Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

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 …

Integrating Expressive Arts Therapies Into Facilitated Online Therapy Groups For Adults: A Review Of The Literature, Lora Williams

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In early 2020, COVID-19 infections soared throughout the world, driving most group interactions online. Online adult Expressive Arts Therapy (EAT) groups faced unique challenges and opportunities, as the arts interventions did not always translate directly online without adaptations. In this literature review, this thesis focuses on how the specialization of Expressive Arts has been applied to these online adult therapy groups. Where the literature lacked references to the Expressive Arts specifically, the individual arts of Dance Movement Therapy (DMT), Expressive Writing (EW), Art Therapy, and Music Therapy were considered. This capstone thesis offers suggestions for areas of future research to …

Playing The Roles Of The Eating Disorder: Suggestions For The Use Of Drama Therapy In Adolescent Residential Eating Disorder Treatment, Olivia Cosby

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Adolescents with eating disorders are faced with a variety of medical and psychological complications. This literature review examines these complications and the treatments available to adolescents with eating disorders, as well as factors influencing treatment resistance and dropout, specifically at the residential level of care. Additionally, the use of drama therapy as a treatment option for adolescents with eating disorders is explored. The use of role theory and role based work is proposed as a way of tackling treatment resistance in adolescents. Through role-based work, a client is given the opportunity to explore the functional aspects they attribute to their …

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 …

The Role Of Community Music Therapy In Building Social Connections And Reducing Stigma For People With Substance Use Disorders: A Literature Review, Sarah Sacala

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis investigates the benefits of Community Music Therapy (CoMT) in creating social connections and reducing stigma for people suffering from substance use disorders. For the purpose of this paper, substance use disorders (SUD), substance use, and addiction are framed as part of an umbrella construct, and they are used interchangeably. Stigma towards drug users is a social phenomenon all over the world. According to Mora-Ríos, Ortega-Ortega, and Medina-Mora (2017) social rejection is more experienced in drug users than any other diagnosable condition. This literature review is theoretically grounded in the notion that substance use disorder stems from biological …

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 …

The Role Of Community Music Therapy In Building Social Connections And Reducing Stigma For People With Substance Use Disorders: A Literature Review, Sarah Sacala

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone thesis investigates the benefits of Community Music Therapy (CoMT) in creating social connections and reducing stigma for people suffering from substance use disorders. For the purpose of this paper, substance use disorders (SUD), substance use, and addiction are framed as part of an umbrella construct, and they are used interchangeably. Stigma towards drug users is a social phenomenon all over the world. According to Mora-Ríos, Ortega-Ortega, and Medina-Mora (2017) social rejection is more experienced in drug users than any other diagnosable condition. This literature review is theoretically grounded in the notion that substance use disorder stems from biological …

A Literature Review On Decolonization Of The Expressive Arts In Order To Help Facilitate Racial Healing Within The Black Community, Kateri Collins

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review will analyze the racial disparities in the current Euro-centric expressive therapy modalities and will examine the additional needs to allow for these modalities to facilitate healing within the Black community and recommend adjustments accordingly. When conducting my research and coming up with my research question I came to the conclusion that my proposed question is: What are the racial disparities within the expressive arts due to them being Euro-centric and where are the areas that need adjustments to be culturally competent?

The anti-racist efforts of deconstructing all Euro-centric modalities are crucial for the field of expressive arts …

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 …

The Use Of Drama Therapeutic Play And Unconditional Positive Regard In Fostering Self-Actualization In Unhoused Individuals, Amanda Ludeking

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Childhood instability and the associated trauma are risk factors for homelessness, a circumstance which is perilous and traumatizing in itself. In order to survive such dangerous situations, unhoused individuals can develop protective behaviors to keep others away, which makes building and maintaining interpersonal relationships difficult. Beyond this, aspects of childhood instability can negatively affect socialization and interpersonal skills; for example, attachment theory suggests that attachment-based trauma (resulting from an insecure relationship with a caregiver) can negatively impact self-regulation and social skills into adulthood. This literature review seeks to better understand how two specific approaches to treatment, person-centered therapy and drama …

Art And Eco Therapies: Benefits To Motor Development Of Preschool-Age Children In The Screen Era, Tatiana J. Miranda Orama

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In the highly technological society we currently live in, children are spending more time in front of screens instead of engaging in play or spending time in nature. Screen time has increased significantly in the past year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Excess screen time poses a threat to the motor development of preschool-age children. The fields of art therapy and ecotherapy have theoretical and practical groundings that make them an alternative to traditional therapies in the area of skill development and deficit prevention for children’s motor skills. This study focuses on the benefits that art therapy and ecotherapy can …

The Neurobiology Of The Healing Arts: Expressive Arts Therapy As An Effective Treatment For Adults Diagnosed With Complex Ptsd Due To Complex Trauma In Childhood: A Literature Review, Cheryl Ratliff

