Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Moving Blind Spots: Cultural Bias In The Movement Repertoire Of Dance/Movement Therapists, Ebony Nichols

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis explores the need for cultural diversity in the field of dance/movement therapy and the impact of unconscious bias as it relates to cultural rhythmic patterns, movement styles, and music choices in therapeutic practice. This literature review examines the historical context that has contributed to the field of dance/movement therapy while outlining cultural competency and ethical considerations in practice as it relates to cultural and/or race identity. Common themes are summarized notating the effects of oppression, bias, and trauma on populations of statistically marginalized communities with specific emphases on African American cultural identity. With consideration toward action steps, culturally …

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 …

Using Expressive Arts Therapy To Test Construct Limitations In Temperament, Julia Mcglew

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review puts forth the idea that temperament is a limited construct. The history of temperament, the current uses of temperament in clinical practice, and the limitations of temperament are all reviewed. It then seeks to explain that temperament as a concept could be more effectively explored through the expressive arts therapies. The use of the expressive arts therapies in this context are defended. This review attempts to explain the gaps in temperament as a construct and suggest the expressive arts therapies as a way of bridging some of those gaps. It is found that the expressive arts therapies …

Fostering Creativity For Healing: A Literature Review On The Use Of Art Therapy And Mindfulness With Traumatized Adults, Kathryn Kost

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Art therapy and mindfulness have often been applied separately in the treatment of traumatized adults, and positive results in research studies and clinical practice have been reported. This thesis explores and evaluates empirical evidence of the effectiveness of both modalities for trauma treatment with adults, considering the effects of trauma and how to appropriately integrate art therapy and mindfulness into a trauma-informed practice. The critical review begins by surveying literature on the neurological impacts of trauma, identifying the stages of trauma treatment and how to utilize a client’s window of tolerance to improve functioning and increase acceptance of difficult emotions. …

The Metaphor Of Protected Spacein Therapy With Survivors Of Trauma: Development Of An Art Therapy Method, Aiden J. Reis

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Building a sense of safety through containment is a key component of working with clients who have significant trauma histories. This capstone thesis explores the current literature on the symbolism of containment in the therapeutic relationship as well as the effectiveness of using containers such as boxes, books, mandalas, in art therapy, and imagined containers in EMDR in supporting clients to heal from trauma. Quantitative studies demonstrating the efficacy of creating mandalas to reduce Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms is significant. After reviewing the relevant literature, I present a preliminary treatment directive in which clients design and draw an image …

Dance/Movement Therapy For Competitive Dancers: A Community Engagement Project, Melanie Ryder

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Young dancers often struggle to portray emotions and connect to meaningful choreography on a deep level. From September to April of this year, I have been applying dance/movement therapy theories and techniques to a competition dance class hoping to improve each dancer’s ability to emotionally execute a piece and improve the studios scores. I have worked toward meeting the adolescent pro-social needs through restructuring a dance class and encouraging self-esteem to be built through arts-based experientials. I did this by using several methods from dance/movement therapy theorists and applying them to a dance class that meets once a week for …

A Time To Play: A Literature Review On Trauma-Informed Play And Expressive Arts Therapy Approaches For Low-Income Children, Leila Hashimi Malone

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Low-income children are often subjected to stressors and traumas such as hunger, abuse, neglect, and mental illness among caretakers. These stressors are a known source of debilitating stress and long-term dysfunction. Stress has been shown to adversely affect the body’s immune system, incapacitates one’s focus, and cause neurobiological transformation in the human brain. This reaction is particularly pronounced in children during a vulnerable time in their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. These changes have been known to manifest as cognitive deficits, emotional disorders, and learning disabilities, along poor physical health outcomes. Managing stress in low-income children is a critical …

Examining The Impact Of Dmt With African American Families Affected By Trauma: A Literature Review, Darkia Anderson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Although there is limited research in the dance movement therapy community regarding this population, dance movement therapy is slowly finding itself to be an effective intervention to help African Americans heal from trauma. Through the research I was able to discover if dance movement therapy could have a positive healing impact on this specific population. Many studies looked at exploring dance movement therapy interventions with youth and families as well as the impact of facilitating dance movement therapy groups with youth, while incorporating DMT interventions to help heal trauma. Through all of these interventions these studies used dance movement therapy …

Facing Neurotypical Normativity: An Ethical Call For Therapeutic Sensitivity To Neurodiversity, Karen Irvine

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper explores the relationship between counseling education, clinicians-in-training, and neurodivergent client populations. Arguing that there is an absence of adequate training to address the specific needs of clients with developmental disabilities, this paper introduces the term neurotypical normativity in order to delimit deeply embedded biases operating within the mental health profession. These biases generate modes of treatment that overlook emotional and relational need in favor of symptoms and behavioral management. Through the critical examination of the connection between fundamental presuppositions, education, and treatment, this paper initiates an ethical call for therapeutic sensitivity to neurodiversity.

