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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+ …

Beyond The Dominant Paradigm: Integrating Expressive Arts Therapy And Narrative Therapy To Best Serve The Needs Of Trans And Gender Non-Conforming People: A Literature Review, Ej Huston

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In this paper, I reviewed the past, present, and what I argue is the best possible future for clinical practice with TGNC clients. I began with an overview of the broad approaches to deviance from the norm in the field of mental healthcare: starting with approaching trans people with a pathologizing model; continuing on to a cultural competence model, which was an improvement but did not ultimately challenge the larger colonial framework that led to the pathologization in the first place; and ended with the humanity-affirming paradigms of decolonization and cultural humility.

The literature review was concerned with narrative therapy …

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

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

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

Performance Art Therapy: Integrating Performance Art Into Expressive Arts Therapy, A Literature Review, Brittany Purrington

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper considers how expressive arts therapy could incorporate performance art into a clinical setting. Using literature on both topics, commonalities and differences were assessed to determine whether performance art could be used as a healing method and which theories of expressive arts therapy were most aligned for that process. The literature review begins by defining expressive arts therapy and performance art, and then examining research where performance has been used as a healing technique, such as in drama therapy. Drawing on the author’s own experience with performance art and on the theory of poiesis, a silhouette of a design …

Life Narrative Examination Through Art Therapy With Psychotic Disorders, Anna Farrell

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Though there is some research regarding the use of art therapy with those who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, there is less research on utilizing it with those who have other psychotic disorders or using it with this population within an inpatient setting. Research largely suggests that art therapy is beneficial to this population in reducing and managing negative symptoms, increasing self-awareness, understanding one’s narrative, and as a coping technique. However, there are few specific interventions suggested and researched. Therefore, a directive was developed and utilized in group art therapy on a mood and psychotic disorders inpatient unit. The group …

Benefits Of Creative Therapies With Adoption And Complex Trauma: A Literature Review, Rosellen Boucher

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review explores the history of modern adoption and the effects on the adopted from a developmental, emotional, and behavioral standpoint. The review aims at addressing these specific needs through the use of art therapy. To become better acquainted with the concept, the history of modern adoption, as it pertains to the United States, is summarized with three subcategories as a focus points: domestic, international, and the foster care system. Building off of the history is a reflection on the past research surrounding adoption by considering adverse childhood experiences, complex trauma, attachment, and identity formation as it relates. Legislation …

Creating A Movement Group In The 2-Dimensional World: Using Dance/Movement Therapy Interventions To Build Connections For Children, Naomi E. Muhs

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The world experienced many changes after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, including counseling sessions transitioning to being delivered through the service of distance counseling. As a growing field, dance/movement therapy must explore distance counseling services to expand and have relevancy within the demands of current society. This project addressed the gap in the research on the integrating of distance counseling services and dance/movement therapy while presenting an interactive remote method for facilitating a group therapy session with a dance/movement therapy approach. Every piece of literature that was researched helped in creating the interventions that were implemented with the clients. The following …

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 …

Efficacy Of Expressive Therapy In Treating Combat-Related Ptsd – A Critical Review Of Literature, Lauren Pratt

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Recent advances in battlefield triage have curtailed combat-related deaths, simultaneously increasing the rate of combat-related trauma, and thereby emphasizing the need for access to efficacious treatment of PTSD in returning veterans. Veterans who may have sustained life-ending injuries from concussive elements such as explosions are instead surviving with PTSD and its debilitating effects. Recent studies suggest that traditional methods of treatment such as medication and talk therapy, while useful, are incomplete tactics when it comes to treating non-verbal trauma. The burgeoning field of expressive therapies (expressive art therapy, dance, drama, art, music, writing, etc.) offers a new approach that is …

Examining The Creative Therapies As A Strategy For Addressing The Trauma Of Intimate Partner Violence: A Literature Review, Gina Cestaro

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Thirty percent of all women worldwide will experience intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime (WHO, 2019). IPV is damaging to the body and mind, and impacts every area of a woman’s life, and frequently results in trauma (Murray, et al., 2017). The seriousness and prevalence of intimate partner violence clearly warrants research into effective treatments. Consequently, this literature review examines existing arts-based interventions that address the symptomology of trauma and how those interventions could specifically benefit victim-survivors of IPV. Research in neuroscience has shown that memories of a traumatic experience are often stored as disconnected fragments and overwhelming bodily …

Kin(A)Esthetic Paper Play: A Community Engagement Project Offering A Therapeutic Experience By Exploring An Emergent Method Of Expressive Arts Therapy With Clinicians Who Studied Expressive Arts, Bed Hermin

