Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Healing The Encounter Between People And Place In Southern Appalachia, Caroline Merritt

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In southern Appalachia, we fail to make visible the roots. Existing not as a geographical location but as a socially constructed culture and a concentrated source of exploited energy, the region reflects a necessary element of the postcolonial American imagination. For nationally lucrative resources such as coal, oil, lumber, and natural gas to be extracted without consideration or consciousness for the people and the place of its origin, the otherized Appalachian stereotype must prevail. Further crystalizing this false construction, white Appalachian scholars traditionally address current health disparities via the victimization of poor white Appalachia. The capitalist initiative to concentrate power …

I Will Circle Back: A Literature Review Of Witnessing In Developmental Transformations, Chelsey O'Connor

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Witnessing is a core concept of the therapeutic process of drama therapy (Jones, 2007; Johnson, 2009, Sajnani & Johnson, 2014). Major perspectives on witnessing were gleamed from the broader drama therapy literature, including the roles of the audience, therapist, group, techniques, and the self as witnesses within the therapeutic atmosphere. Within one form of drama therapy, Developmental Transformations (DvT), the witnessing circle is used as a tool to highlight and enhance what is being witnessed in the session (Johnson 1991, 1992, 2005, 2009, 2013, 2014; Dintino et al., 1996; Mayor, 2010, 2018). This literature review analyzed the limited DvT writing …

The Effectiveness Of Dance Movement Therapy With Elderly Women Who Have Dementia, Han Wang

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

As our world population rapidly ages, the number of people who develop dementia is also growing. Dementia brings significant impacts to patients and their families as well as to our society. Dance movement therapy (DMT) is regarded as a useful and appropriate intervention for those who find words difficult, those with cognitive impairments, or those who find it difficult to express and explore their emotions. It’s also combined both physical and psychological benefits. Therefore, it is possible that DMT has positive effects such as delaying cognitive deterioration, increasing social interaction, reducing anxiety, etc. for people who are suffering from dementia. …

Reparation Of Dignity: A Literature Review Of Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment With Expressive Arts Therapy, Courtney R. Battistelli

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Substance Use Disorder is a public health problem that impacts society and individuals on many levels. In 2016, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) documented 64,000 deaths in America due to overdose (NIDA, 2017). The economic burden related to substance abuse is estimated at $740 billion annually in the United States (Priddy et al., 2018). High rates of relapse, approximately 60% in the first year after treatment, (Priddy et al., 2018, p.103), suggest the need for more effective treatment. A combination of trauma-informed practice and creative therapies in the treatment of substance use disorders show promising results. This literature …

Puppet Creation: A Lost Art In Treating Child Trauma, Keely Anderson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Trauma does not discriminate between age, culture, or socioeconomic class; trauma can happen to anyone. Although we would like to think that children are exempt from these difficult experiences, unfortunately, that is not the case. The current extensive research about the effects that trauma has on children both emotionally and psychologically and how these effects can have long term consequences will be examined in this capstone thesis. The arts-based qualitative research within this thesis will explore the benefits of puppet creation as a way for children to externalize their traumatic stories and as a means to provide children with the …

Using Dance/Movement Therapy To Educate Hospice Providers On Preventing Burnout: A Method, Victoria G. Powell

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Burnout is a clinical condition that an individual may experience whenever they are in a constant state of stress. It is categorized by three groups of symptoms: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and negative self-evaluation of personal achievement (Rizo-Baeza et al., 2017, p. 19). This inquiry investigated the impact of burnout on hospice professionals and volunteers through researching previous literature. The research led to the development of a psychoeducational, body-based method with a Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) foundation. This preventative method was implemented in two separate workshops for hospice professionals and volunteers at a Massachusetts-based hospital system. Results indicate a need for training …

Patterned Sensory Enhancement-Based Interventions In An Acute Rehabilitation Setting: Development Of A Method, Lionel Cheong

