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Nonviolent Communication for the Inner Dialogue of Women with ADHD
Full text linkThis study provides a theoretical framework suggesting that nonviolent communication (NVC) can alleviate the violence frequently experienced in the inner dialogue of women with Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Due to the high correlation between ADHD symptoms in women and elevated rates of anxiety, depression, engagement in self-harm, and internalized self-criticism, exploring methods to mitigate negative self-dialogue is essential. Research on NVC indicates that individuals can cultivate empathy and compassion in interpersonal communication, suggesting potential benefits for addressing challenges in intrapersonal communications that often stem from the internalized presentation of ADHD symptoms in women. The gender gap in ADHD diagnosis, which often results in under-recognized symptoms in women, will be addressed as an additional factor contributing to self-criticism. This study proposes that mindfulness and need-based communication within this framework of NVC may benefit women with ADHD by promoting non-judgmental self-observation of thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. This approach allows individuals to identify underlying needs, thereby fostering greater personal responsibility for their emotional and mental well-being. This research informed the creation of a Facilitator’s Manual to deliver a four-week course for women diagnosed with or identifying as having ADHD. The four sessions align with the four keystones of NVC: nonjudgmental observation, recognizing feelings, identifying needs, and creating boundaries. The facilitator’s manual presents basic psychoeducation of ADHD, offers practices to cultivate each of the key components of NVC, and intends to support the development of need-based intrapersonal communication in women with ADHD, to reduce the self-violence found in the inner dialogue
Going “Back to Kindergarten” To Create Connection, Reduce Loneliness, and Build Resilience: A Community Workshop
Full text linkHaving an embodied experience as a human being in the world in 2025 is stressful. The feelings of disconnection, loneliness, and anxiety that many have on a daily basis can reduce their capacity to feel sensations of safety, agency, ease, and empowerment. This thesis focuses on the development of a method to support adults in experiencing moments of interpersonal and intrapersonal connection in community by re-engaging with childhood rituals. Through the lenses of polyvagal theory, the expressive arts continuum (ETC), and therapeutic attunement the “Back to Kindergarten” methodology seeks to provide a structured and nourishing environment for adults to return to a more regulated nervous system. This methodology is not simple nostalgia and escapism. Rather it is an expressive arts based conduit to a stabilized and steady anchor from which personal resilience can rise and ripple into the community, laying the groundwork in support of collaborative change towards a more just society. The literature review explores the connection between the autonomic nervous system and one’s environment through polyvagal theory. It depicts how the rituals of childhood address a range of kinesthetic, sensory, perceptual, affective, cognitive and symbolic functions of the ETC. In addition, it explores how play can mitigate the epidemic of loneliness and foster connection
How Can Fiber Arts Help Alleviate the Symptoms of Psychosis?
Full text linkThe purpose of this research is to provide insight into how fiber arts can help alleviate the symptoms of psychosis. The literature found several variables that supported the use of art therapy with psychosis. However, the literature was limited in regard to fiber arts art therapy with this population. In consideration of the historical significance of fibers and the healing benefits from kinesthetic release and flow state, a quilt making experiential was conducted on an inpatient psychiatric unit. Through the creation of the quilt, themes like autonomy, memory, and skill building were identified. Relaxation, self-esteem, and rapport building were also factors and reflected in a response piece dedicated to the metamorphosis of development that occurred
Taking on a New Roll: Community-Based Therapeutic Tabletop Role-Playing with Elementary Schoolers
Full text linkTabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) such as Dungeons & Dragons are beginning to emerge as group therapeutic interventions, with a growing number of studies exploring their application. Early forays into this topic suggest a potential for TTRPGs to encourage prosocial behavior and collaboration in clients, as well as to explore heavy topics such as death from a more approachable distance. TTRPGs and the drama therapy core processes share many concepts, such as characters as projective objects, benevolent transgressive play, and aesthetic distance. Yet, research into TTRPGs from a drama therapy perspective is highly limited at this point. This capstone thesis highlights the use of TTRPGs in a community engagement project where a dyad of elementary school students volunteered to play the TTRPG Monster of the Week over the course of six weeks at an after-school program. The pair acted out an improvised urban fantasy story about their characters as protectors of monsters in a Massachusetts neighborhood, with this author serving as the Game Master. The author designed the TTRPG campaign through the lens of the drama therapy core processes, and with the aims of creating opportunities for the players to engage relationally, practice perspective-taking by embodying a character, and work together to solve problems. Observations from the implementation of this community project, in comparison to current literature, supported recommendations for further research into the use of TTRPGs as a drama therapy approach
Playing with Fire: Exploring Burnout in the Mental Health Field Through Developmental Transformations Play
Full text linkAlthough professionals from many different fields experience the phenomenon of burnout, it is especially prevalent amongst human service workers. This is concerning because it not only impacts the professionals themselves, but potentially also the clients they work with. Burnout is a complex phenomenon due to the variability of each individual and workplace; however, it is commonly characterized by exhaustion, cynicism/depersonalization, and a reduced sense of professional efficacy. This community engagement project sought to gain deeper insight into burnout by exploring the lived experience of mental health professionals using the drama therapy technique of Developmental Transformations (DvT). The research consisted of one individual DvT session and one group session. The observational data collected was presented in two ways. First, the themes that emerged during the sessions were identified in a process inspired by thematic analysis. Second, the themes identified were presented through an arts-based research reflection using photographs.The findings provide supporting evidence for the existing definition of burnout and highlight the ways in which organizational structures impact individuals\u27 experiences. Additionally, the observed data suggests that DvT may be an effective intervention to facilitate stress reduction with mental health professionals. This points to a potential area for future research to examine such an application of DvT further
