Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

From Mud: Lessons Of Mindfulness Found In Clay Work, Casey Williams

Mindfulness Studies Theses

A significant part of the earth's history, clay represents the interconnectedness of all life. While clay has long been used in the field of art therapy, the use of the material in mindfulness has been unfolding. This creative thesis explores the significance of clay to humankind. It reviews Buddhist literature and text to identify the elements and parallels of clay work that make it a compelling contemplative material. Neuroscientific research that connects the mind and body interaction further make the case for clay work as an effective mindfulness-based practice. The creative component of this thesis is a clay retreat that …

Charter School Leaders And Their Students’ Resilience, Katy Bridget Angelone

Educational Studies Dissertations

The purpose of this multiple composite case study was to develop descriptive accounts of the thoughts, beliefs, actions, and assessments of charter school leaders regarding their efforts towards students’ resilience-building. Survey results from 46 participants identified eight Massachusetts charter school leaders who prioritized resilience-building within their schools. Semi-structured interviews with eight participants inquired about their reasons and methods for resilience-building in their schools and the factors and conditions that inhibit and foster their efforts. The qualitative data analysis yielded five findings. Participants operated from two orientations: resilience empowers learners and cultivates self-directed learning; and resilience is needed to manage traumatic …

A Mixed Methods Approach To Understanding Common Factors Association With Pain And Functional Outcomes In Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions, Mary Beth Holmes

Educational Studies Dissertations

Healthcare costs continue to rise the provision of value-based care with evidence to support improvement in patient outcomes is essential for service coverage. While physical therapy has proven to be effective for the treatment of painful musculoskeletal conditions ostensibly different treatment approaches have yielded similar results. These findings have led to an exploration of the influence of the features present across all interventions, variables known as the “common factors”, on physical therapy outcomes. Research pertaining to common factors remains in the early stages in physical therapy literature, with studies primarily aimed at defining and exploring singular concepts. Using Wampold’s Contextual …

Examining Cbt With Music As An Early Psychosis Intervention: A Critical Review Of The Literature, Andrew Maher

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This critical literature review investigates the use of music therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy-based treatments for use in early psychosis intervention with adolescents and young adults. It examines the format of cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis (CBTp), music therapy, and cognitive behavioral music therapy (CBMT) treatments and the effectiveness of the treatments in reducing symptoms of psychosis. The literature reviewed consists of peer-reviewed journals, books, essays, and research studies that address the theory, structure, application, and outcomes of treatment for psychosis in first-episode cases. The literature is organized by introducing the presentation of first-episode psychosis, then by review of CBTp, …

A Literature Review: Posttraumatic Growth In Trauma Recovery Using Art Therapy: "How A Superhero Learns To Fly", Patricia Ezzard

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review examines posttraumatic growth (PTG), a psychological construct based on the phenomenon of transformative, positive changes experienced by an individual or a community after struggling with trauma(s) and adverse life events. The intention of this capstone thesis is to explore processes in art therapy (AT) that enable PTG and broaden trauma recovery practices by focusing on well-being rather than pathology. This review examines quantitative, qualitative, and arts-based research that explored PTG directly and indirectly using AT, which revealed large gaps in PTG and AT research. Creativity, positive art therapy, social and community support, mindfulness, spirituality, and channeling confidence …

Thoughts, Feelings, Actions; The Brevity Of Being: A Haiku Method, Scott Medeiros

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The difficulties of delivering clinical services during the pandemic showed that there was a need for interventions that were able to be adapted to virtual sessions. In addition, lack of training and expertise regarding specialized therapies require modern day clinicians to be able to synergize current theory with the reality of the mental health landscape. In this study, 19 individuals participated in a psychoeducation group that taught a therapeutic thought mapping technique that was then adapted towards the creation of a haiku. It was noticed that participants were able to learn a psychological concept, apply it towards their life, create …

On Developmental Transformations And Neural Integration: A Literature Review, Savannah White

