body-based interventions, such as dance/movement therapy (DMT), to explore the treatment of trauma symptoms in …

A Literature Review On Substance Related Grief And Expressive Art Therapy Support Groups, Holly N. St. Cyr

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In the year of 2017, 18.7 million Americans aged 18 years or older were reported to have a substance use disorder and the pervasiveness of substance related deaths escalated (McCance- Katz, 2017). Researchers have examined how grief experienced by substance users and their loved ones is often disenfranchised by social stigmatization, loss of support, and feelings of regret, blame, humiliation, and shame. According to Valentine, Bauld, and Walter, (2016) “bereavement following a drug or alcohol related death has been largely neglected in research and service provision, despite its global prevalence and potentially devastating consequences for those concerned,” (p. 283). Studies …

Dmt And “The Man Box:” Provoking Change And Encouraging Authentic Living, An Arts-Based Project, Steven Reynolds

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis explores the mind-body experience through an arts-based research approach to examine, and redefine the emotional capacity and usefulness of males through societal determinants that limits and hinders men from living their authentic selves. Through the lens of a metaphoric “Man Box” 112 men participated in a workshop recreating their personal narratives of socialization through, style of dress, coping mechanisms, belief systems and who they should be as men through society's standards. In the “Man Box,” male bonding, and emotional feelings are discouraged, while the objectification of women, material property and physical/emotional strength are encouraged. This research investigates the …

Social Goals In Adults With Asd: The Case For Ballroom In Dance/Movement Therapy, Stacey Crimans

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The author explores the challenges experienced by adults with Autism (ASD) and their families, especially once they have left the public school system and are faced with entering college, a job, and any other goals they may desire. Adults with Autism generally are not researched nearly as much as children with Autism, but there is even less research using the modality of Dance/Movement Therapy as treatment for this population. The author explores how Dance/Movement Therapy might benefit from the incorporation of Polyvagal Theory with this population as well as elements of ballroom dancing. Specifics concerning why elements of social ballroom …

Existential Art Therapy In Children’S Bereavement Groups: Development Of A Method, Catherine Johnson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Children and adolescents who have experienced the death of a family member are faced with the emotional journey of grieving their loss, which may be accompanied with existential concerns about life and death in general. Bereavement programs serve to connect children with others who know what losing a family member is like. Art therapy can be used in these bereavement groups to express and give shape to the emotions and memories the participants have. It is a non-verbal way to reflect and find meaning that can come from post-traumatic growth. This capstone thesis project explores an art therapy method for …

Dance/Movement Therapy As Influence On Sense Of Self: A Community Engagement Project, Jasmine Yahid

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This community engagement project seeks to explore the influence of dance/movement therapy and authentic movement techniques on one’s sense of self. This project focused on these techniques as an approach toward self-actualization and finding one’s essence. This study considered the potential implications of these practices on populations whose bodily experience can be perceived as a barrier toward self-actualization, such as in eating disorders and trauma. Six expressive therapy students from Lesley University participated in two sessions of dance/movement therapy. This included: a movement-exploration warm up, authentic movement, and a visual artistic representation of their perceived essence based on the experiential. …

Beyond Regression: An Investigation Of Art Material Choice For Children With Trauma, Natalie Lane

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Choice in art materials and the artistic process are arguably two of the primary facets of how art making can be therapeutic. The purpose of the present inquiry was to investigate the impacts of art material choice in children who have experienced trauma. Using the expressive therapies continuum (ETC) as a foundation for choosing art materials in a therapeutic context, this inquiry sought to introduce art materials in the kinesthetic/sensory component of the ETC (e.g., clay, paint, large paint brushes, etc.). As a mediating consideration, this inquiry articulated the responsibilities and obligations that the art therapist possesses in working with …

Solution Focused Brief Expressive Arts Therapy, David Sherman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This graduate capstone thesis paper and project proposes a new therapeutic intervention called Solution-Focused Brief Expressive Arts Therapy (SFBExAT). This intervention and approach is based on the synthesized theories, techniques, and principles of Expressive Arts Therapy (ExAT) and Solution- Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). A review of relevant literature on the combined use of SFBT, ExAT and expressive therapies, as well as on the foundational literature of the individual theories establishes conceptual grounds for a SFBExAT model. A SFBExAT intervention is developed and explained. The intervention was ultimately applied in a hospital outpatient setting with a teenage client. The process, results …

Finding My Superpowers: Developing A Coping Skills Method Using Art Therapy As An Intervention For Children And Adolescents With Mood Disorders, Maria Williams

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Children begin developing types of coping skills as early as age two. Children and adolescents use both positive and negative coping skills each day in order to navigate life’s experiences. Negative coping skills that develop at a young age can affect the child or adolescent later in adulthood. The development of positive coping mechanisms will allow children to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. When it comes to children with mood disorders, natural skills for coping and resiliency may not come as easy. Children and adolescents experiencing acute mental health treatment in an inpatient facility often come in already in …

The Metaphor Of Protected Spacein Therapy With Survivors Of Trauma: Development Of An Art Therapy Method, Aiden J. Reis

