Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

“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 …

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 …