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

For this community engagement project, I explored an emergent practice of Kin(a)esthetic Paper Play with expressive arts therapists. This practice aligns with Buddhist philosophy and practice in the West and its benefits can be explained through the theory of Embodied Simulation. The literature on Buddhism and Embodied Simulation highlights the positive benefits of abstract meditative processes done in groups. My goal was to explore the therapeutic elements of K(a)P within a community group setting. When elements of Kin(a)esthetic Paper Play were introduced to a group of alumni from Lesley’s Expressive Arts Therapy graduate program it was received well. I learned …

The Development Of An Expressive Arts Method To Promote Emotional Regulation Through The Use Of Breath In A Cbat Facility, Ages 4 - 17, Jenna Tremblay

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Arts-based practices can support individuals in groups to stay centered, aligned, present, and alert in the moment. Expressive Arts Therapies serve as an opportunity to create a therapeutic attunement or alliance. This thesis explores the development of an expressive arts-based method that promotes emotional regulation through the use of breath for ages 4-17 in a Community Based Acute Treatment (CBAT) facility. The techniques in this thesis reflect the lens of theory and practice through play, attunement, mindfulness, meditation, all centering around the importance of breathing to promote emotional regulation in a CBAT population age 4 – 17. As anticipated, the …

Subverting The Narrative: Addressing Gaps In The Medical Model Of Mental Health Through Expressive Arts And Critical Race Feminism Paradigms, Sofiya Kostareva

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper discusses the problematic theoretical underpinnings of the medical model of mental health, first examining the historical development of the mental health field. Reviewing literature on the paradigms of expressive arts therapy, critical race feminism, and the medical model of mental health, the author argues how systemic oppression in such forms as racism, classism and ableism contribute to the issues of mental health accessibility for individuals who possess historically marginalized identities in the United States. The paper concludes with a claim around expressive arts therapy’s capacity toward addressing the theoretical challenges in providing meaningful intersectional care toward diverse populations …

What Was Lost: How Dance/Movement Therapy Can Support The Retention And Repair Of Cognitive Abilities In Cancer Patients, A Literature Review, Sarah E. Menser

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review examines research surrounding the effects of chemotherapy on cognitive abilities alongside methods of increasing cognitive functioning throughout treatment. Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is seen in many patients undergoing chemotherapy yet has had little attention in cancer research. However, research that has been performed shows that by increasing physical activity during chemotherapy often results in improved cognitive abilities as well as increasing individual’s memory, focus, and multi-tasking abilities. With this connection between physical exercise and cognitive functioning, this author is interested in investigating the idea that dance/movement therapy can assist in the recovery and repair of residual cognitive …

How Expressive Arts Therapy Is Being Used To Treat Children With Developmental Trauma And Its Implications For Treating Community And Systemic Causes Of Developmental Trauma., Cheri Haire

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, are circumstances that occur in a child’s life which are either long-lasting or have long-lasting effects due to their traumatic nature. Developmental trauma is a composite name for the effects of adverse childhood experiences on children. It has been found that, across racial groups, in locations with high poverty, children are more at-risk for scoring high (four or more) on the ACE questionnaire (Choi, Wang, & Jackson, 2019, p. 1). Treatment for developmental trauma begins with establishing a sense of safety in the child, but also within the family and the community. It is also …

Creative Therapies, Complex Childhood Trauma, And Neurological Improvement: How The Arts Can Enhance Neuroplasticity: A Literature Review, Kelseigh E. Garrett

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review examines the ways in which creative arts therapy can enhance neuroplasticity after experiencing chronic and severe trauma. Trauma that occurs in childhood can negatively impact neurotypical brain development. Trauma experienced in childhood often leads to dysregulation or deficits in attachment, executive functioning, memory, and emotion regulation. This review outlines and defines complex developmental trauma, neurotypical brain development and brain structure, neurological impacts of trauma, and examines the use of single creative arts modalities for therapeutic treatment. This literature review shares research on the creative therapies focusing on single modalities such as: dance/movement, music, drama, and art, and …

Dance/Movement-Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Combining Modalities In The Treatment Of Substance Use: A Literature Review, Elizabeth Shillington

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

With the number of drug overdoses ever increasing, it has become more apparent that other forms of therapy need to explored in the treatment of substance use. By taking the unique needs of substance use recovery into consideration, the country will be better able to help those seeking treatment. The combined use of dance/movement therapy and dialectical behavior therapy were considered in this literature review, as both have been effective in substance use recovery but have not been used together. Through a discussion of the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy and an analysis of dance/movement therapy literature, it has been …

Creating A Space To Externalize: Mindfulness Based Art Therapy For Childhood Trauma, A Literature Review, Emily Jaworski

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Experiencing trauma in childhood can result in complex symptoms that impact the development as well as the mental, emotional, and physiological health of the child, resonating throughout their lifespan. Various forms of treatments are used to address the behavioral and emotional symptoms in children who experienced trauma such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, and Pharmacotherapy, however the vast majority of them do not incorporate a holistic framework when supporting children to process their traumatic experiences, therefore they do not attend to trauma as a catalyst for changes in the mind and body. This literature review aims to examine the …