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis presents developmental transformations (DvT) and explores this technique’s connections with neural integration. Developmental transformations is an improvised drama therapy technique (Johnson, 2013). Neural integration is what occurs when the different parts of the brain are working together (Siegel, 2020). Domains of integration are the different parts of the mind that are attempting to work together (Siegel, 2010a). This thesis aims to demonstrate how elements and techniques of DvT may facilitate neural integration. Background in both areas is provided, then specific concepts, skills, and methods of developmental changes are connected to domains of integration. Practical applications are reviewed, and …

Widening The Lens, Capturing The Gaps: Dbt And Phototherapy, A Critical Review Of The Literature, Megan Mcelroy

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis presents a new exploration into the possibility of connecting the powers of phototherapy and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), as well as inquiring into the idea that this integration could make a positive change in the gaps that exist in the mental health care system. This inquiry is important because both are powerful, research-supported methods that help populations that have been historically overlooked in the mental health field. However, there are many populations and diagnoses that are currently still either being glazed over or not receiving the specialized, competent, and compassionate care that is required for effective treatment. I …

Exploring Role Method As A Means Of Emotional Regulation: A Development Of A Method With Dysregulated Adults In A Php Setting, Meghan Owen

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Emotional dysregulation is comorbid with a wide spectrum of mental health diagnoses. However, in a partial hospital program (PHP) setting, the roots of emotional dysregulation cannot be thoroughly treated due to the temporary nature of such programs, despite its impact on the wellness of clients. Yet, it has the potential to be explored more in-depth through drama therapy techniques due to the distanced and playful methods of the practice. This thesis method explores the effect of a strengths-based, drama therapy intervention in a PHP setting. The method took place over four sessions, with a fluctuating group ranging from five to …

The Bodhichitta Way: Igniting Mindful Leadership From Within - An 8-Week Online Program, Paula Ledbetter

Mindfulness Studies Theses

This paper investigates ways in which the practice of mindfulness can positively influence workplace leadership. Mindfulness-based approaches, when woven together with compassion, self-awareness, and meditation, cultivate qualities of effective mindful leadership that are essential in today’s workforce. Within this creative thesis, I developed an eight-week online training program for leaders to build foundational mindfulness practices necessary for optimizing meaningful connections in their daily work-life. The online training is based in experiential learning, self-reflection, and meditation practice. Research shows that there is significant benefit to incorporating mindfulness in the workplace. The purpose of this paper and online training is to provide …

Yoga And Reiki As Self-Care Interventions For Professional Nurses: A Weekend Retreat, Diane Friel

Mindfulness Studies Theses

Nurses provide compassionate care to their patients and often fail to turn that compassion inwards. Nurses are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress in the workplace related to the COVID-19 pandemic and research shows that workplace stress has a negative impact on both nurses and the patients they care for. The wellness of the nursing force is a public health priority. This paper describes the workplace challenges facing nurses today, and the associated impact on nurses and patients is supported with research. Research is offered supporting self-care and self-compassion as vital components to wellness, enhanced emotional resilience, and prevention of burnout …

Pause. Reset. Return. Mental Hygiene And Mindfulness In Daily Routines For The Mental Wellbeing Of Mental Health Professionals, Jamie Tolson

Mindfulness Studies Theses

Children and adolescents in the United States are experiencing a mental health crisis which also impacts families, caregivers, including the mental health professionals providing support. This rationale paper expands on the history and limited current research to reintroduce the term “mental hygiene” as a lens to address the ongoing stress, the need for self-care and respite, and the value of incorporating mindfulness in the daily routines of mental health professionals. Intentional use of the term “mental hygiene" seeks to highlight an active and engaged process including mindfulness practices to decrease stress and burnout. The literature supports the inclusion of mindfulness …

