Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Holistic Music Therapy – Reconnecting Mind To Body Through Smart-Supplemented Music Therapy: Development Of A Method, Jacqueline San Nicolas

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone project explores the combination of Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART) and therapeutic songwriting for the treatment of adolescents with complex developmental trauma in a therapeutic boarding school to strengthen attachment, regulation, and competency. As an inherently sensory experience, Music Therapy and SMART can work as a strengths-based approach that engages both body and brain to move clients through traumatic memories. As the literature states, since trauma effects the whole individual, it is crucial to engage both brain and body in trauma treatment to move through it, rather than only addressing mental aspects of trauma through strictly verbal …

Two Worlds, One Family-Acculturation, Identity Development, And Storytelling: Literature Review, Christie Lebrun

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

As immigrant families settle in their host culture, acculturative stress occurs affecting an individuals’ identity development, as well as the family dynamic. The task of maintaining their heritage culture and navigating through the host culture challenges many first generation American and immigrant adolescents, often unsure which culture, or possibly both, best aligns with their identity. Both parent and child alike experience the acculturation process, although children acculturate into the host culture faster than their parents do. This difference in acculturation speed creates a gap that ultimately affects the family dynamic and the parent-child relationship. However, it is the opinion of …

The Embodiment Of Attachment And Grief In Adolescents: A Literature Review, Kelsey Sawyer

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Previous research has indicated that the experience of grief can be embodied or experienced on a bodily level, just like the process of attachment during the formation of an attachment relationship. Therefore, when working with adolescents who have experienced the death of a parent/attachment figure, the body should be included in the therapeutic process. This literature review addresses the importance of the body within the development of attachment relationships, an adolescent’s grief process, and the therapeutic relationship through themes of attunement, kinesthetic empathy and awareness, and witnessing, all of which are elements of dance movement therapy. Research was conducted using …

Dance/Movement Therapy As Influence On Sense Of Self: A Community Engagement Project, Jasmine Yahid

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This community engagement project seeks to explore the influence of dance/movement therapy and authentic movement techniques on one’s sense of self. This project focused on these techniques as an approach toward self-actualization and finding one’s essence. This study considered the potential implications of these practices on populations whose bodily experience can be perceived as a barrier toward self-actualization, such as in eating disorders and trauma. Six expressive therapy students from Lesley University participated in two sessions of dance/movement therapy. This included: a movement-exploration warm up, authentic movement, and a visual artistic representation of their perceived essence based on the experiential. …

The Possibility Of Assessment Tools In Expressive Arts Therapy, Joyce Gendler

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Mental health assessments originated as a tool to separate troubled individuals from mainstream society (Feder and Feder, 1998, p. 7). As the field of mental health has developed over time, assessments have come to serve a different purpose. Assessments provide the therapist insight into their clients current experience and data to guide a treatment plan. Data collected from an assessment may be a DSM-V diagnosis, a numeric score, or a qualitative clinical description. As arts-based therapeutic interventions become more widely acknowledged in the field of mental health, modality specific assessments have been developed in order to gather clinical data. Data …

Structured Songwriting In Special Education Group Music Therapy From A Humanistic Lens: Development Of A Method, Katherine Marsh

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis project explored a method of structured group songwriting through a humanistic approach. While there was compelling research of songwriting with various populations in music therapy there was noticeably less documentation of work with developmental disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) populations (Baker, Wigram, Stott, McFerrin 2008). There was also limited research available on specific songwriting process elements and the theoretical framework behind such music therapy interventions (Stewart, 2016). More data on this topic would be beneficial to music therapists, particularly young professionals, who frequently use songwriting as an intervention with this population. Based on research and experiences, …

Culture, Identity, And Critical Theory In Expressive Arts Therapy: A Literature Review, Isaac Hunnewell

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review was an initial inquiry looking at research in expressive arts therapy (EAT) to see how this field was understanding, conceptualizing, and using culture in their analysis and treatment of individual well-being. It delved into how the field constructed the relationship between individuals and their culture. The definition of culture, health, mental health, and the connection between them was examined. Research also included creative arts therapy (CAT) and its emerging interest in critical theory, why it was important, where it was being used, and how it contributed to an understanding of society as a source of individual pain, …

Art Therapy And Art Education: A Conversation - A Critical Review Of The Literature, Shannon Rogers