Adult Adoptees Exploration Of Self-Identity Through The Use Of Art Therapy, Erin Weaver

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Numerous studies have demonstrated that most adoptees do not have enough information to make sense of their biological and cultural background due to the lack of acknowledgment and understanding of their experiences and perspectives (Darnell, Johansen, Tavakoli, & Brugnone, 2017). By reviewing past and current literature, the present paper sought to investigate and bring awareness to the lasting social, emotional, developmental, and psychological effects the adoption process can have on adoptees from birth into adulthood, in addition to the different ways art therapy can aid in facilitating identity exploration and development throughout. Results showed acknowledgment, openness, and integration of biological …

Art Therapy As A Tool For Enhancing Adolescent Identity Formation, Self-Knowing, And Empowerment., Victoria Force

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Adolescence is a pivotally important developmental stage for individuals. During this time, adolescents begin the journey of discovering the many facets of their identities. This capstone thesis explores how the discipline of art therapy can aid adolescents in the formation of their understanding of specific parts of their identities. Workshops offered at a community mental health organization collected data via surveys, observable experiences, and art. These workshops offered clients a safe space to artistically express their identity. Results of the exercise provide indications that art therapy could be used as a positive aid in adolescent identity formation.

Social Goals In Adults With Asd: The Case For Ballroom In Dance/Movement Therapy, Stacey Crimans

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The author explores the challenges experienced by adults with Autism (ASD) and their families, especially once they have left the public school system and are faced with entering college, a job, and any other goals they may desire. Adults with Autism generally are not researched nearly as much as children with Autism, but there is even less research using the modality of Dance/Movement Therapy as treatment for this population. The author explores how Dance/Movement Therapy might benefit from the incorporation of Polyvagal Theory with this population as well as elements of ballroom dancing. Specifics concerning why elements of social ballroom …

The Relationship Between Therapy And Students’ Anxiety, Seung H. Lee

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Anxiety causes a high percentage of behavioral concerns and struggles in school aged children and it has become one of the most prevalent psychological disorders in adults (Bernstein, 2016). If left untreated, anxiety negatively influences children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development, which continues into adulthood. Children with anxiety tend to demonstrate excessive inflexibility, avoidant tendencies, and an intense need to control situations that they perceive as intimidating (Kra-Oz & Shorer, 2017). The purpose of this literature review is to examine anxiety in latency-aged children and the current practices in treating childhood anxiety. This will also examine gradual exposure therapy through …

Breathing Life Into Life: A Literature Review Supporting Body-Based Interventions In The Treatment Of Trauma, Andrea Werbalowksy

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In the recent turn toward a more trauma-informed practice of mental health counseling, a glaring gap remains between the research validating that trauma is a somatic experience and the continued privileging of cognitive and behaviorist interventions commonly used to treat trauma. In an effort to explore this gap, this paper presents a literature review inquiry into the neurophysiological and overall life effects trauma can have on the people who experience it. The review further explores how Stephen Porges’s Polyvagal Theory elucidates the benefits of using body-based therapeutic interventions in the treatment of trauma. The inquiry investigates the wide gap between …

Towards Healing Ambiguous Grief With Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy, Embodiment, And Mindfulness: A Literature Review, Emily Piper

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

There is an emerging trend of nature-based expressive arts therapy with a developing body of research. The current literature indicates that there are numerous nature-based approaches and that they can be effectively applied to many populations. Some of the benefits of nature-based therapy are shifts in physiology such as lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and decrease in stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms. The approaches of nature-based therapeutic work include mindfulness and meditation, animal-assisted therapies, farm and work-based therapies, horticulture therapy, and nature-based expressive arts therapy. There are many effective applications of these frameworks that have been studied and some that …

Breaking Pathological Stigmas: Art Therapy And Yoga With Mental Illnesses And Substance Abuse: Development Of A Method, Daniell Cohen

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis narrates a journey towards radical self-acceptance, recovery and growing awareness of substance abuse and mental illness through art therapy and yoga. Individuals who battle with a substance abuse and/or a mental illness are often faced with the predicament of sustaining consistent treatment. It is the opinion of this writer that the way our current mental health system is organized, fails to support the longevity of recovery and wellness for individuals who are unable to afford their treatment. This unfortunate situation sometimes leads to self-medicating behaviors resulting in addiction. As an intern at a short-term psychiatric and substance abuse …

Using D/Mt To Elicit Social Change For The Incarcerated: A Literature Review, Courtney Bieda

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review focuses on dance/movement therapy and other creative arts interventions that will help the incarcerated during and after incarceration. The incarcerated do not receive the help they need to successfully reintegrate into society, leading to increased recidivism rates. This population is often stigmatized as subhuman, and it is important for them to build self-worth and develop appropriate coping skills to better themselves. Creative arts programs display promising results, for they allow the incarcerated a break in their routine and an opportunity for creativity. Studies show that art and music therapy can help the incarcerated with emotional regulation, self-expression, …

Existential Art Therapy In Children’S Bereavement Groups: Development Of A Method, Catherine Johnson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Children and adolescents who have experienced the death of a family member are faced with the emotional journey of grieving their loss, which may be accompanied with existential concerns about life and death in general. Bereavement programs serve to connect children with others who know what losing a family member is like. Art therapy can be used in these bereavement groups to express and give shape to the emotions and memories the participants have. It is a non-verbal way to reflect and find meaning that can come from post-traumatic growth. This capstone thesis project explores an art therapy method for …