Taming The Wandering Mind: Where Buddhism & Polyvagal Theory Meet, Tamara Embrey

Mindfulness Studies Theses

The ability to tame the wandering mind is at the heart of the insights emerging from the places where Buddhism and the Polyvagal Theory (Porges, 2001, 2011) meet. A polyvagal understanding of how our nervous system functions opens the door to developing skills that can strengthen our ability to regulate ourselves and others during times of challenge. The Buddha’s meditation instructions, laid out in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta, the Establishment of Mindfulness Discourse offers a type of attentional training that allows us to become aware of our current neural state so that we can make intentional choices to tame our wandering …

Belonging Amidst Bias: Embracing Difference On The Path To Common Humanity, Alyssia Sheikh

Mindfulness Studies Theses

The mindfulness community prioritizes self-awareness and common humanity, but is often entrapped by the idea that oneness is equivalent to sameness. This inclination for objectivity is rooted in the same neural propensities that facilitate bias; the brain is a subjective organ, however, and so neurologically speaking, bias is inevitable. This paper asks: Is striving for sameness separating us from interconnectedness? A human experience is a subjective, diverse, and variable one. The path to shared humanity and social justice co-occurs with increasing cultural humility through mindful awareness and acknowledging our subjective nature. Exploring our neurological tendency to make assumptions, we …

A Qualitative Study On Nurse Facilitators Of Mind-Body Skills Groups, Paula D. Blake-Beckford

Mindfulness Studies Theses

The Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM), founded by Dr. James Gordon, provides communities with evidence-based Mind-Body Skills Groups (MBSGs) that foster self-care, self-awareness, and self-expression. MBSGs range from 8 to 12-week series on various mind-body practices wherein group members meet, practice, and reflect on the impact of mind-body skills in their lives. Research has demonstrated that participants in MBSGs have positive outcomes. Healthcare professionals (HCPs), especially nurses, gain resiliency from MBSGs. As facilitators of MBSGs, nurses develop essential skills transferable to clinical and educational settings. MBSGs are therapeutic for adult participants with chronic stress. Prior to this thesis, only one …

Art Therapy For Veterans In The Military To Civilian Transition: A Literature Review, Sydney Kroll

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Although all U.S. military service members eventually return to civilian life, whether they serve 20 years and retire through the military or serve a few enlistments before making a career change, the unique challenges that come with the military to civilian transition are largely overlooked, particularly the accessibility of mental health services during this period. Commonly referred to as separating from the military or “getting out” amongst service members, this stage from active duty to veteran status involves a significant adjustment in lifestyle and responsibilities. Potential gaps in health insurance and income, relocating, supporting their family, and aligning with a …

Applying Expressive Arts Therapy Interventions With Chinese Adolescents With Academic Maladjustment, Huaxin Wang

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis first explores the relationship between several concepts related to academic stress (academic burnout, academic weariness or school weariness, and school refusal) and their influencing factors, which are collectively referred to as academic maladjustment. It then reviews the empirical intervention research on academic maladjustment among Chinese adolescents. Study review has found that effective talk therapy interventions for Chinese adolescents with academic maladjustment often adopt a systematic perspective of family therapy and related techniques. Researchers worked with adolescents on their personal factors that contribute to academic maladjustment and work on the interpersonal level and obtained the cooperation of parents and …

Teacher Perceptions Of Self-Efficacy Before And After Engaging In Hevruta Or Psychodrama-Based Online Workshops, Merav Berger

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

Teacher self-efficacy is a construct that continues to be extensively researched. With the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, the learning environment has shifted dramatically and has had an impact on Jewish educators’ sense of efficacy. This study examined the pre- and post-test scores for self-efficacy of Jewish educators who engaged in either an online psychodrama-based professional development workshop, a hevruta-based workshop, or an integrated session using both psychodrama and hevruta study. The participants were 28 Jewish educators from around the United States who were split into one of six groups. Two psychodrama-based groups and two integrated groups met online for …

Singing Voices: A Digital Arts-Based Exploration Of Recording And Visualizing Combined Vocal Parts, Christina Lee