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Art therapists and art educators are continuing to define the boundaries of their professions while finding opportunities for collaboration. While there are limited studies focusing on art therapy with students, the existing research suggests that the interventions that have been done are associated with an increase of self-esteem, ability to communicate thoughts and feelings, and healthy self-expression for students. The topic question investigated in this paper is what are the emotional benefits of implementing art therapy for elementary students within art education? This literature review will explore what few have focused on, the overlap between art therapy and art education. …

Beyond Regression: An Investigation Of Art Material Choice For Children With Trauma, Natalie Lane

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Choice in art materials and the artistic process are arguably two of the primary facets of how art making can be therapeutic. The purpose of the present inquiry was to investigate the impacts of art material choice in children who have experienced trauma. Using the expressive therapies continuum (ETC) as a foundation for choosing art materials in a therapeutic context, this inquiry sought to introduce art materials in the kinesthetic/sensory component of the ETC (e.g., clay, paint, large paint brushes, etc.). As a mediating consideration, this inquiry articulated the responsibilities and obligations that the art therapist possesses in working with …

Connecting Etc And Arc: The Beginnings Of An Integrative Framework For Working With Children With Relational Trauma, A Literature Review, Melissa Taylor

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Relational trauma is an impactful experience, affecting a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Children with relational trauma experiences are particularly vulnerable due to being in a stage of active development. Relational trauma can have a lasting impact on a child’s psychosocial, cognitive, and neurological development. This literature review explores the current research concerning children who have experienced relational trauma, the developmental impact of relational trauma, the treatment needs of this population, and a current, evidence-based treatment option for this population—the Attachment, Self-Regulation, Competency (ARC) framework. On the basis of this research, this literature review will outline how expressive arts …

Creativity And Movement Maintain Synaptic Activity, Improving Qol In Older Adults: A Critical Review, Caitlin Pilette

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

People are living longer. Hence, the global population of older adults is increasing. Likewise, the population of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia, and general cognitive decline is also growing and is expected to double within the next ten years. This literature review examines the effects of exercise, movement, and creative cognition seeking a positive connection to improvement in an individual’s brain function, cognitive abilities, and synaptic plasticity while focusing on their relation to memory recall abilities. It is suggested that exercise and movement increases a chemical within the brain that is involved with memory recall and …

Songwriting As Self-Care - A Burnout Prevention Tool For Mental Health Professionals: Development Of A Method, Brittany Leonard

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In this capstone thesis, songwriting is examined through a critical, humanistic lens to determine whether or not it can be used as a legitimate method of self-care to prevent burnout and minimize perceived symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression in mental health professionals. Therapeutic songwriting is an intervention grounded in analytical theory that aims to access the unconscious mind and uncover deep emotions, which is the foundation of this study. Rather than focusing on the effects songwriting has on clients, the researcher was interested in the benefits of songwriting for individuals working in the field of mental health. This project …

“There Was Something Magical About This Group”: Building Cohesion In A Psychiatric Hospital, Mariah L. Logan

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone details the development and implementation of Hope Notes, an expressive arts therapy intervention used in a private psychiatric hospital setting. Hope Notes was carried out in the group setting with adolescent and adult clients in a partial-hospitalization or inpatient hospitalization with a range of diagnoses and symptoms including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, trauma disorders including post-traumatic stress, and obsessive-compulsive disorder with symptoms of delusions, hallucinations, suicidality and homicidally. Using expressive arts therapy the clients worked together to collaboratively discuss, create, design, and build an art piece intended to increase group cohesion and connection …

Digital Music Making: Developing A Method For Using Technology In Music Psychotherapy, Sangeetha Kavety

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The use of technology, specifically digital songwriting and music making, in the context of psychotherapy is a subject that is not yet as well researched or practiced in the field of music therapy. The majority of the existing literature acknowledges the assistive function that technology such as tablets, smartphones, and computers can play in treatment of populations with cognitive and motor difficulties. However, there is little regarding the use of technology as the main means of creating music, and even less in the context of treatment of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents in family settings. For this capstone project, …

The Use Of Dance/Movement Therapy To Improve Stabilization Of Trauma Responses In Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence: A Literature Review, Genevieve Fuller

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a traumatic experience that requires trauma informed care. Because trauma effects the body and often places a survivor in a state of flight, fight or freeze, it is important that the body be involved in recovery from IPV. This includes stabilization of the body’s physical responses to trauma, which is part of the first phase of trauma recovery—safety. Through a review of the literature on trauma treatment, IPV programs, and body-based therapies such as dance/movement therapy (D/MT) and somatic psychotherapy (SP), stabilization that addresses the body is found to be an important part of trauma …