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Building a sense of safety through containment is a key component of working with clients who have significant trauma histories. This capstone thesis explores the current literature on the symbolism of containment in the therapeutic relationship as well as the effectiveness of using containers such as boxes, books, mandalas, in art therapy, and imagined containers in EMDR in supporting clients to heal from trauma. Quantitative studies demonstrating the efficacy of creating mandalas to reduce Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms is significant. After reviewing the relevant literature, I present a preliminary treatment directive in which clients design and draw an image …

Queering Music Therapy: Literature Review Of Queer Music Therapy And Music Therapy Education, Eva M. Steward

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis presents current research on the queer (LGBTQ+) community and music therapy. Research on the education of music therapists in working with queer identified clients and patients as well as the current theories and recommendations when providing affirming music therapy for queer clients and patients is discussed. Queer theory is defined and its relationship to psychotherapy, expressive arts therapies, and music therapy is explored. This research shows that even though there is a current push for music therapists to create an affirming and therapeutic environment with queer clients and patients, there is a lack of research, education, and …

Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy For Adults At A Short-Term Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital, Megan Kenyon

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Research has shown that trauma has serious effects on a person throughout their lifespan and can often be linked with mental illness. This is significant because individuals with mental illness who have experienced trauma may be hospitalized at an inpatient psychiatric facility at some point in their lifetime. Because patients in an inpatient level of care are in crisis, it would be inappropriate to provide trauma treatment. Instead, the focus of an inpatient stay is on safety and stabilization. However providing trauma-informed care at an inpatient facility is vital for all levels of acuity. This means providing care that is …

Images Of The Self: A Literature Review Exploring The Use Of Altered Book Making With Adolescent Girls With Anxiety And Depression, Erica Mccracken

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The aim of this capstone thesis is to explore the use of altered books with adolescent girls as a form of treatment for anxiety and depression. It first looks at existing literature to ascertain reasons for the higher prevalence of mental health challenges in girls than boys. Various case examples are presented as evidence for the efficacy of altered books in art therapy. The use of art therapy is explored with girls with low self-esteem and body image issues, the beneficial qualities of group art therapy, and altered book making as a means for treatment. The review of literature and …

Watering Black Roots: Exploring Black Ecological Identity Development Within Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy, Stormy Saint-Val

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Nature-based expressive arts therapy promotes the holistic healing and recovery of individuals by interweaving the practices of ecopsychology, ecotherapy, and expressive arts therapy. These interventions have been proven to mediate ranges of symptomologies, such as anxiety disorders and PTSD. Research conducted by the U.S. National Park Services indicates that African- Americans are less likely to have a positive relationship to nature than all other racial groups. The amplification of this report without introspection of its context perpetuates racialized generalizations. This can limit a black individual’s ability to embrace their ecological identity and be receptive of nature-based expressive arts therapy interventions. …

S’Klallam Wellness: Community Engagement Project, Rachel Smart

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The S’Klallam Nation, composed of three federally recognized tribes, has experienced historical, intergenerational, acute, and complex trauma. Supporting S’Klallam wellness requires cultivation of an understanding of how Native people have faced, and continue to face, and overcome these challenges. A review of literature related to Native wellness, reveals the importance of enculturation. A community engagement project, reveals how exploring cultural arts and activities as modes of fostering wellness is beneficial to the S’Klallam people. The relationship between the expressive arts therapies, including dance/movement therapy, as defined by western academic institutions is questioned.

Music Interventions For Chinese Patient With Parkinson's Disease: Alleviating Symptoms Through Arts-Based Interventions, Yan-Jhu Su

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Care for the elderly is increasingly important, especially in long-term care centers. How to maintain the quality of life of the elderly is a very important issue for a therapist. There are many therapists dedicated to developing unique expressive arts therapy treatments for residents in long-term care centers. For these customized treatments, therapists need to consider a number of factors, including the problems for referral, medications, and diagnosis. In addition, the patient's cultural background is one of the factors that must be considered in designing a treatment plan. This inquiry explores how music therapy interventions can help a patient from …

Exploring Intersections Of Queer Artist Identities Through Music: A Community Engagement Project, Derrick Lacasse

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Members of the LGBTQ+ or Queer community are likely to experience minority stress throughout their lives (Borgogna et al., 2018). This community engagement project explored the intersections of identity among artists in the queer community to better understand how art can be used to heal from minority stress. An all-queer space was created to allow members of the queer community to feel relief from minority stress and speak without feeling judged. Through art making, sharing, discussions, and singing together members of the queer community were able to build resilience and deepen hope. Findings for this project indexed queer artists’ use …

Enduring Resilience: An Exploration Of Puerto Rican Colonization, Hurricane Maria, And Ongoing Healing Through Cultural Rituals, Jasmin Isabel Torrejón

