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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 …

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, …

Grief Like Mine: A Literature Review Exploring Culturally Informed Grief Work For Black Youth Using Dance/Movement Therapy, Darrell Hyche

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Black American youth are exposed to more death related circumstances than their peers yet are severely underrepresented in literature focused on the broader scope of children’s bereavement. More research and analysis are required to develop and implement culturally relevant interventions as they embark on their grief journey. Dance/movement therapy has the capacity for providing support that is culturally specific and able to meet the developmental levels of children, yet its grief focus work is limited. This literature review aims to bridge the gap between Black grief and dance/movement therapy as a culturally informed practice. An analysis of various forms of …

A Trauma-Informed Socially Just Approach To Working With Juvenile Justice-Involved Youth Utilizing Expressive Arts Therapy, Ciara Carr

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Youth involved with the juvenile justice system often have a history of trauma and oppression resulting from their positionality and circumstances. Most juvenile justice-involved youth are boys, youth of color, low-income, LGBTQIA2S+, disabled, and traumatized. This literature review explores the history of the juvenile justice system, issues with the present-day model, and trauma-informed and transformative justice approaches to practice. The implementation of socially just, trauma-informed expressive arts therapy programs is proposed as a more equitable practice to replace commonly used punitive practices across the United States. More research is needed to understand the impact of such programs on this population …

Reclaiming Voices: Songwriting As A Therapeutic Tool For Female Survivors Of Sexual Violence - A Literature Review, Rachael Slack, Rachael R. Angoh

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis explores the therapeutic potential of songwriting interventions designed for female survivors of domestic violence, serving as a means to empower survivors in reclaiming their voices and narratives. Drawing from existing from research it explores the psychological impacts of domestic violence, the silencing of survivors, the role of music therapy, and the portrayal of domestic violence in popular music. Highlighting survivor perspectives and therapeutic techniques, such as lyric rewriting, song collage, and narrative songwriting, the thesis emphasizes the transformative power of songwriting in facilitating healing and empowerment. By amplifying survivor voices, advocating for survivor-centered policies, and fostering inclusive environments, …

Embodied Integration: How Expressive Arts Therapy Supports Self-Regulation In Adults With Complex Ptsd (A Literature Review), Alexandra Orgera

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder presents a unique challenge in healing due to the absence of a foundation of safety and self-regulation that results from repeated exposure to traumatic stress. This narrative literature review explores the current research on establishing this foundation as a crucial first step in complex PTSD treatment and examines how engaging in expressive arts therapy can foster self-regulation and create new, positive experiences for these clients. Drawing on clinical experience and neurobiological research, the author proposes a model conceptualizing self-regulation as an embodied, holistic process that results from left and right brain integration at multiple levels of …

A Route To Resourcing: Improvisational Expressive Arts Dismantle Barriers To Sexual And Reproductive Health: A Literature Review, Robin Beaudoin

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Expressive arts has deep roots in Black and Indigenous traditions of individual and collective healing, empowerment, and social change which have sustained marginalized groups for centuries. Improvisation has often been a key feature in these traditional practices, requiring participants to engage in an embodiment of the self in context, interpersonal attunement, group cohesion and connection, collaboration and power sharing, empathy, and the unearthing and creation of knowledge and reality. These qualities bear many similarities to theoretical principles upheld in Westernized expressive arts therapy practice and the conditions necessary for social change. Recognizing improvisational expressive arts as an invention and therapeutic …

Art Therapy Meets Dungeons And Dragons: Supporting The Development Of Social Skills In High School Students, Ben Li

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This arts-based research explores the current literature on the clinical uses of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) using art and play therapies. Previous studies that intersect with D&D and expressive arts interventions have been traditionally focused on drama and play therapies while this study focused on open studio practices based on art therapy methodologies. D&D in clinical settings has been effective in developing social connection between peers and emotional regulation. A 10-week art therapy group was conducted in a school setting with adolescents with academic anxiety, socioemotional disabilities, and developmental disabilities. The author provided a space for participants to create art …

How Did You Get Here? A Map Making Art Therapy Intervention For Adolescents In Crisis, Ayala Dayan

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) are an important mental health resource for crisis intervention. PHPs support clients transitioning between levels of care or aiming to avoid a higher level of care, provide safety and stabilization, offer services such as group therapy and medication management, and oversee referrals. This study investigates the helpfulness of an art therapy mapmaking intervention for adolescents in crisis at a PHP location. The design of this program drew from Narrative Therapy concepts. Results support that the intervention can be beneficial for this population in their recovery efforts and yielded four major themes: 1) the development of self …

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 …

Tap Dance Therapy For Children With Medical Complexity: A Literature Review, Beth Calabrese

