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Playing With International Students From Asia: An Exploration of Cultural Commonalities and Differences in Developmental Transformations (DvT)
Get PDFAsian international students in the United States face a multitude of challenges such as language barriers, differences in cultural norms and behaviors, and identity confusion while navigating a foreign landscape. Developmental Transformations (DvT), a form of drama therapy, may apply to these challenges by enabling participants to explore different identities and express themselves creatively beyond the language barrier. This community engagement project was designed for Asian international students to be seen and heard by utilizing DvT. Within an in-person workshop, five participants played with their shared stories, and explored international and cultural roles in group DvT. Key takeaways from the workshop on the needs of Asian international students highlight the importance of validation, providing spaces to process culture shock, and fostering connections with peers from similar backgrounds. Implications for future directions include more research and practice regarding the ways to modify theories of drama therapy for those who are from collectivistic cultures
Reclaiming Voices: Songwriting as a Therapeutic Tool for Female Survivors of Sexual Violence - A Literature Review
Get PDFThis thesis explores the therapeutic potential of songwriting interventions designed for female survivors of domestic violence, serving as a means to empower survivors in reclaiming their voices and narratives. Drawing from existing from research it explores the psychological impacts of domestic violence, the silencing of survivors, the role of music therapy, and the portrayal of domestic violence in popular music. Highlighting survivor perspectives and therapeutic techniques, such as lyric rewriting, song collage, and narrative songwriting, the thesis emphasizes the transformative power of songwriting in facilitating healing and empowerment. By amplifying survivor voices, advocating for survivor-centered policies, and fostering inclusive environments, we can break the cycle of silence and stigma surrounding domestic violence, creating a more compassionate and supportive society for survivors
The Archeology of Adoption: Tracing the Journey from Birth Through Adoption Using Pre-Adoptive Artifacts
Get PDFAdults adopted in childhood often face a heightened susceptibility to psychological and behavioral challenges compared with their non-adopted peers. Scholars examining this phenomenon associate various factors, including an adoptee’s sense of self as an individual within a complex adoption background. This qualitative study utilized a material engagement theory to explore birth through adoptive narratives among adults adopted in closed settings during childhood. Through participatory research, participants examined a range of artifacts related to maternal relinquishment, encompassing foster and adoption records, original birth certificates, letters, photographs, birthmarks, clothing, hair, scars, and DNA test results. The study focused on understanding these artifacts’ societal and cultural influence in shaping adoptive identity. Data analysis contextualized the social, economic, cultural, and historic elements surrounding maternal relinquishment. Through their engagement with artifacts, participants gained crucial insights into their identities, uncovering adoption-related secrets while clarifying the complexities of their birth through adoption narratives. Findings accentuated the role of birth and adoption-related artifacts in facilitating an exploration of beliefs, values, ideas, attitudes, and assumptions regarding adoption while providing a framework for understanding how these factors contribute to one’s sense of self, relationships, family, and culture. This object-oriented approach to investigating adoptive identity offers valuable insights for future research in adoption studies.
Key Words: adoption, artifacts, identit
The Effects of Social Isolation on People with Dementia and the Use of Arts as Connection
Get PDFDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, many states issued quarantines and social isolation policies. While this impacted the well-being and mental health of everyone, it had an increased effect on the elderly population and, more specifically, those living with dementia. Social isolation has been shown to cause a quicker progression of dementia symptoms, increase anxiety and depressive symptoms, and worsen chronic health issues. Before the pandemic, research has agreed that a way to combat the progression of dementia and lower the symptoms is through socialization. A critical review of the literature found that the arts may be used to form connections between people with dementia and between the community and people with dementia. This thesis hopes to present this information and brainstorm a possible protocol for caregivers to use the arts to continue to help a person with dementia stay connected during times of isolation
The Use of Music Therapy to Mitigate Trauma-Related Music Associations and Restore Personal Relationships with Music
Get PDFFor many people, music is positively associated with nostalgic memories, emotions, and experiences. But for some, it can be a painful reminder of the past. This literature review examines how music serves as a cue for reexperiencing trauma and demonstrates ways in which music therapy may be beneficial in reframing and reassociating those connections. Drawing from existing trauma treatment models such as CBT and exposure therapy, this review highlights the unique potential of music therapy in allowing clients to expose themselves to the activating stimulus while maintaining elements of safety within the music. This thesis prompts further exploration of desensitization through music and sound exposure as a way of restoring clients’ personal relationship with music
Animation as Therapy for Mental Health Treatment Across Diverse Populations and Contexts, A Literature Review