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Constraint-induced therapy (CIT) or Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is used in rehabilitation to improve upper extremity function in patients who suffer from brain injuries, such as stroke or cerebral palsy. By engaging in repetitive exercises and increasing the use of the affect area of the upper extremity, the brain develops a change in neural pathways that helps recover the use of limbs by these patients. Unfortunately, one of the main limitations of CIT is the low compliance with patients involved in CIT, due to the stopping of use of compensation strategies, and the intensity and duration of the treatment, especially …

Creating Connection: Group Expressive Arts Therapy With Incarcerated Women, María Luisa Santamaría

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The lived experience of incarceration isolates, disconnects, and retraumatizes women. Correctional mental health services fall short of adequately accounting for the pervasive histories of trauma and victimization that characterize the lives of most women prior to arrival in prison. The immediacy of the need to address this issue is underscored by steadily climbing rates of incarceration for women. The expressive arts are uniquely suited to the correctional environment wherein they provide alternative outlets for emotional expression, often stigmatized and perceived as unsafe. This research explored the use of a group expressive arts therapy method integrating psychodrama, visual art and collaborative …

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 …

Culture, Identity, And Critical Theory In Expressive Arts Therapy: A Literature Review, Isaac Hunnewell

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review was an initial inquiry looking at research in expressive arts therapy (EAT) to see how this field was understanding, conceptualizing, and using culture in their analysis and treatment of individual well-being. It delved into how the field constructed the relationship between individuals and their culture. The definition of culture, health, mental health, and the connection between them was examined. Research also included creative arts therapy (CAT) and its emerging interest in critical theory, why it was important, where it was being used, and how it contributed to an understanding of society as a source of individual pain, …

"Music And Memory": Is It Personalized Music Therapy Or Just 'Good Music'?, Tamara Adams

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This review of the literature focuses on the benefits of music and music therapy for persons diagnosed with dementia. A summary of the role of music therapy is given and compared to the Music & Memory program. The question is whether it is fair to call the latter music therapy when assessments are carried out by individuals not qualified in music therapy, but trained in the Music & Memory program. The consequence of the lack of knowledge of this distinction is inconsistent communication which misleads stakeholders about the role of music therapy in healthcare. In my experience through volunteering in …

The Benefits Of Art Therapy For Mental Health Clinicians Who Have Experienced Vicarious Trauma, Monique Downs

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics (2014) stresses that the most important aspect of counseling is to promote the welfare of client and to respect their dignity. This literature review demonstrated that clinicians' engagement with traumatized clients could influence the ongoing and cumulative effects of their exposure to clients’ stories and emotional expression of their traumatic experiences. When a clinician is impacted by vicarious trauma (VT) symptomatology, the relationship with their clients may suffer, putting both at risk for ongoing and unintended harm. One method of enhancing a holistic, healing sense of self is to utilize art therapy …

Connecting Etc And Arc: The Beginnings Of An Integrative Framework For Working With Children With Relational Trauma, A Literature Review, Melissa Taylor

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Relational trauma is an impactful experience, affecting a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Children with relational trauma experiences are particularly vulnerable due to being in a stage of active development. Relational trauma can have a lasting impact on a child’s psychosocial, cognitive, and neurological development. This literature review explores the current research concerning children who have experienced relational trauma, the developmental impact of relational trauma, the treatment needs of this population, and a current, evidence-based treatment option for this population—the Attachment, Self-Regulation, Competency (ARC) framework. On the basis of this research, this literature review will outline how expressive arts …

A Literature Review Of Art Therapy For Women With Breast Cancer, Soraya Hage Obeid

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Breast cancer among women causes many psychosocial symptoms in these patients which include depression, fatigue, and anxiety. Interventions such as art therapy have been successful in reducing the level of stress and enhancing mental well-being in women with breast cancer. This literature review highlights the saliency of art therapy to enhance the quality of life and mental health of women with breast cancer, and help women cope with their illness, and find meaning to it. Furthermore, in this literature review, art therapy is discussed to affect psychosocial factors that are related to levels of mortality and survivorship in breast cancer …

Role Method With Patients With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Development Of A Method, Megan Marchant