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to gain insight through the process of recording and visualizing voices singing together using digital technology. Three female adults and one male adult between the ages of 23-90, used various modes of artistic expression such as singing, free-writing, artmaking, songwriting, and music composition. Emphasis was placed on each participant recording and examining the aesthetic qualities of their combined voice parts. The questions that helped to guide this arts-based inquiry were: 1) How can digital technology be utilized to bring various vocal aspects of oneself together? 2) What are the impacts of visualizing a …

Tacit And Kinesthetic Healing Factors In Chacian Dance/Movement Therapy, Corinna Brown

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

Dance/movement therapy (DMT) research historically, has relied on positivist epistemologies and methodologies when most of what gets communicated and transacted in clinical praxis lives in the tacit domain. Dance is a form of cultural knowledge that engages collective cognition to pass practices down through generations. Knowledge of DMT practices continues to be transferred from its founders to their apprentices to current day students. This study focuses on the Marian Chace approach, whose ideas and techniques continue to shape current DMT praxis. Grounded in ideas of enaction, distributed creativity, and emergence this study utilizes collaborative arts-based research and embodied artistic inquiry …

Anti-Oppressive Pedagogy In Dance/Movement Therapy Education: Embodied Experiences Of Black, Indigenous, And Students Of Color, Chevon Stewart

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This study explored the embodied graduate educational experiences of dance/movement therapy students who were Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). Eight research participants who were between the ages of 22 to 45 years old were recruited from American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) approved programs. Participants self-identified as Black/African American and Jamaican, Black/African American, Latinx/Brazilian, Asian/Chinese, Asian/Filipino, Asian/Chinese and Taiwanese American, and Asian/Chinese and White American. A qualitative research design based in phenomenology and arts-based methods grounded in anti-oppressive research were used. Two semistructured interviews and 1 week of embodied observation and journaling were part of data collection. Themes …

Feeling Timeline: A Threshold Ritual To Anchor Expressive Arts Therapy Sessions With Children And Adolescents In Partial Hospitalization Programs, Mackenzie Ward

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Expressive arts therapy provides a useful modality for enhancing the scope of interdisciplinary treatment services for children and adolescents within partial hospitalization programs. The use of threshold rituals within sessions addresses several specific needs of this population, including structure, consistency, self-expression, and trauma-informed practices. The Feeling Timeline method, a threshold ritual developed for the opening and closing of expressive arts therapy sessions, was conducted at a large pediatric hospital within three day treatment psychiatric units. From November 2021 through April 2022, six participants between the ages of nine through sixteen engaged with the Feeling Timeline as a bridge into session, …

Literature Review: Foundations Of Self-Care Practice Utilizing Expressive Arts For Counselors In Training, Wendy Chambers Brown

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In this thesis I explore the concept of self-care for graduate students in the field of mental health counseling through their pre-licensure period, who I refer to as counselors-in-training. The thesis begins with a description of the existing literature on what challenges are unique to this field and population and how self-care may mediate the impact of such stressors as burnout, secondary or vicarious trauma, and compassion fatigue, all of which can lead to impaired competence and/or leaving the profession. I have identified three foundational components to approach self-care: self-awareness/self-reflection, self-compassion, and balance. I believe these foundational elements are best …

Spirituality & Wellness In The Black Lgbtqia+ Experience: A Literature Review, Black Pruitt

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review explores the intersections of race, sexuality, spirituality, and wellness. The findings highlight the complex trauma caused by both racialized and religious violence and how they have historically impacted the lives of Black LGBTQIA+ people today. The research offers evidence for the benefit and efficacy of implementing traditional Afrodiasporic spirituality into expressive arts therapeutic treatment, particularly for Black LGBTQIA+ people and communities. This research also suggests the necessity for actively and effectively dismantling Western psychological frameworks and approaches that have been historically harmful towards Black and LGBTQIA+ people in order to pave pathways towards collective healing and liberation.