Considering Art Therapy For Adults With Fear Of Cancer Recurrence (Fcr): A Literature Review, Max Roberts

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a major problem for many cancer survivors. As cancer treatments improve and more people are surviving cancer, FCR will likely become a larger problem in general for the healthcare system. Art therapists working with cancer survivors need to be prepared for addressing FCR as they are likely to encounter this clinical issue. A literature search was conducted and no research investigating art therapy specifically for FCR was found, indicating there is currently no empirically supported approach to art therapy for FCR. Mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies appear to be efficacious for reducing effects of FCR. …

How Can Drama Therapy Support The Military Spouse During A Deployment Cycle: A Literature Review, Victoria Stephens

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Between September 11^th 2001 and 2013, over 2.5 million individuals in the American military have embarked on deployments to combat zones, with a recorded 55 percent of the active service members leaving behind significant others for anywhere between 4 to 24 months at a time (Kees, Nerenberg, Bachrach, & Sommer, 2015). There is very little empirical research focusing on the effect deployment has on spouses; but research thus far demonstrates that deployment has a significant impact on the mental health of spouses (Werner-Wilson et al., 2011). Studies in this review highlight general needs and the specific strains of depression, …

Development Of A Method: Self-Directed Self-Expression Through Digital Storytelling For Students With Behavioral Concerns, Stephanie Sabins

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Digital storytelling is an accessible and adaptable gateway for self-expression. There has been much research done exploring the benefits of using it within therapeutic and educational contexts, as it offers an alternative, semi-structured opportunity to freely create. Utilizing this form of expressive therapies with children with behavioral concerns can offer control and autonomy in a world where they get more attention for their problematic behaviors. This study was intended to provide a digital platform for children with behavioral concerns to direct their own self-expression through digital storytelling. The children chosen for this intervention attend a therapeutic behavioral day school and …

Exploring The Usage Of Found Objects In Art Therapy For Bereavement: A Literature Review, Bridget Bogan

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Bereavement is a multifaceted, evolving, and intensely individual experience. Moving away from a linear theoretical framework towards a constructivist theoretical model promotes the healing properties of self-narrative while incorporating the story of the loss of a loved one. Most important to bereaved individuals, as indicated by current research on the topics of death, grief, and bereavement are memory keeping, meaning making, and continued bonds with the deceased. These common themes have remained consistent since the Victorian age.

Traditional mourning jewelry represents a form of memorialization and continued bonds with the dead. Alternative forms of art using found objects belonging to …

Exploring The Relationship Between High-Ses And Anxiety/Depression In Adolescents: Development Of A Method, Angela Talkowski

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorder among children and adolescents with the number of individuals impacted increasing, especially for children and adolescents with high socioeconomic status. Although mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are impacting affluent children and adolescents in steadily rising numbers, there is very little research about why this is happening and how to effectively treat this population. This thesis addressed the impact affluence has on mental health in adolescents attending an affluent school system and aimed to explore effective treatments for this population. A review of the literature was conducted surrounding the …

Integrating Digital App Technologies Within Traditional Expressive Arts Therapy For Children And Adolescents, Sarah Storjohann

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In recent years, technology in the form of digital applications (apps) has emerged as a fundamental aspect of everyday life as well as a practical, convenient, and inexpensive tool for artistic self-expression, most notably amongst children and adolescents. Ninety-eight percent of U.S. households currently possess some form of mobile device (Rideout, 2017), with an estimated 95% of U.S. teenagers ages 13 to 17 owning a Smartphone (Anderson & Jiang, 2018). As digital natives, children and adolescents are more likely to identify with and connect to these arts-based methods. Clinician perspective concerning digital integration varies across a wide spectrum. Through a …

Expressive Mindfulness: A Trauma-Sensitive Expressive Arts Therapy Group Method, Meghan Daly

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Mindfulness and expressive arts therapy are both supportive of directing attention in a manner that promotes integration and function of a person. In this paper, a trauma-sensitive method was created for use in a day treatment setting for adults with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). This method utilized expressive movement, visual art making with three different materials, and creative writing to encourage mindful, non-judgmental acceptance of the present moment; a sense of relaxation; and an overall increase in quality of life. During development of the method arts-based research informed the choice of materials, music, and structure of the group. …

Creating Connection: Group Expressive Arts Therapy With Incarcerated Women, María Luisa Santamaría