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 …

Drama Therapy With Queer Adults: Identity Reflection And Expression, Emily Lunardi

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

There are people of every age, race, religion, ability, socioeconomic status, and area of the world that identify as part of the queer community, and drama therapists have the opportunity to address their specific needs. The current literature regarding effective drama therapy with queer people is limited. Affirming and identity-focused psychotherapy that allows queer people to relate to one another has been found to be beneficial for this population. The discussed development of a method is designed to contribute to an understanding of the strengths and limitations drama therapy, specifically projective techniques, narrative writing, narrative performance, and small group embodiment …

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 …

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 Study Of Neurological Response In Art Therapy And Trauma: A Literature Review, Kristin Weber

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This review will focus on neurological research and art therapy practice to consider benefits of the integration of science and the creative therapies. These topics will be addressed through a trauma informed theoretical lens, focusing on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury diagnoses in the US military veteran population. Arts-based, qualitative, and quantitative research were correlated within this review to discover links between neurology and art therapy’s unique impact on trauma, and the outcome of combining these practices. The conclusions found that, with limited research connecting these two fields, there is a possibility for enhanced trauma treatment through the …

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 …

Expressive Mindfulness: A Trauma-Sensitive Expressive Arts Therapy Group Method, Meghan Daly

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Mindfulness and expressive arts therapy are both supportive of directing attention in a manner that promotes integration and function of a person. In this paper, a trauma-sensitive method was created for use in a day treatment setting for adults with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). This method utilized expressive movement, visual art making with three different materials, and creative writing to encourage mindful, non-judgmental acceptance of the present moment; a sense of relaxation; and an overall increase in quality of life. During development of the method arts-based research informed the choice of materials, music, and structure of the group. …

Attachment, Shame, The Expressive Therapies And Substance Use Disorders, Steven Edelman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Substance use disorders (SUDs) currently affect a significant number of people, directly and indirectly, in the United States. Low rates of treatment and high rates of relapse point to the need for an increased and diversified engagement of SUDs theoretically and clinically. This literature review explores current research on SUDs and attachment, SUDs and shame, and SUDs and the Expressive Therapies. The literature review provides relevant theoretical frameworks and current clinical applications for treatment of SUDs considering attachment and shame’s role in substance use from an Expressive Therapies perspective. The role of relationships and imagination in both the maintenance and …

Patterns Of Stigma: Dance Therapy As An Intervention Method For People Living With Hiv, Elizabeth Jezorski

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper will explore the impact that dance movement therapy (DMT) has for people living with HIV. DMT is an evidence-based modality that engages the body in the therapeutic process for individuals and groups in various settings. DMT has been shown to increase social connectedness, empathy and body awareness in many populations; however, there is a lack of research using DMT as an intervention for people with concealable stigma. Concealable stigma is an experience of oppression that can often be hidden or concealed. To explore this, four DMT sessions were implemented with people living with HIV. These sessions were analyzed …

Circus Arts As Expressive Arts Therapy, Anna Meilman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis investigates therapeutic benefits of circus arts, such as juggling, trapeze, acrobatics, and more, in the context of expressive arts therapy. Circus arts are inherently interdisciplinary, combining numerous creative modalities together, which makes them ripe for incorporating into intermodal expressive therapy. Likewise, the field of expressive arts therapy was built on a foundation of drawing in diverse perspectives and theories. In this paper, circus interventions are examined through the framework of three methods of engaging in creative therapies, which include arts as healing, arts as therapy, and arts in therapy. Literature reviewed on the subject includes history and …

Sacar La Voz: A Manifesto For My Latinx Peers, Gabriela Nunez-Santiago

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis was originally concerned with the use of expressive arts therapy with Latinx survivors of domestic violence. As the author carried out the review of literature, she began to encounter fundamental issues in the way that the Latinx community is approached in research. Instead of carrying out a traditional review of literature, the author approached the literature through three main questions: "Who is the research about?," "Who is the research by?,” and "Who is the research for?" Reductive generalizations, missing information, and disempowering assumptions were found. These problematic realities are presented as symptomatic of larger systemic issues, which the …

Use Of The Creative Arts Therapies And Creative Interventions With Lgbtq Individuals: Speaking Out From Silence A Literature Review, Tracy Huerta

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community is an at-risk population in dire need of competent treatment. This thesis explores sixteen published articles that investigate the use of the expressive therapies and expressive arts with LGBTQ individuals. The silencing of the LGBTQ community by an oppressive heterosexist and transphobic society causes negative impacts to LGBTQ individuals’ wellbeing, physical health, and self-expression. Research suggests that because of their stigmatized identity the LGTBQ community has special therapeutic concerns such as, internalized self-hatred, social rejection, gender or sexual orientation confusion, and safety needs. Multicultural and feminist theories of psychology propose that …