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Although various genres of dance and movement have been studied to serve as therapeutic tools for individuals, research on tap dance for children with serious illnesses and complex medical needs is near non-existent. This thesis aims to analyze the available literature on tap dance and dance/movement therapy for children, as well as identify gaps in research in service of improving the quality of lives and mental health of children with medical complexity (CMC). Additionally, a discussion of a possible tap dance therapy (TDT) program for children with special needs related to medical complexities will be introduced, which will include evidence-based …

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 …

Perreando To New Lyrics: Integrating Feminist Reggaeton In Expressive Art Therapy A Literature Review | Perreando A Nueva Lírica: Una Revisión Literaria Sobre Integrar El Reggaetón Feminista A Las Terapias Con Artes Expresivas, Marilina Arsuaga

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper presents how feminist reggaeton can be used as a creative tool for women's empowerment. The literature review explores the work that has been done with feminism in expressive arts therapies, defines what feminist reggaeton is, and presents different considerations to incorporate the musical genre into a therapeutic intervention. Among these considerations, there is the social stigma that is held about the musical genre and female gender; the community-based work; the importance of cultural identity centered on the Latinx, more specifically Puerto Rican; and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community in the creative spaces. To navigate these issues, the author …

Dance/Movement Therapy In The Treatment Of Emotional Dysregulation In Children With Emotional, Social, And Behavioral Challenges: A Literature Review, Sarah E. Scarbrough

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review examines the topic of emotional regulation as it relates to children with emotional, cognitive and behavioral impairments and the effectiveness of current treatment modalities. In this paper emotional regulation is conceptualized as the ability to modulate the intensity and/or duration of emotional responses. Emotional regulation is explored for both its intrinsic and extrinsic features and how they interact with treatment outcomes. Current psychotherapeutic and dance/ movement therapy interventions aimed at improving emotional awareness, expression, and regulation coping skills are discussed. Group interventions are investigated for their unique contributions to the development of emotional regulation skills. The importance …

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 …

Dance/Movement Therapy: Approach For Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence, Mia Jewell

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review aims to underscore the efficacy of body-based interventions as an approach to address both the physical and psychological repercussions experienced by women affected by intimate partner violence (IPV). The review begins with an overview of IPV, with a focus on the impact on women, and covers reviews of existing psychotherapeutic interventions. Additionally, this literature review delves into the potential benefits of dance movement interventions, positing that such approaches empower individuals to regain control over their environment by acknowledging the parity of physical, social, and emotional well-being The literature review is focused on dance movement therapy as a …

Music Therapy As A Support Model In Massachusetts Special Education: A Literature Review, Bonnie Diamond

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Mental health directly impacts student propensity for making academic progress in the public education system. For children with disabilities, it is especially vital to develop and implement techniques within special education that deliver personally tailored benefits. According to the United States Department of Education, music therapy offers highly effective support to a wide range of students within the school setting so that they may achieve academic success and be supported in their social/emotional development (U.S Department of Education, 2011; AMTA, 2021). In examining the multifaceted ways that music therapy can offer support within the structure of education and mental health, …

Expressive Arts Therapy And Grief: A Literature Review, Christina Schell Pate

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Grief is a natural human response to loss. This could be the loss of a loved one, a lost identity, a divorce, or the loss of a pet. Just as there are many types of loss, there are also many types of grief. Grief can present as uncomplicated or it can be traumatic, anticipatory, or cumulative. Grief can also develop into prolonged grief disorder as seen in the most updated version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-RT). Theorists from Sigmund Freud to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross to George Bonanno have developed a variety of grief models (O’Connor, 2019). …

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 …

The Balletic Mind: Expressive Arts Therapy For Professional Ballet Dancers: A Literature Review And Autoethnography, Madison Borden

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis explores the mental health needs of professional ballet dancers and suggests how expressive arts therapies can be used to address issues surrounding themes of body image, injury and pain, and identity. A review of the research on ballet culture examines both the advantages and disadvantages of ballet for a dancer's overall health. By acknowledging both the negative and positive qualities of ballet, counselors may develop a deeper awareness and empathy for a population that severely overworks their body and mind. An autoethnographic approach was used to allow for personal ballet practices to influence and stimulate academic inquiry while …

Utilizing Flow Arts Movement As An Expressive Arts Therapy Tool To Treat Trauma: A Literature Review And Autoethnography, Shannon Mcgrail