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Empirically based therapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been found to be less effective in treating more severe trauma presentations such as complex PTSD (CPTSD). Neurobiological investigation provides a framework for examining the physical and psychological effects of trauma on brain and nerve structures and provides insight into how to effectively treat CPTSD. This literature review examined symptomology of CPTSD resulting from complex trauma in childhood, neurobiological effects of trauma and their implications for treatment, and the efficacy of the current treatment models, primarily those of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), narrative exposure therapy (NET), and somatic psychotherapies. …

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 …

Community Directed Exploration Of Expressive Therapy Applications To Combat Barriers To Mental Health For First Responders, Anne Rossman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

First responders are critically under supported in their pursuits of mental health and face a wide gambit of barriers to care. Using an asynchronous online forum, I invited first responders to engage in a community creative process, share their experiences of barriers to care and explore possible solutions to combat these barriers. From my review of the literature in preparation for this community project I surmised that to find effective methods of interventions and support for this population, the development of these should begin with the first responder community itself. The culture that surrounds this community often is avoidant of …

Musical Theatre And Drama Therapy: A Duet For Dementia, Amy Bingen

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The purpose of this capstone thesis is to explore the potential of developing musically informed dramatic interventions that directly support the quality of life (QoL) for patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Alzheimer's disease (AD) is progressive, causing people to lose their memory and thinking skills and eventually carrying out simple daily tasks. Researchers estimate that more than 5 million Americans live with AD today. There is no known cure for dementia, but treatment care has evolved into person-centered, non-pharmacological approaches often involving expressive art interventions to channel a patient's creative strengths. Research has become increasingly valuable in …

Redefining Connection And Meaning-Making Through Virtual Artistic Community Amidst Persistent Adversity: A Community Engagement Project, Gwendolyn Healy

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the meaning of community drastically shifted across the world. Many groups and individuals were forced to alter their professional, academic, and personal lives in order to persevere through this collective, global health crisis. During a time in history where so much changed in a short period of time, community and peer supports became more important than ever. Specifically for students involved in arts or expressive arts programs, the process of collective art making serves as a means of communication, connection, and emotional and mental processing. Without these connections and critical supports, feelings of disconnect, disinterest, loss …

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 …

Forming And Performing Online Playback Theatre For Drama Therapy Students And Faculty, Frances Dumar

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

As a growing number of university students complete school online, either by choice, or due to the unpredictability and severity of the Covid-19 pandemic, new issues have arisen regarding the structures in place to assist students in developing peer support. Within the drama therapy graduate field, students studying online may lack creative ways to express and connect with others in the virtual classroom. Thus, this community engagement project was designed to offer drama therapy students studying at Lesley University opportunities to learn, perform, and watch playback theatre, with the goal of increasing peer engagement, community connection, and clinical insight. Based …

A Narrative Approach To Songwriting In A Pediatric Medical Setting: Understanding Caregivers’ Lived Experience Through Development Of A Method, Izabella Lidrbauch

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This exploratory Capstone project focused on understanding caregivers’ lived experience through a narrative-informed songwriting approach. Previous literature has explored the use of narrative therapy and songwriting with caregivers, but little research has focused on a narrative informed approach to songwriting with caregivers of children in a pediatric hospital. This four phase songwriting intervention was carried out over the course of four sessions with two caregivers (a mother and father) of one of the patients on the medical units at a Children’s Hospital in the metro Boston area. Data collection and analysis followed a qualitative iterative arts-based procedure that included writing …

The Use Of Music Therapy In The Development Of Socio-Emotional Skills In Children: A Literature Review, Kathryn Coolidge

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Socio-emotional development is an important domain of childhood development. Research indicates that the development of socio-emotional skills can have both short-term and long-term outcomes in other areas of a child’s life (Jones et al., 2015; Hammer at el., 2018). The most widely used approach in teaching social and emotional skills in children currently is through a social emotional learning (SEL) program. Music therapy is a commonly used modality with children to reach a variety of different goals. This paper explores current ways music is being implemented for improving socio-emotional skills, both within social emotional learning and in music therapy …

Music Therapy And Counseling With Mixed-Race Populations: A Literature Review, Jay Derosa

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Multiracial individuals currently make up 10.3% of the United States population. While there are a few biracial identity development models in existence, there are currently no music therapy models or music therapy literature that involves work with mixed-race populations. This critical literature review examines various biracial and multiracial literature to outline the diverse and unique mixed-race experience. Music therapy research, literature, and methods that explore identity development and sense of self are also examined. While music therapy has been shown to help support identity development and self-actualization, there is a lack of qualitative and quantitative research. The literature presented indicates …

Joining The Advocacy Conversation: How Dance/Movement Therapy Can Influence Shared Decision-Making Policy For Children Seeking Grief Support: A Literature Review, Taylor Storlie

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The intention if this capstone thesis is to bring awareness to the current state of children’s grief support services and how dance/movement therapy can be used to address the areas where growth is required. The capacity of dance/movement therapy to facilitate the cocreation of improved grief support services lies in its ability to be used as an advocacy tool for children to process and express their experiences with grief. In collaboration with the shared decision-making model, the information gained from dance/movement therapy exploration can help children communicate their experiences with grief to those who have the power to shift how …