A Proposal for the Theoretical Integration of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dance/Movement Therapy
Full text linkA recognized integration of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dance/movement therapy (DMT) has not been developed because the concept currently lacks a strong philosophical and theoretical background. Observations from adjacent integrative expressive therapies and clinical practice provide encouragement that these models may provide a unique contribution to the field of psychotherapy. CBT would support the field of DMT toward better establishing an evidence-based theoretical background and framework. It is proposed that a well-supported approach to CBT and DMT should be built from a theoretical integration that upholds integrity of both models while identifying connective philosophical roots. This literature review initiates this philosophical exploration by considering how embodied cognition and embodied affectivity are the mechanisms that establish a link between CBT and DMT
Returning to Ourselves: A Literature Review of the Expressive Arts and Healing Intergenerational Trauma Cycles
Full text linkIntergenerational trauma can occur amongst any family and in any culture. This can emerge from any number of things, be it a cycle of abuse, displacement, or even natural disasters. Given its pervasive nature, it is important to explore how transgenerational trauma can be treated and processed. A literature review was conducted in order to research how expressive arts therapies could be a valuable treatment method for generational trauma and trauma-informed care. The review examined both psychological and epigenetic impacts of generational trauma to gain insight into the possible trauma symptoms that interventions using expressive therapies might address. Different modalities and their impacts on healing said trauma are discussed, and a Jungian lens of archetypal and inner child work is explored. Findings indicate that expressive arts, including but not limited to writing, creating visual art, movement, and expressive dramatization, are all valuable strategies in processing thoughts and emotions surrounding the trauma and fostering post-traumatic growth. Jungian archetypal and inner child work may also be paired with these mediums in order to deepen personal understanding and integration of the self
Alive Old-Time Radio Play: Performance-Based Drama Therapy with Cognitively Healthy Older Adults
Full text linkThe live radio play format is uniquely positioned to offer social benefits for older adults when explored through a performance-based drama therapeutic lens. Though firsthand familiarity with old-time radio is not a prerequisite for meaningful participation in a group styled after this bygone era of storytelling, the format naturally supports accessibility needs common among the older adult population. The minimal blocking requirements, script-in-hand approach, and adaptable format make it especially accommodating to a wide range of skill levels and areas of interest. Research into therapeutic interventions for older adults tends to rely on reminiscence and life review approaches with an overrepresented segment of studies directed toward individuals with cognitive impairments. This capstone thesis explored the facilitation of a five-month performance-based drama therapeutic group for older adults within a community center setting in greater Boston. The performance-based approach employed for this project invited older adults aged 65+ to embody role, attune somatically using live sound effects, reminisce collaboratively by incorporating vintage commercial jingles, and culminated in a live radio play performance. This thesis offers insight into the drama therapeutic use of a live radio play format with cognitively healthy older adults in a community center setting
To Bear Witness: Analyzing DMT as an Effective Trauma-Informed Approach for Treating Youth & Adolescents: A Critical Review of the Literature
Full text linkThis literature review proposes dance/movement therapy (DMT) as a trauma-informed intervention for children and adolescents who have experienced psychological, emotional, or physical trauma. The project, inspired by internship experiences with young trauma survivors, explores the ways in which trauma manifests in the body, indicating that DMT may offer effective pathways toward healing. Many children exposed to potentially traumatic events exhibit emotional dysregulation, insecure attachment patterns, and behavioral or somatic symptoms that are not easily addressed through traditional talk therapy. As a body-based expressive arts modality, DMT engages the sensory, emotional, and relational aspects of trauma by supporting nonverbal expression, self-regulation, and connection. The review investigates how core DMT principles contribute to trauma-informed care. These practices emphasize attunement, presence, and the therapeutic power of being seen—key elements in repairing the disruptions caused by early trauma. Central questions include how DMT is being used to treat trauma in youth, the criteria it must meet to be considered trauma-informed, and the potential benefits and outcomes associated with its use. The review also examines the therapist’s role as a witness, considering both the physical and mental health implications of embodied relational work with trauma survivors. By synthesizing current research and theoretical frameworks, this paper highlights the growing relevance of DMT in trauma treatment and the importance of integrating somatic and expressive approaches within child and adolescent mental health care. DMT offers a meaningful avenue for helping young people process trauma and restore a sense of agency, safety, and connection through body-based interventions
GROWing Together: An Eco-Mindfulness Program for Parents and Children
Full text linkThis thesis focuses on the development of an eco-mindfulness program aimed at fostering a deeper connection between parents, children, and the natural world through mindfulness practices. The curriculum is designed specifically for families and their young children, particularly in nature centers or environmental organizations. The rationale behind this project stems from the growing need to integrate mindfulness and environmental education to enhance emotional regulation, mental well-being, and environmental awareness in young children. Existing literature on mindfulness practices highlights the importance of nature in emotional health, and previous studies show that mindfulness in nature fosters a deeper sense of connection to the environment.
The methodology used in developing this program includes the integration of sensory exploration, nature walks, body awareness activities, breathwork, and the use of the labyrinth as a walking meditation outdoors. Each lesson was designed with the goal of strengthening family bonds while teaching practical tools for mindfulness. Findings suggest that children and families engaging in nature-based mindfulness activities experience enhanced sensory awareness, emotional regulation, and a stronger bond with nature.
This program provides valuable tools for parents and educators to support mindfulness practices in the context of environmental education. Future studies could further explore the impact of such curricula on long-term emotional development and environmental advocacy in young children