Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Making Mindfulness More Accessible: A Practical Guide To Trauma-Informed Mindfulness, Leslie Formby

Mindfulness Studies Theses

Mindfulness is currently embedded in a growing understanding of how trauma permeates and adversely impacts peoples’ physical and psychological well-being. Increased awareness of the prevalence of trauma and its harmful effects has led to renewed interest in mindfulness to help manage the challenges generated by the detrimental effects of trauma.

These effects may draw people to mindfulness and, in turn, may make the benefits of mindfulness out of reach. Mindfulness methods and practice adaptations have been found to help trauma survivors experience the benefits of what the Buddha taught. As a support for those engaging in mindfulness and meditation, this …

The Potential Of Using Dance/Movement Therapy In Treating Depression In The Adult Population In Thailand: A Literature Review, Vararom Tavivoradilok

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Depression is becoming increasingly prevalent in Thailand, and while many depressive symptoms manifest through the physical body, there are few treatments for depression in Thailand that involve the physical body. Previous research suggests that Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) can effectively treat depression by incorporating the physical body and individuals’ embodied feelings into the treatment process. This literature review aims to explore the potential of incorporating DMT into the treatment for depression in the adult population in Thailand, by reviewing literature about DMT practice for depression and existing treatments for depression in Thailand. The findings suggest that while physical body incorporation …

The Experience Of Equanimity Expressed Through Art: How Artmaking Facilitates The Practice Of Equanimity, Seyma Cavusoglu

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

The purpose of the current study was to explore the experience of equanimity expressed through art and its implications for the field of Expressive Therapies by examining the artmaking process of six participants (an illustrator, a visual artist, a musician, an art therapist, an expressive arts therapist, a clinical psychologist who is an art therapy practitioner). The participants were recruited based on their involvement in a contemplative practice that supported their practice of equanimity. The study utilized qualitative and arts-based research methods. Data were collected in the form of art (visual arts, poetry and music), interviews, journaling and artmaking by …

“Calming Watercolors”: Using Mindful Art In Treatment Of Mood Disorders, Patrick Macleod

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Art and mindfulness serve as separate approaches for both mental health treatment and relaxation. This thesis aimed to explore the meaning of a mindfulness-based art directive as perceived by individuals dealing with mood disorders, and its possible influence on their levels of mood and anxiety. The history of mindfulness and expressive therapies are explored, and the benefits of each approach are highlighted. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy are discussed as ways to enhance the relationship between mind and body, to reduce the suffering that comes from mental and physical pains, and to prevent …

Mindfulness-Based Dance/Movement Therapy For Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder And Health Anxiety: Development Of A Method, Katherine Stahl

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Despite the development of effective interventions such as Exposure and Response Prevention, the literature on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) demonstrates a large proportion of individuals whose symptoms do not improve with behavioral therapies alone. Supplemental therapies such as Mindfulness have been studied in order to address this issue, demonstrating partial success. The current thesis focuses on individuals diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder who present with health anxiety symptomology. Dance/Movement Therapy is a modality which addresses the mind/body connection, especially important those who have body-based triggers. In order to address the need for supplemental treatment modalities for individuals suffering from OCD, a mindfulness-based …

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

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

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