Get PDFScientific research has explored and identified the beneficial relationship between health and creative expression, recognizing art therapy as a source of healing. Animation has been newly recognized as an art therapy medium with potential for therapeutic healing and increased psychological well-being. This review of the literature on animation therapy explores the history of the modality’s interaction with the population observed and the effects of animation on the cognitive processes, discusses current theoretical orientations and treatment options for treating a range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior with animation therapy, and considers culturally informed and client-centered practices alongside traditional methods of delivering psychotherapy. This thesis also highlights present limitations within the growing field, and advocates for a need in increased funding to support the development of further research, programs, and tools that would be effective in implementing animation as a therapeutic practice across diverse populations and contexts
One Stitch at a Time: Examining the Self-Care of Art Therapists and the Potential of Fiber Arts for Wellbeing
Get PDFThe goal of this thesis was to understand why art therapists are particularly at risk for burnout, why it is essential for art therapists to engage artmaking for their own self-care, and why fiber crafts are particularly suited for self-care. The literature was collected and organized using reflective journaling and visual–tactile coding and then presented in the following review. The first two sections of the literature review include comprehensive definitions of burnout and self-care and how both concepts have been discussed in literature relating to the helping professions and specifically art therapists. The third section covers the historical context of the art–craft divide, details the healing nature of fiber, and includes examples of how fiber arts are already being used by art therapists in their practices. The primary finding that connects the literature was that engagement is the antipode of burnout, and the subthemes of engaging in community, engaging the moment, and engaging with self are explored in the discussion
Amplify Your Narrative: Exploring the Power of Storytelling with African American and Indigenous Communities in Pediatric Cancer Treatment
Get PDFThis literature review investigated the empowering nature of storytelling with Black and Indigenous communities undergoing pediatric cancer treatment. It explored the roles of systemic racism, anti-Black racism, culture, spirituality, and intersectionality in shaping narratives about westernized healthcare. Furthermore, the review examined the concepts of anti-black racism, systemic racism, racial disparities in westernized healthcare, marginalized children’s experience in pediatric cancer treatment, storytelling in African American and Indigenous communities, and storytelling through the lens of drama therapy. Evidence is presented that underlines the psychological impact of the previously mentioned components, and how community engagement and storytelling provide a means of attunement, hope, advocacy, and connection. Storytelling is explored from the lens of cultural sensitivity, and the acknowledged as a fundamental component of Black and Indigenous culture, not merely an optional tool. The drama therapy core processes are considered in relationship to storytelling as a means of suggesting future embodied, culturally, and spiritually inclusive practices
The Benefits of Art and Music on Therapeutic Awareness: An Autoethnographic Study
Get PDFAwareness is an intrinsic element of an individual\u27s existence that can be formed through acts of self-exploration. Through the application of therapeutic interventions and the utilization of the expressive arts, awareness can be further facilitated and grounded into one’s consciousness. The interdisciplinary fields of music, art, and creative expression possess the potential to augment an individual\u27s level of awareness in profound and transformative ways. This proposition is grounded in my own lived experiences of identity exploration and mental health challenges, as well as seven years of dedicated study aimed at fostering a deeper understanding and support for my own subjective experiences. The central idea of this autoethnography is to explore the therapeutic benefits of music and art in enhancing therapeutic awareness. In this context, therapeutic awareness encompasses both, self-awareness in life and the therapist\u27s awareness of the client within the therapeutic process. The integration of the arts within personal experiences and therapeutic sessions can contribute significantly to enhancing awareness, which, in turn, can have a positive impact on major aspects of an individual\u27s life, leading to an improved overall state of being
Grief Like Mine: A Literature Review Exploring Culturally Informed Grief Work for Black Youth Using Dance/Movement Therapy
Get PDFBlack American youth are exposed to more death related circumstances than their peers yet are severely underrepresented in literature focused on the broader scope of children’s bereavement. More research and analysis are required to develop and implement culturally relevant interventions as they embark on their grief journey. Dance/movement therapy has the capacity for providing support that is culturally specific and able to meet the developmental levels of children, yet its grief focus work is limited. This literature review aims to bridge the gap between Black grief and dance/movement therapy as a culturally informed practice. An analysis of various forms of grief, including disenfranchised and suffocated grief, alongside an understanding of grief considerations in children, lay the foundation for a better understanding of grief work. Attention to the nuances of Black bereavement practices and dance/movement therapy brought forth various approaches which could be useful in supporting this population. This review highlights the lack of specific and empirical research focused on both grieving Black youth and DMT in grief settings. Further explorations of factors connected to the bigger picture of Black grief and DMT implementation are considered for future research