Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Imagery Experience Of Korean Gim Therapists' Reactions Toward Their Clients' Resistance, Jung Pyo Moon

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to understand how Korean professional therapists who practice the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) understand their clients’ resistance through the imagery experience.

Participants in this study were six Korean GIM therapists living and working in South Korea. Two more Korean GIM therapists were recruited to take charge of guiding a total of six participants to examine this inquiry. Each GIM guide helped three participants. All six participants and two GIM therapists were regular members of the Association for Music and Imagery and the Korean Association for Music and Imagery. The researcher …

A Literature Review Exploring The Use Of Art Therapy For Children In Grief, Michele Whalen

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

Working through grief is imperative for continued positive mental health, this is especially true in children and adolescents where the grief response is due to the death of a parent. Accordingly, this thesis is focused on the bereaved infant, child or adolescent when processing, coming to terms with, and internalizing the loss of the parent through the use of art therapy. Art therapy is a very effective form of therapy for the bereaved child, and that processing grief through the use of art therapy facilitates the child’s adaptation and resilience to this type of loss for better outcomes later …

A Literature Review Of Community Art Therapy With Youth In Inner City Communities Of Color, Jennifer Habeeb

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review was developed to synthesize the research surrounding community-based art therapy with youth who reside in inner city communities of color. Youth of color in inner city communities face a number of different challenges such as low socioeconomic status, social inequality, discrimination, and lack of political representation. There is currently little research on the impact of art therapy and expressive arts interventions with this population, however; these interventions have shown to be effective in a number of different areas. Literature revealed that community-based art therapy with inner city youth of color has shown to increase self-esteem, decrease symptoms …

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 …

An Art-Based Exploration Of Interdisciplinary Reactivity Toward Problematic Clients, Devon Govoni

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

This art-based dissertation explored professionals' reactivity toward problematic-client interactions across the art therapy, expressive arts therapy, hairstyling, and tattooing disciplines. The concept was explored with a participant from each discipline in a four-phase sculpting process and through semi-structured interviews, response sculptures, and video footage and aggregates. Research questions examined (1) what happens to the participants' professional understanding of problematic clients and (2) self-understanding through engaging in a sculpting process focused on problematic clients, (3) similarities in participants' experiences across disciplines, and (4) what happens when the researcher creates and presents response art to the research participants. The two main outcomes …

Exploring The Experience Of Psychological Distress For Young Adults With Cancer: Implications For A New Diagnosis Of Medical Traumatic Stress, Audrey Ryan

Counseling and Psychology Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate how a serious medical diagnosis, such as cancer, can act as an acute or prolonged trauma. This was explored through the lived experiences of psychological distress of young cancer survivors. Participants were 12 men and women who had been diagnosed with cancer within the past seven years when they were between the ages of 18 and 39. From these interviews several themes emerged that describe the phenomenon of what I have termed medical traumatic stress.

Trauma from a medical event does not currently meet criteria for PTSD in the DSM-5 …

The Cycle Continues: The Effects Of Intergenerational Trauma On The Sense Of Self And The Healing Opportunities Of Dance/Movement Therapy: A Literature Review, Nora Buonagurio

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis illuminates the far-reaching impact of intergenerational trauma on the sense of self, and the implications for dance/movement therapy in healing from intergenerational trauma. Intergenerational trauma (otherwise known as transgenerational trauma, historical trauma, and cultural trauma) is trauma that is passed down from generation to generation. Future generations experience their ancestors’ traumatic experiences as if it were their own, hijacking their sense of self and identity. Sense of self will be defined as feeling secure in who you are—sense of identity, personality, family background, aspirations, and semblance of having control in your life. Intergenerational trauma presents unique challenges …

The Freedom To Move: Dance/Movement Therapy And Survivors Of Trafficking - An Evolving Practice, Rebecca Richardson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

Human/Sex trafficking is the use of force or coercion for the purpose of exploiting humans (mainly women) for sex or labor. Consequences of being trafficked include psychological and physical symptoms that may hinder the survivors for the rest of their life if not treated. Survivors of human trafficking are infrequently researched and have limited evidence-based methods of treatment. Even fewer studies have been conducted involving the use of dance/movement therapy with survivors of trafficking. dance/movement therapy is vital to treatment because of its focus on integrating the body with the mind. In this literature review I discuss the effects …