The Effectiveness Of Music Therapy With Children Who Have Experienced Trauma Using The Neurosequential Model Of Therapeutics (Nmt): A Literature Review, Brianna Lambert-Jenkins

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper initiates filling the gap in the literature by utilizing NMT, which addresses trauma through understanding and assessing how it has impacted a child neurodevelopmentally with music therapy. Children in intensive residential care are referred to treatment with a unique range of challenges resulting from their traumatic experiences. Of these challenges, included are a wide range of traumatic experiences such as physical/emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, homelessness, witnessing violence or domestic abuse, adjustment issues, attachment issues, or trauma while in utero. The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) is a newer framework for working with developmental trauma. Current research around …

Fostering Self-Awareness Through Songwriting: Development And Heuristic Self-Inquiry Of A Method For Graduate Music Therapy Students, Emily Damore

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Self-awareness is considered a necessary competency and professional responsibility for graduate music therapy students to develop during their master’s training. However, few concretized methods have been established to support students in growing this skill. Existing research examining songwriting’s impact on music therapy students provides preliminary evidence that it can effectively foster self-awareness and facilitate personal growth, professional identity development, and processing of clinical experiences (Baker & Krout, 2012, 2011; Viega & Baker, 2019). This thesis continues to explore the connection between songwriting and self-awareness by investigating a student-created method designed for this research by the researcher-participant—a 25-year-old, white, female graduate …

Redistributing The Responsibility Of Self-Care: A Model To Prevent Early Burnout Amongst New Clinicians, Ashley Zimmer-Larsen

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Graduate students in mental health counseling programs are on the verge of entering a professional field that is notorious for perpetuating employee burnout. Recently, preventative self-care has been promoted as an actionable treatment to burnout. Internship sites, licensing boards, and academic programs hold clinicians accountable by requiring future clinicians to be competent in self-care. While these systems require competency in self-care, there seems to be a lack of adequate support and education surrounding the practice. The literature reviewed for this thesis indicated a need for reform. This need was evidenced by the various calls for systems to restructure the ways …

Examining Sibling Relationships With Older Adults Through Songwriting: Development Of A Method, Amanda N. Bysheim

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Sibling relationships have a profound influence on development, psychological health, and various interpersonal relationships. Within sibling relationships exists complex dynamics of both warmth and conflict that can easily lead to abuse. Many people could be victims of sibling abuse and not even realize it. Various cultural norms not only dismiss many signs of sibling abuse as normal, but minimize and hide the abuse as well. Despite the growing relevance of sibling relationships in adulthood, there is a significant lack of research on siblings in the field of music therapy. Using an individual, single session model, this research study explored the …

Exploring The Lived Experience Of Disabled Music Therapists: A Literature Review, Katherine Perakis

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Music therapy and the mental health field are publicly praised fields dedicated to helping those who are in need of services. Music therapy in particular is especially praised for the work that is done with people with disabilities. Although this work is extensive and important, there is an underlying tone of ableism that runs through the profession. This ableism points to the clients served, but also the therapists who are disabled themselves. This literature review examines the history of disability studies, disability statistics, disability competencies, as well as the lived experience of three different disabled therapists. Far more research is …

Exploring Group Art Therapy Techniques In Complimenting The 12-Step Program In Healing Substance Abuse In Adults: A Literature Review, Nadine El Essawi

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis study examined how group art therapy can enhance the effectiveness of the 12-step program in the treatment of addiction. Art therapy is versatile enough to include a variety of therapeutic procedures as well as nonverbal and creative strategies. The 12-step program is a reputable treatment option, but it may be improved by supplementing it with art therapy approaches. Because addiction affects many people, and it has a significant impact on the well- being of entire societies, necessitating the need for professionals to continue improving treatment. While current traditional treatments such as the 12-step program were shown to be …

Music Therapy And Self-Esteem: A Method On Building Self-Esteem In Children With Special Needs, Chris Thomann

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Self-esteem is an aspect of life that can affect how humans act. It is always ebbing and flowing, and typically never starts at the same level. Studies have shown that self-esteem in children with special needs is typically low because of varying symptoms associated with different diagnoses. Music therapy is an expressive therapy modality, and it can be utilized to increase levels of self-esteem by providing structure, predictability, and familiarity. It can be utilized to help meet a client’s goals while being adaptable to any client’s needs. Music improvisation is a tool within music therapy that can allow clients to …

Exploring Songwriting With Bereaved Adolescents: A Literature Review, Jordan Waters

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review explores and identifies essential aspects of songwriting with bereaved adolescents. First, it provides a description of grief and its processes with primary theoretical models. This is followed by a deeper look into adolescent grief, how it has been viewed in Western culture, along with and corresponding mental health needs. Expressive arts and music therapy approaches to grief and loss are explored, including a detailed of songwriting with bereaved adolescents. Improvisation and therapeutic relationship were found to be two crucial aspects to effective songwriting interventions with bereaved adolescents; person-centered approaches were used to develop authentic relationships with adolescent …