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Little has been written about the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using drama therapy. Therefore, I explore the adaptation of role theory and role method (Landy, 1993; Landy, 2001; Landy, 2008; & Landy, 2009) with an individual patient in an inpatient hospital setting who is diagnosed with OCD. Through our sessions, which occurred twice a week for three weeks, I was able to see the rigidity and inflexibility which is present in patients with OCD. In my application of an adapted role method, my patient was able to more deeply explore the “OCD role,” as well as start making steps …

Art Therapy In A Museum Setting For Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities: A Literature Review, Sharon Aguilar

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review aims to explore a trend within the field of mental health services, of moving away from more restrictive and stigmatizing environments, such as hospitals and clinics, and into public spaces, specifically art museums. Current literature indicates that art therapy is specifically appropriate for individuals who have difficulty with social connection and verbal communication, allowing for a way to express themselves while finding connection in a non- verbal way. Art museums have also seen a shift in purpose through increasing community based and therapeutic programming, aimed to create a space of healing and connection, and becoming more accessible …

Teachers' Stress And The Benefits Of Expressive Arts Therapy: A Critical Review Of The Literature, Annarose Squillante

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Although every job has its own set of obstacles, struggles and stressors that are unique to their profession, teachers face multidimensional stressors that can have negative impacts on them personally and professionally (Abel & Sewell, 1999). Research shows that teachers have multiple layers of stress that have the potential to lead to burnout, mental health problems, physical health problems and poor student relationships. This thesis outlines the existing research on the sources of stress for teachers, the impacts of the stress and the lack of consistent support and interventions for these teachers. While support for teachers does exist, it is …

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 …

Sensory Art Therapy With Students In Public Schools: Development Of A Method, Sarah Como

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Art therapy is an effective service for students in public schools that struggle with academic, social, emotional, behavioral and other issues. Art therapy is widely used with school-aged children and adolescents; however, it is not commonly provided as a service in public schools. Research shows that when art therapy is provided in schools, students experience a wide-range of benefits including but not limited to communication development, decrease in disruptive behaviors, feelings of empowerment, belonging, safety and confidence, improved mood, an increase in coping strategies and stress reduction. Art therapists working in schools report difficulties resulting from a lack of understanding …

How Can Storytelling Facilitate Body Positivity In Young Women Struggling With Their Bodies?: Literature Review, Natalie Slaughter

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In a society that promotes a “thin ideal”, it can be difficult for women to accept their bodies. Body positivity is a combination of positive body image, self-confidence, and body acceptance regardless of size, shape, or weight of the body (Caldeira & Ridder, 2017; Dalley & Vidal, 2013; Halliwell, 2015; Wood-Barcalow, Tylka, & Augustus-Horvath, 2010). This literature review presents an overview of the research conducted on body positivity and storytelling, finding that there are limited interventions currently being used to promote body positivity. A review of the existing literature suggests that storytelling might be an appropriate and successful drama therapy …

The Role Of Meaning Making In Expressive Writing And Adults With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Literature Review., Leah Kennedy Rose

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review examines the positive impact that expressive writing can have on adults who have experienced a traumatic event and are suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Expressive writing can take a number of different forms and falls under the category of expressive arts therapy. When used in addition to traditional psychotherapy and, if necessary, psychotropic medications, expressive writing can be an effective treatment method for adults with PTSD. Despite an initial increase in negative affect arousal, engaging in an expressive writing intervention can result in numerous improvements in physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By facilitating the meaning-making process, …

Pushing Back On Patriarchy Through Feminist Expressive Arts Therapy, Rosanna Alejo

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Utilizing a feminist expressive arts therapy stance and a literature review method, this thesis is based upon the telling of the authors story for a cathartic exploration of pushing back traditional patriarchy viewpoints. Various topics are explored, including the role of gender stereotypes, benevolent sexism, and the patriarchal lens of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM). Patriarchy, feminism, and expressive arts therapy will be reviewed, as well as the use of the arts as a tool used to empower individuals. Lastly, a discussion on the importance of combining feminist therapy with expressive arts therapy is explored.