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis seeks to illuminate the economic, cultural and social subjugation of Puerto Rico, and its people, through the stripping of personal and political self-determination imposed by U.S. colonization. This research explores historic examples of Puerto Rican perseverance and analyzes psychologically protective factors supporting survivorship and resilience, such as familism and ontological security. The effects of Hurricane Maria on mental health are highlighted in the research, as is the correlation between a lack of electrical power and adverse health/wellness outcomes. Models for collective liberation and social justice are discussed and exemplified through the case study of a march that took …

The Effects Of Dance And Movement Therapy With Adolescents Who Have Experienced Trauma, A Literature Review, Katherine Anderson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

With the growing number of trauma-informed practices in the mental health field, it is necessary to look at what best practices should be implemented in treating adolescents who have experienced trauma, specifically from a body-based intervention, such as dance and movement therapy. In this literature review, articles are discussed that encompass the following topics: dance and movement therapy and trauma, general dance interventions for the adolescent population, empowerment models as a way to cope with trauma symptoms, and cultural considerations of treating adolescent females of color. The gaps in current research must be acknowledged, specifically dance and movement therapy interventions …

Implications And Applications Of Eco-Therapy On Art Therapy, Eliza Bessone

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Eco-Psychology and Eco-therapy are emerging theory and approach to mental health counseling which attempt to fill a call within the practice of psychology to consider the relationship of the individual with nature. In the United States this developed through the work of several different professionals and disciplines following the Green Movement in the 1980’s, newfound attention was focused on the relationship between humans, the earth, and the effects of global climate change on both parties. Meanwhile in Europe, the development of the Care Farm Model and multifunctional agriculture emerged as a response to unhealthy farming practices as well as an …

Being A Witness: Using Kinesthetic Empathy As A Reflective Tool For Clients, Nishtha Agarwal

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The body can be described as the container of one’s entire life experience with movement and sensation as its language, known as kinesthetic empathy. Authentic Movement is a practice that makes use of this language to be able to gain a higher awareness of the kinesthetic affective material which may not be accessible otherwise. This paper describes an exploration to investigate if kinesthetic empathy experienced by the therapist in their body may be used as a reflective tool for clients through the process of being a witness to their verbal stories, as practiced in authentic movement.

No Need For Words: Participatory Action Research With An Arts-Based Peer Support Group, Samantha Boyce

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The Arts and Peer Support Group (APSG) is a free, open-studio style expressive arts therapy group for adults living with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) guided by clinicians and informed by a recovery orientation to mental health care for SMI. This capstone thesis used an arts-based participatory action research paradigm to explore the value of an expressive arts therapy group for adults living with SMI. The researcher of this capstone thesis hypothesized that an expressive arts therapy framework could be combined with innovative approaches to the recovery orientation, such as mutual recovery, which has encouraged systemic change in society’s perception of …

Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome A Literature Review On African American Community Healing And Expressive Arts Therapy, Akinlana Burrowes

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Post traumatic slave syndrome (PTSS) is defined as “a condition that exists when a population has experienced multigenerational trauma resulting from centuries of slavery and continues to experience oppression and institutionalized racism today.” Throughout this literature review, the physical, mental, and socioemotional impacts of institutionalized oppression through the years from the 1600s to the present, exhibited in the multiple sectors of society as it relates to the African American (AA) community are explored and addressed through the theoretical framework of PTSS. While a sizable body of literature has supported Expressive Arts Therapy (EAT) with traumatized populations, very little research has …

Back To Belonging: Nature Connection And Expressive Arts Therapy In The Treatment Of Trauma And Marginalization, Jesse Newcomb

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

There is increasing research on the benefits of incorporating nature-based approaches into mental health. This can be done in myriad ways both in and out of the counseling office. This literature review focuses on the benefits of incorporating nature as co-therapist and kin rather than only material or metaphor, particularly in the treatment of people who have experienced trauma and or marginalization. According to Herman (1997), wounds made relationally must be healed relationally, and the literature reviewed in this paper suggests that connection with the “more-than-human” world (Abram, 1996), and coming back into a sense belonging in the larger web …

Visual Art Therapy, Attachment, And The Adoption Constellation: A Literature Review, Caitlin Woodstock

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The following literary review is intended to synthesize existing data pertaining to art therapy and its application within adoption informed therapy. The adoption experience will be explored, and the basic tenants of trauma and attachment will be outlined. Current modes of trauma-informed therapy will be introduced and their compatibility with art therapy will be explored. The author will introduce a variety of art therapy interventions as presented through an assortment of theoretical lenses. These applications will be subdivided into their application with individual constellation members, families, groups, and will extend to immigrants and displaced individuals likely to enter into the …

Expressive Arts Therapy For Healing Gang Trauma: A Community Engagement, Margaret Reid

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Many ex-gang members have experienced trauma. The purpose of this thesis is to explore the benefits of arts-based programs for rehabilitating gang members who have experienced trauma. The literature reviewed explores arts-based programs for those who have been incarcerated and those who have experienced trauma. The author was part of a community engagement with a gang-rehabilitation program in Los Angeles. The author participated in Music, Art and Drama based programs with ex-gang members. This experience further demonstrated the benefits of the expressive arts being used as a tool for treating trauma, especially in a community of people who have participated …