Where I’M From: Internal Manifestations Among Cambodian Women Using The Expressive Arts A Literature Review, Noeun Chhim

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Chronic mental illness has affected many Cambodian people, but, culturally, Cambodians aren’t accustomed to opening up and discussing their feelings, rather defining mental illness to craziness and seeking help is presumed taboo. Thus, Cambodians are often reluctant to talk about their experiences and/or their related illnesses. Though Cambodians have experienced inconceivable suffering and violence during the Khmer Rouge era, for the purpose of this thesis, I will be discussing the role of Cambodian women and investigate the extent of what they’ve witnessed and experienced. Cambodian women have suffered through many years of trauma and grief, during and after the Khmer …

Drama Therapy Interventions That Support Students With Asd During Covid-19, Olivia Reyes

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that began in December 2019, many people experienced traumatic losses, environmental stressors, and overall daily challenges. One of the populations most at risk during this time were those with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Those with mental health illness and developmental differences are experiencing the pandemic in different ways. Individuals with ASD tend to have both developmental differences and mental health challenges that motivate individuals to seek medicinal and therapeutic help, along with other services to support their daily needs. This literature review addresses the negative and positive impacts COVID-19 has had on the …

Integrating Art Therapy And Narrative Therapy Through A Multicultural Lens, Vanessa Padilla

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis examines the impact and implications of integrating art therapy and narrative therapy within culturally competent counseling. Narrative therapy explores people’s stories in a larger collectivistic context, acknowledging how one’s identity is shaped by their history, culture, and relationship to others. Narrative therapy highlights the importance of an individual’s sense of self, their perceived life narrative, and how the process of constructing and reconstructing of these stories bridge their identity and culture. The integration of art therapy could help clients communicate their stories, adding depth through visual expression and the externalization of their problems and strengths. Research has shown …

Interoception And Expressive Writing In Expressive Arts Therapies: A Trauma-Informed Approach – Literature Review, Julianne Corey

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Journal writing is a popular intervention to bring into therapeutic work with groups and individual clients, particularly within applications of expressive arts therapies. Yet often participants become resistant when encouraged to explore more challenging episodes of their lives through writing, even though studies have shown that excavating these events is precisely what benefits health and wellbeing through expressive writing applications. This literature review provides a deeper understanding of the role of interoception and mindful, contemplative movement on unlocking the stories our bodies hold. An arts-based, autoethnographic practice informed the selection of literature. This paper investigates the theoretical connections to similar …

“Hey! Whoa.”: Enhancing Dialectical Behavior Therapy With Drama Therapy For Patients On A Short-Term Inpatient Unit And Trauma/Dissociative Inpatient Unit: Development Of A Method, Sarah Moore

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a widely used treatment approach for many different populations across an array of clinical settings. There is ample supporting evidence on its effectiveness, however there is also emerging literature on the barriers and challenges when engaging with this treatment modality. Drama therapy is an embodied treatment approach that uses theatre processes and techniques to achieve therapeutic goals. The aim of this thesis was to combine drama therapy and DBT into a proposed method to explore the impact of this infusion with clients on two inpatient units: a short-term unit and a trauma/dissociative unit. This method …

Empowering Dance Movement Therapy: Implementing A Dance Break Method In Healthcare Systems To Benefit Patients In Eating Disorder Treatment, Pamela C. Caira

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis aimed to explore how implementing dance/movement therapy can empower effective changes in healthcare systems to benefit patients in eating disorder treatment. While other expressive therapy treatments were utilized, dance/movement therapy treatment was met with resistance because the key elements of moving the body could bolster excessive and compulsive exercise as a secondary eating disorder behavior. A Dance Break intervention worked as a therapeutic method of inquiry to investigate how moving the body could support patients in rediscovering their identities without reinforcing eating disorder behaviors. Data was collected through movement observation analysis, arts-based exploration, and verbal discussion. The results …