Exploring Ageism Intergenerationally With The Expressive Arts, Sarah Masciave

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Ageism is not always explicit. Like racism, sexism, or any other form of prejudice and discrimination, ageism can also take on a subtle, quiet tone that results in making a human being feel inferior. This paper discusses ageism as directed toward the older population and offers expressive arts therapies solutions that bring social awareness to the topic of ageism to people of all ages, as well as empower those who have experienced its effects. It also talks about self-directed ageism and how expressive arts therapies can prevent or repair certain perspectives of self and others to reduce undesired feelings such …

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 …

Development Of A Method: The Use Of Flowers In Group Art Therapy, Paige Johnson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Working with natural materials and objects can provide calming benefits and promote a positive well-being. Nature objects can include wood, stones, shells, grasses, moss, flowers, and more.This thesis will focus on the development of a method for floral arrangement in art therapy. The thesis presents the development of a method that explores how the Western symbolism of flower types and personal memories of flowers impact the healing process while working with flowers in an art therapy group. Group participants included 20 women aged 27-65, who were part of an art program at the African Community Center. Fresh flowers were provided …

A Nature- Informed Expressive Arts Therapy Method And Group Participation In Youths, Ella E. Huzdovich

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to implement the elements of nature inside a group therapy room in an adolescent partial hospitalization program. This was a comparative study where two groups were led before environment was changed, and two groups were led after environment was changed. The group therapy room was redesigned after the first two groups were conducted. Added to the group therapy room was a 100 x 144 inch forest mural that covered one entire wall, a diffuser that released a forest scent, two large indoor plants, and playing in the background were birds chirping synchronous …

An Open Studio Approach To Adolescent Identity Formation: A Development Of A Method, Bailey E. Mccombs

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Adolescence is a time of growth, enhanced understanding of self, and testing out how one may present in a group. Erikson described this stage as an opportunity to branch out from family influence and begin to understand one’s role among peers. This method involved an open studio approach using altered books to support adolescent identity formation. The participants were all from a private middle school in the Boston area. Participation was voluntary for each student and all materials were provided by the facilitator. Participant engagement in the group increased each week. The open studio group appeared to appeal to certain …

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 …

Trauma-Focused Cbt Informed Music Therapy: Connecting Traumatized Youth With Affective Modulation — Developing A Method, Genevieve Kurtzman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

Remediating the impact of trauma experienced by children and adolescents is a focus of psychotherapy treatment. Research in neurology suggests brain development of youths who have experienced trauma is impacted in negative ways. One impact noted is a delay of the development of emotional perception and regulation, where youths may demonstrate an inability to perceive and identify feelings within themselves or others and may experience inappropriate emotional outbursts or emotional withdrawal. Evidence-based practices (EBPs) with specific components and protocols are increasingly preferred by consumers and insurance providers due to research-supported results within expedient timeframes. Music therapy is an evidence-based …

Anxiety Symptoms, Childhood Autism And Improvisational Music Therapy: A Clinical Method, Talaye Zarafshandardaky

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis explores the efficacy of improvisational music therapy in reducing symptoms of anxiety among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Through a clinical review of the literature on the topic of anxiety symptoms, autism disorder and improvisational music therapy in conjunction with individual music therapy sessions with one student, which pertained one session of music therapy per week for a month with a client, diagnosed with autisms disorder. The participant was observed from his transition from class to music therapy session until the end of the day at school. The observations found from the study suggest that children …

Deconstructing Embodied White Supremacy Through Dance Movement Therapy Community Engagement Project, Jessica White

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Transforming institutional racism and personal prejudice is a heated topic in the counseling profession and broadly in society. An imperative cultural and individual step to be taken towards addressing racism is making white supremacy visible in order to dismantle it. Part of that step is separating whiteness from supremacy and creating an ethical, humanist, and compassionate model of whiteness. This capstone thesis was a community engagement project focused on arts as therapeutic social action. The author explored oppression and dominance through body and movement with white women who are engaged in anti-racism. Group activities included observing how white supremacy and …

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 …

Movement And Support As Treatment For Parkinson’S Disease: A Literature Review, Sara K. Schmidt

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The purpose of this literature review is to discuss the benefit of support groups and dance classes for individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Questions for consideration in this literature review include looking at the possible added benefit of combining support and movement into one group. This writer will present the literature on the benefits of dance classes for individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease and the literature on the benefits of support groups. This writer will then investigate if the potential benefits in a combined group are similar or the same as in separate support groups or dance classes. This …

An Exploration Of Whiteness, Resilience, And Dance/Movement Therapy, Sharon Elizabeth Quimbay Nolasco

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review is a thorough investigation on Whiteness, specifically how it is defined within society, embodiment and how to utilize Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT), resilience and how it affects people of color. It will address how Whiteness is a vast and highly researched topic, and this paper aims to build the ground for future work both within counseling professions and Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT). The entirety of this paper discusses whiteness and how it affects various aspects of an individual’s life, as well as the resiliency demonstrated by those who rise up beyond their experienced oppression. When defining Whiteness, careful consideration …