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The lived experience of incarceration isolates, disconnects, and retraumatizes women. Correctional mental health services fall short of adequately accounting for the pervasive histories of trauma and victimization that characterize the lives of most women prior to arrival in prison. The immediacy of the need to address this issue is underscored by steadily climbing rates of incarceration for women. The expressive arts are uniquely suited to the correctional environment wherein they provide alternative outlets for emotional expression, often stigmatized and perceived as unsafe. This research explored the use of a group expressive arts therapy method integrating psychodrama, visual art and collaborative …

Solution Focused Brief Expressive Arts Therapy, David Sherman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This graduate capstone thesis paper and project proposes a new therapeutic intervention called Solution-Focused Brief Expressive Arts Therapy (SFBExAT). This intervention and approach is based on the synthesized theories, techniques, and principles of Expressive Arts Therapy (ExAT) and Solution- Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). A review of relevant literature on the combined use of SFBT, ExAT and expressive therapies, as well as on the foundational literature of the individual theories establishes conceptual grounds for a SFBExAT model. A SFBExAT intervention is developed and explained. The intervention was ultimately applied in a hospital outpatient setting with a teenage client. The process, results …

A Critical Review Of The Literature On The Accessibility Of Music Therapy In Rural Areas In The Usa For Families With Children With Special Needs, Carolyn Artesani

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis explores the topic of the accessibility of music therapy in rural areas of the United States for families with children with special needs. Through a critical review of the literature on this topic, it was found that the small body of knowledge on music therapy in rural parts of the USA focused on populations other than families with children with special needs (Brotons & Marti, 2003; Leist, 2011; Levy, Spooner, Lee, Sonke, Myers, & Snow, 2018; Sisk, 2016). Literature from music therapy journals as well as related health professions were analyzed and synthesized to further understand why …

Mindful Mandala Art Therapy In Partial Hospitalization With Children: Development Of A Method, Kristen Sampson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper discusses an art therapy mindfulness mandala group method created for use within a partial hospitalization program (PHP) setting with children in Boston, MA. Literature regarding partial hospitalization population, therapeutic needs, and treatment was reviewed in order to develop a method to therapeutically benefit child clients aged nine-thirteen at the PHP. Due to the symptomology of clients within the program, much of which was due to frequent histories of trauma among clients, research into therapeutic treatment involved a review of mindfulness interventions for those who have experienced trauma. The writer then created a mindfulness mandala art therapy group, aiming …

Community Art Installation As An Approach To Art Therapy: A Community Engagement, Abigail Thompson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In this thesis capstone paper, I advocate for a community art installation as an ethical and engaging way to approach art therapy. I argue that this approach may blur the lines between art therapy, art education and arts activism, but it is a powerful and anti-oppressive way to facilitate healing in marginalized communities. I found this approach furthered my understanding of what it means to be a competent and ethical art therapist. I also found it empowered art therapy group members and made them active facilitators of change in their lives and their communities. Observing the success of this project …

Queering Music Therapy: Literature Review Of Queer Music Therapy And Music Therapy Education, Eva M. Steward

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis presents current research on the queer (LGBTQ+) community and music therapy. Research on the education of music therapists in working with queer identified clients and patients as well as the current theories and recommendations when providing affirming music therapy for queer clients and patients is discussed. Queer theory is defined and its relationship to psychotherapy, expressive arts therapies, and music therapy is explored. This research shows that even though there is a current push for music therapists to create an affirming and therapeutic environment with queer clients and patients, there is a lack of research, education, and …

Literature Review On Urban Trauma And Applying A Trauma-Informed Approach, Ashley Corazon

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Within the United States, there are millions of people living in urban cities. Cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. This thesis capstone project is a literature review on the trauma that is experienced by the youth residing in those urban communities and the effects it has on their bodies and minds. This level of continuous trauma develops in children as complex trauma and disrupts a child’s mental, social, emotional and educational development. This change in trajectory puts these children on a path that can result in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, substance abuse, involvement with the …

Assisting Elders With Dementia In Residential Settings Through Music Therapy: A Literature Review, Benjamin Burke

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Dementia is one of the most prevalent diagnoses for elders causing strain and debilitation of their social, mental, physical, emotional, behavioral and psychological faculties. Due to the nature of this condition, treatments for dementia have been structured to aid and improve the well-being and quality of life for those afflicted. Some of the goals that assisted-living services establish include reducing anxiety, increasing levels of comfort, improving mood, memory care and bettering verbal processing. Music therapy has been an intervention that assists with establishing these goals and implementing strategies resulting in short-term and long-term effects for those receiving treatment for dementia. …