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This expressive arts-based autoethnography research explores the effectiveness of using flow arts movement as a tool of expressive arts therapy to treat symptoms of trauma for individuals who experienced a traumatic event in their lifetime. While research on the use of flow arts movement to treat mental illness is in its early stage, much can be drawn from the literature on expressive arts therapy and dance/movement therapy research with a range of populations addressing trauma. Through exploration of trauma through neuroscience, mind, body, and integrated mindfulness through flow, this work aims to bring an understanding of using intermodal expressive arts …

Mandated Parent Education: Applications, Impacts, And Future Directions, Cheri Shapiro, Crystal Hill-Chapman, Stephanie Williams

Publications

Mandated participation in parent education programs is a common practice across the United States for families who are undergoing divorce or who are involved in the child welfare or juvenile justice systems. Mandates to participate in parenting programs create substantial challenges for families, service providers, and service systems. Furthermore, the type and quality of the parenting services accessed vary widely, and their impacts need to be better understood. To address this need, an overview of the current state of the empirical literature on the impacts and outcomes of mandated parenting interventions for divorce and in child welfare and juvenile justice …

Re-Member Selfhood A Drama Therapy Intervention, Option 1, Angelique Beauchêne

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Re-member Selfhood is a specific trauma-informed, drama therapy, intervention designed to meet the needs of adults with exposure to trauma and traumatic stress, who have pertinent adverse childhood experience scores and/or experience persistent trauma cycles over the lifespan concurrent with somatization. The aim of this thesis was to introduce an intervention which could function as indirect exposure and assist in the integration process taking the whole being of trauma sufferers into account, including body, mind, and soul. Additionally, the hope of this intervention is to decrease perceived physical pain, assist in the integration of the rejected aspect of self, and …

Playing With International Students From Asia: An Exploration Of Cultural Commonalities And Differences In Developmental Transformations (Dvt), Hazuki Okamoto

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Asian international students in the United States face a multitude of challenges such as language barriers, differences in cultural norms and behaviors, and identity confusion while navigating a foreign landscape. Developmental Transformations (DvT), a form of drama therapy, may apply to these challenges by enabling participants to explore different identities and express themselves creatively beyond the language barrier. This community engagement project was designed for Asian international students to be seen and heard by utilizing DvT. Within an in-person workshop, five participants played with their shared stories, and explored international and cultural roles in group DvT. Key takeaways from the …

Resilience In Refugee Youth: A Review Of Contributing Factors And Potential Barriers, Anna J. Kreisman

Honors Projects

While past research has predominantly centered on the trauma and challenges faced by refugees, there is a current shift toward examining refugee lives through a lens of resilience. The purpose of the present investigation is to examine the contributing factors and potential barriers to resilience in young refugees. I conducted a literature review of research from the past 24 years, primarily searching PsycINFO, Academic Search Complete, and SocINDEX. The review findings demonstrate that resilience can stem from individual, family, school, and community-level factors. The findings further indicate several potential barriers to resilience. In addition, I briefly discuss mental health interventions …

Commencement Program: 2024 Morning Exercise, Governors State University

Commencement Documents and Videos

May 18th - 10:00 a.m. Degrees were conferred to graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business.

Brian Skibinski delivered the Student Address.

The Star-Spangled Banner was performed by Andrea Billups (vocals) and Cliff Dubose (Keyboard)

Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing was performed by Andrea Billups (vocals) and Cliff Dubose (Keyboard)

Commencement Program: 2024 Afternoon Exercise, Governors State University

Commencement Documents and Videos

May 18th - 4:00 p.m.

Degrees were conferred to graduates of the College of Education and Human Development and the College of Health and Human Services

Leslye Williams delivered the Student Address.

The Star-Spangled Banner was performed by Andrea Billups (vocals) and Cliff Dubose (Keyboard)

Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing was performed by Krystal Carter (vocals) and Cliff Dubose (Keyboard)

Ceremonia De Graduación - 2024, Governors State University

Commencement Documents and Videos

18 de mayo - 10:00 a.m.

Se entregaron títulos a egresados de la Facultad de Artes y Ciencias y de la Facultad de Negocios. Brian Skibinski pronunció el discurso estudiantil. The Star-Spangled Banner fue interpretada por Andrea Billups (voz) y Cliff Dubose (teclado) Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing fue interpretada por Andrea Billups (voz) y Cliff Dubose (teclado).

18 de mayo - 16:00 h.

Se otorgaron títulos a egresados de la Facultad de Educación y Desarrollo Humano y de la Facultad de Salud y Servicios Humanos Leslye Williams pronunció el discurso estudiantil. The Star-Spangled Banner fue interpretada por Andrea Billups …

The Sustainability Of Housing Security In Lynchburg, Virginia, Kelsey Spickler

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

To understand the current challenges of housing security, both nationally and locally, it is imperative to recognize what has been done by human services professionals and community organizations in the past.