The Efficacy Of Art Therapy As An Adjunctive Therapy For Psychosis: A Literature Review, Erin Tillquist

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Psychosis is a serious symptom of mental illness that is characterized by a detachment from reality. This can include experiencing visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations, as well as delusions or false beliefs (American Psychiatric Association, DSM-V, 2013). Psychosis is a symptom of many disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, and dementia, among many others. Art therapy is often overlooked as a valuable treatment for psychosis, mainly due to a lack of research in the field and the difficulty of maintaining controlled research parameters with this acute population (Tamminga & Lahti, 2011). Likewise, psychosis is generally perceived as manageable …

Psychosis, Spirituality & Expressive Arts Therapy: A Literature Review, Julie Sousa

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review explores varied treatment modalities for individuals who experience psychosis, carrying diagnoses such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar I, or bipolar II. These individuals frequently experience marginalization and stigmatization in society. Unfortunately, this is often mirrored within the health care systems that provide treatment. These systems tend to focus heavily on symptoms, highly pathologizing client’s experiences, which can cause resistance to treatment. While psychopharmacology and traditional talk therapy are shown to be effective, they are not always sustainable. Varied treatment modalities are necessary. In order to promote more holistic treatment for these individuals, this literature review highlights recent global …

How Dance And Music Stimulate Therapeutic Change In A Personal Movement Ritual, Cassidy Bingham

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis investigates the therapeutic effects of the researcher’s own arts practice or personal movement ritual, which is based in her tacit knowledge and intuition. The researcher is also the participant of this study. Her personal movement ritual, which was formalized as the method, was conducted before the literature review in order to prioritize tacit knowledge before introducing the influence of other scholars. In the literature review, Ellen Dissanayake’s and other scholars’ rationale for the emotional and cognitive changes that take place during rituals through music and dance are explained. These rationales, or the five constructs of entrainment, “ …

Rhythm And Safety Of Social Engagement: Polyvagal Theory Informed Dance/Movement Therapy, Suzanne Weare

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The polyvagal theory has exerted great influence on the field of clinical therapy since the 1990s by proposing an understanding of the psychological expression seen in clients as a reflection of their physiological state of safety or threat of danger. When affect and psychological states are viewed through the lens of the autonomic nervous system directed by neuroception through bidirectional vagal nerve information, therapeutic presence and somatic therapy practices, such as those utilized in the field of dance/movement therapy, become more conceivable as best practices to treat a variety of psychological conditions to include trauma recovery, autism spectrum disorders, and …

How Can Art Therapy Be Utilized To Improve The Mental Health And Quality Of Life Of Pediatric Oncology Patients?, Emily Golubowski

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Pediatric oncology patients and survivors endure multiple obstacles related to physical health and recovery during and after their treatment time. In addition, mental health complications related to adjustment, anxiety, depression, and stress can complicate the overall quality of life and functioning of individuals who have endured this diagnosis and treatment. As an intervention, art therapy can provide relief from physical symptom management, relieve mental health symptoms and stressors, and improve overall quality of life. Art therapy directives and professional work can assist in teaching appropriate coping skills, enhance emotional intelligence, improve communication, restore a sense of control, and improve overall …

The Benefits Of Intergenerational Arts-Based Experiences For Older Adults: A Review Of The Literature, Lauren Adams

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Ageism is a prevalent, yet overlooked, force of prejudice in American society, which is precipitated by the widespread institutionalized segregation of individuals among their age groups. Older adults may experience feelings of isolation and worthlessness as they undergo major life changes that disrupt their former sense of self, such as retirement or movement into an assisted living facility. This literature review discusses the significance of applying intergenerational arts-based experiences for older adults with those of a younger generation. While both art therapy and intergenerational programs have shown to benefit older adults, there remains a gap in the literature of applying …

