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 …

"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 …

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 …

In The Wings: Actors & Mental Health A Critical Review Of The Literature, Gabrielle L. Arias

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Studies show that professional actors and performers are more likely than their civilian counterparts to suffer from depression, anxiety, and various other mental health struggles (Burgoyne, Poulin, Rearden, 1999; Geer, 1993; Maxwell, Seton, & Szabo, 2015; Robb & Due, 2018; Rob, Due & Venning, 2016; Seton, 2010). This review synthesizes some of the literature published regarding actors and the negative mental health issues they may suffer, with attention paid to two specific acting techniques that are commonly taught in the United States, Stanislavski’s ‘system’ and Strasberg’s ‘method.’ Using a mental-health lens, a critique of these techniques is offered to the …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

Mindfulness-Integrated Art Therapy & The Cultivation Of Self-Compassion: Development Of A Method, Mollie German

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis explored the links between the research on self-compassion and a mindful art therapy approach in treatment for mental health. Through a critical review of the literature on mindfulness, art therapy, and self-compassion the author extracted the overlapping themes that support well-being theory. It was identified that mindful art therapy approaches that focus on the development of emotional regulation, identity development, resiliency, and wellbeing overlap with those same themes in the self-compassionate approach to treatment for mental health. Many of the approaches were found to not only reduce pathology but also increase wellbeing simultaneously through a positive psychology …

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 Trauma-Informed Art Therapy Approach For Boys With Sexualized Problematic Behaviors: A Group Method, Rebecca Cyr

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Treatment of sexualized problematic behaviors (SPB) in children and adolescents is a clinically significant issue that has little research to support the fundamental need for treatment. Sexualized problematic behaviors (SPB) can be an indication of a child’s own complex trauma and sexual abuse history. Using a relational, trauma-informed, and developmental approach to treatment in combination with art therapy, children demonstrating SPB can learn how to better express themselves, respect themselves and others, and heal a fragmented sense of self. Developmentally, these children and adolescents are in the stage where identity formation is the main task. Therefore, this series of art …

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 …

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 …

Making And Using Natural Art Materials And Its Effect On Adolescents’ Self-Concept, Jocelyn Dimpel

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The purpose of the study was to observe effects on adolescents’ self-concept through creating their own natural art materials, as little prior research has been done on the subject. The study was conducted in a high school with two individual students, aged 14-16, who selected, created, and used their own art tools made from naturally sourced materials. By making and using their own art materials, students were able to process their internal state, thoughts, and emotions, express themselves outwardly, and connect better with themselves and their surroundings.

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 …

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 …

Utilizing Dance/Movement Therapy To Help Alleviate The Physical And Emotional Effects Of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Literature Review, Cara Spilsbury

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis literature review investigates dance/movement therapy as a complementary intervention to address the physical, mental and emotional effects of thoracic outlet syndrome. No research currently exists linking DMT and TOS in any capacity, so the author analyzes her own experience of utilizing various DMT techniques throughout her TOS recovery and reviews literature regarding DMT and conditions with similar symptoms to TOS, such as chronic pain, chronic illness, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, depression, stress and anxiety. The author hypothesizes that dance/movement therapy would be an effective complementary treatment to combat the physical, mental and emotional effects of TOS. The …

Fostering Resilience Through Breath: A Literature Review, Savannah Weatherington

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review focuses on utilizing dance/movement therapy with mindfulness aligned to the Attachment, Self- regulation and Competency —framework. This paper highlights how each dance/movement therapy, mindfulness and the Attachment, Self-regulation and Competency - framework support one another. Research has shown that trauma significantly changes not only an individual’s brain, body, but also how they are present in day-to-day life. This literature not only focuses on these effects, but also goes into details of how dance/movement therapy, mindfulness and the Attachment, Self - regulation and Competency - framework supports a child who has experienced a type of trauma or stressful …