Promoting Resilience In Economically Disadvantaged Adolescents Through School-Based Expressive Arts Groups, Bailey Knox

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Since 2013, the majority of students served by the public school system in the United States have been considered “low-income” by the federal government. The stressors associated with low socioeconomic status significantly increase risk for social, emotional and behavioral challenges at all age levels, but can be particularly damaging to adolescents coping with heightened stress levels related to the intense multi-dimensional changes that define this developmental period. As the correlation between economic disadvantage and negative socio-emotional and academic outcomes is increasingly evidenced, schools have begun to recognize their responsibility for providing preventative mental health care to high-risk students. Over the …

A Literature Review Of Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy For Bereaved Children, Wendy Dalton

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

There is a need for increased visibility of child bereavement to expand research in and accessibility of developmentally appropriate supports, which views the child holistically and within their biopsychosocial context. Worden’s (1996) formative work with child bereavement resulting in the "tasks" of child bereavement was the first and most recent study of its scale and kind. This marked an affirming of grief as normative response to death and occurring throughout the developmental lifespan. This work also highlights the need for additional inquiry to expand and deepen understanding of child bereavement. A growing body of research suggests that ecotherapy and expressive …

An Application Of The Expressive Therapies Continuum With Trauma-Related Symptoms In Women, Nielle Alfred

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The intention for this capstone thesis paper is to examine the benefits and usefulness of the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) with trauma survivors. Research suggests trauma is stored in the mind and body, thus supporting the need for mind-body integration within trauma-informed mental health care. Direct correlations between psychological trauma and maladaptive emotional, cognitive, and behavioral functioning have been proven. Review of the literature established the ETC as useful in creating new pathways between physical, emotional, and cognitive components to traumatic memory. The method used was a phenomenological single- study qualitative approach, based in a humanistic person-centered theory, using inductive …

Dance/Movement Therapy As A Tool To Improve Social Skills In Children And Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Literature Review, Holly Berlandy

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosed by the presence of social communication and interaction deficits present in their day to day. The deficits present in this disorder appear within the first three years of life and lead to problems with connecting and interacting with other individuals including their own family members. As a result, children and adolescents with Autism spectrum disorder often experience negative self-image and lack the proper skills to interact with others. Autism spectrum disorder is becoming more commonly diagnosed and yet there remains a gap in interventions and treatment due to the individualized appearance …

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 …

Principal Instruments In Music Therapy Practice: An Art-Based Research Community Engagement Project, Alison G. Dagger

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This community engagement project seeks to question established beliefs concerning the instruments used by music therapists in sessions through an exploration of their impact on therapist ability to interpersonally attune. In the field of music therapy, the competency instruments of piano, voice, guitar, and percussion are widely revered as the most beneficial for clients during active music making interventions. However, many music therapists come to the field with years of professional training on other instruments called principal instruments. Studies show that there is a disconnection between the benefit to clients of using a principal instrument and the frequency with which …

Method Development: Dance/Movement Psychotherapy To Address Substance Use Disorder In Cultural Appalachia, Taylor Aitken

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Arts-based-embodied research was used to investigate the potential effectiveness of Dance Movement Psychotherapy methods to treat substance use disorder from a trauma-informed and cultural approach, based on subjective/objective findings of the writer. Residents of diverse demographics, aged 26-59, within the cultural region volunteered to attend one or more of the three workshops offered. Methods were created based on theoretical, historical, and clinical research and implemented through workshops with the intent to promote community, self-expression, empathy, and creativity-all beneficial traits for on-going mental/physical health recovery and resiliency. Movement observation and participant feedback indicated overall increased awareness and deeper knowing of self …

Social And Emotional Effects Of Language-Based Learning Disabilities On Adolescents Approached Through Dance/Movement Therapy: A Literature Review, Lindsey V. Spratt

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Over the past few years there has been a growth in research about the social and emotional effects of having a language-based learning disability. However, most of the interventions and assessments used with this population still primarily focus on the academic effects and do not always recognize the connection between the two. This literature review connects how identity development during adolescence in a school setting is impacted by the social and emotional effects of having a language-based learning disability. Individuals who experience learning difficulties often also experience internal and external academic criticism causing a decrease in self-esteem and an increase …