Mental Associations And Music Therapy: Including The History Of Associationism And The Neurology Of Associations, Dianna Rose

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Associations are formed in our minds based upon three elements: sensory experience, emotions, and memories. These associations, unique to each individual, dictate thoughts, beliefs, behaviors, and actions. Some are necessary and supportive, while others can be maladaptive. Established associations can be changed, and new associations can be formed, to align with a client’s goals. The literature presents a strong history of associationism, as well as a body of research that demonstrates the neurological processes of how mental associations are formed. There are also studies showing how music activates the brain. However, there is a lack of research which draws direct …

Using Art To Mitigate Burnout For Those Working In Direct Care, Jessica E. Goodchild

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Through a critical review of the existing literature, this capstone thesis seeks to investigate the potential benefits and drawbacks to the integration of guided artistic practices within the workplace. The literature reviewed focused on both qualitative and quantitative studies of burnout and explored the professional benefits that art making can provide in mitigating burnout for those within a western culture working in the field of mental health and social services, particularly in the capacity of a direct care worker (DCW). Through the review of the literature a case can be made for the benefits of using visual art to engage …

Using Art As Therapy With Older Adults To Foster Connections And Establish Community Literature Review, Melissa Uva

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review advocates for the general needs of the growing aging population and focuses on how art as therapy programming can best support those needs. Arts programming, with an art therapy-inspired lens, can address the many needs of the older adult population and may promote meaningful connections between (1) the client and the art materials, (2) the client and self (both current and former), (3) the client and the facilitator/therapist, (4) the client and dyad or small groups and (5) the client and the community. The power of art therapy practices serves as the framework of this literature review, …

Embodied Transformation: A Review Of Play And Dance Movement Therapy For Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Kaiyue Chen

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis explores the potential role of play and playfulness in dance movement therapy (DMT) for the treatment of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), which results from exposure to complex trauma. As its name suggests, CPTSD symptoms can be more severe than that of PTSD, and the prevalence of CPTSD is estimated at 3.8% of the U.S. population (Cloitre et al., 2019). Given these factors, this mental health issue warrants further research and treatment support. Towards this end, a critical review of the literature on the topics of complex trauma/CPTSD, play, and DMT has been conducted. Based on a synthesis …

Labyrinth Meditation As A Foundation For Photography With Adolescents, Corrie Vanderbrug

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

This capstone thesis paper analyzes how the use of meditation, finger labyrinths, and photography intertwine to strengthen reflection for the adolescent population. To further this community engagement project, the researcher observed two male adolescents in in their work with meditation and photography. Results revealed that after the use of labyrinth meditation, participants felt calm and quiet. The photo-taking portion of this study was different than what they had previously experienced while taking images. Results also showed that meditation before photo-taking allowed for reflection, awareness, and personal empowerment to increase during the art making process. This study emphasizes the need …

Gaming Intentionally: A Literature Review Of The Viability Of Role-Playing Games As Drama-Therapy-Informed Interventions, Jonathan Mendoza

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGS) and live-action role-playing (LARP) games have recently risen in popularity in the cultural zeitgeist with the advent of popular gaming shows like Critical Roll and The Adventure Zone, as well as popular media like Community and Stranger Things. While some literature exists linking the concepts of roleplaying to theater and psychotherapy in the pursuit of deeper game design, little exists that attempts to bridge the gap by examining the potential of role-playing games (RPGs) as therapeutic tools informed by drama therapy practices and theories. This literature review provides a brief overview of basic RPG …

A Proposed Music Therapy Protocol For Trauma-Informed, Culturally Aware Practice With Migrants At The Us-Mexico Border, Mackenzie K. Conner

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper reviews current literature surrounding therapeutic work done with the migrant population and considers it through the lens of future music therapy interventions to be done at the United States (US)-Mexico border. The migration process across the US-Mexico border is often filled with danger and treachery, leading to trauma responses, such as depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder. These traumatic experiences are augmented even further if there is a detention period or separation of families. In work reported by psychotherapists, counselors, and expressive arts therapists, there is often a focus of building empowerment, resilience, and coping skills. Yet …