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Tailored Therapeutic Musical Theater Community Engagement Project
Get PDFThe purpose of this thesis is to introduce the Tailored Therapeutic Musical Theater model (TTMT) and investigate the observable reduction in social anxiety and increase in mental wellness in children and adolescents through participation in a production. The literature review provides justification for the creation of this model while refining understanding of therapeutic theater, Erikson’s stages of development, and community based, trauma informed care. This thesis culminates in a detailed explanation of the 4-phase model of TTMT during a production of Newsies: The Musical and a discussion on next steps for future research. The findings indicate the use of therapeutic musical theater in a community setting with children and adolescence is successful in not only reducing social anxiety but fostering friendships, supporting psychosocial development, and increasing positive self-regard. This non-clinical alternative for addressing mental health struggles amongst youth is accessible and needed
Dancing Through Anxiety: A Dance/Movement Therapy Intervention to Treat Comorbid Anxiety in Youth with Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Get PDFNeurodevelopmental disorders are complex disorders that impact many factors of functioning. Many individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders have comorbid anxiety that often goes untreated because clinicians have difficulty recognizing and differentiating symptoms of the disorder from symptoms of anxiety. For this reason, noticing and treating symptoms of anxiety in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders is important in improving quality of life. This thesis shows the development of a method to treat comorbid anxiety in youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders tend to have difficulty expressing emotions verbally. Dance/movement therapy is a psychotherapy specializing in nonverbal communication. Research has shown that the use of metaphor, visual arts, dance/movement therapy approaches like mirroring, and drumming can improve mental health. These therapeutic techniques were utilized in this method, which resulted in varied engagement levels. Two formats of this intervention are discussed, including one small-group session and one individual session
A Professional Learning Opportunity Promoting Research-Based Reading Instruction in Content Areas
Get PDFThis study documented an interdisciplinary team of grade 8 teachers’ utilization and implementation of research-based reading strategies introduced through collaboration during a Professional Learning Community (PLC). This study also investigated the teachers’ perspectives on the implementation of research-based strategies, including the factors and conditions promoting or inhibiting implementation. This was accomplished through the use of PLCs as both a platform for professional learning, in accordance with Adult Learning Theory, as well as a research tool.
Study results show an increase in the value content area educators placed on reading, the number of research-based strategies utilized in their content area classes as well as an increase in their focus on goal-oriented, student-centered planning.
Findings indicate the need for content area teachers to receive ongoing, appropriate professional learning in reading instruction consistent with adult learning theory that provides opportunities for educators to collaborate and discuss. This study shows how school leaders can support this growth by providing the team release time from additional duties and supporting a PLC led by a reading specialist/coach who provides access to research-based reading practices, facilitate collaborative meetings, and support individual educators with implementation within their classes.
More studies are needed to ensure that professional learning produces long term impacts on the implementation of research-based reading strategies in content areas as well as provide additional data to show quantitative evidence of professional development opportunities’ impact on student learning
Sensory Approaches with Serious Mental Illness: Capturing ‘Sanism’ in Mental Health Treatment
Get PDFThis thesis examines the relevance of sensory approaches in adults with serious mental illness. Furthermore, it approaches mental illness from a critical psychology perspective, inquiring who is considered mentally ill and why, the stigma attached to this label, and the oppression of mentally ill individuals as a minoritized group, known as sanism (LeBlanc & Kinsella, 2016). This topic was studied by facilitating therapy groups using sensory-based artmaking and sensory psychoeducation. Three group sessions with three different groups of 5-12 individuals at a partial hospitalization program (PHP) were conducted. Artmaking and thought processes of the group participants and myself as a facilitator were examined through arts-based research and reflective notetaking. Using qualitative data analysis, three themes were identified arising from the group process: sensory experiences and preferences, narratives of success or failure, and interpretations of the therapeutic benefit. Sensory approaches were indeed relevant in this population, corroborating existing research on this topic (Kandlur, 2023; Hitch et al., 2020). Furthermore, it was theorized that the artmaking process elicited subconscious material in the participants about the theme of success or failure in their lives in general, and connected to societal expectations around compulsory able-mindedness in mental health treatment (Egner, 2019; Rimke, 2016; Hess, 2022). The thesis concludes by overviewing relevant frameworks with the potential to empower individuals in their mental health treatment, as well as suggestions for further research
Art Therapy as a tool to Enhance Social Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Literature Review
Get PDFThis literature review delves into the advantages of using art-making as a means to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder acquire necessary social and communication skills. The review hones in on the challenges that children with ASD face in regards to their self-perception, social behaviors, emotional regulation, and environmental triggers. Specifically, it poses the question: how does art therapy benefit children who have been diagnosed with ASD? The review covers various literary categories, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Social Skills, Emotional Regulation, Attachment, Art Therapy Groups, and Art Mediums. Ultimately, the paper provides evidence that art therapy can be a beneficial tool for children with ASD, aiding them in managing their emotions and enhancing their communication abilities
Music Therapy as a Support Model in Massachusetts Special Education: A Literature Review
Get PDFMental health directly impacts student propensity for making academic progress in the public education system. For children with disabilities, it is especially vital to develop and implement techniques within special education that deliver personally tailored benefits. According to the United States Department of Education, music therapy offers highly effective support to a wide range of students within the school setting so that they may achieve academic success and be supported in their social/emotional development (U.S Department of Education, 2011; AMTA, 2021). In examining the multifaceted ways that music therapy can offer support within the structure of education and mental health, this thesis (I) reviews current literature surrounding the efficacy of music therapy to address common issues in special education and (II) advocates for increasing the service of board certified music therapists as a routinely used resource within the Massachusetts special education system
I Just Want to be a Normal Teenager: A Literature Review of Impacts of Adolescent-onset Chronic Illness on Identity Development and Proposed Benefits of Drama Therapy
Get PDFAdolescence is a crucial moment in life for establishing our personal identity, internal values, and social autonomy (Christie & Viner, 2005); however, this already-tumultuous time can be further complicated by the addition of a chronic illness diagnosis which can lead to feelings of isolation, uncertainty, and an inconsistent sense of self (Chisholm, 2018; Wicks et al., 2019). This literature review investigates the current research regarding the impacts of chronic illness on identity development as well as the landscape of available expressive therapies interventions. Based on personal experience and available literature, I argue that drama therapy can provide much needed support to chronically ill adolescents and propose a curriculum structure for a drama therapy group designed to support participants’ unique identity development needs
Exploring Touch: Art Therapy with Older Adults
Get PDFTouch is an incredible tool that allows humans to connect with one another. It is instrumental in art therapy as we work with different populations and materials. Touch can occur in many ways but must be clearly defined in the therapeutic space, especially regarding ethical codes. This paper explored touch within senior living communities across different levels of care, including dementia care. A variety of art materials were used including drawing materials, collage, clay, and digital art. Art experiences were documented and analyzed through journaling and reflective artmaking. Four patterns emerged when examining the results including connection to product, differences across textures, physical ability, and limitations, and how touch effects the therapeutic relationship. Touch deprivation and a post-COVID-19 world was also explored. Future research may explore ethics for touch in art therapy and how to make art materials more accessible to those with physical disability
Identity, Intimacy and Power: From Self Consciousness to Self Trust: A Holistic Approach to Identity in Women to Support Authentic Expression, Aliveness, Freedom and Intimacy with Life During Times of Change
Get PDFThis Dance/Movement Therapy Capstone Thesis is a literature review and heuristic exploration of women’s experience of the patriarchal effects on identity and intimacy. After establishing an understanding of power within the roots of patriarchy and its internalized effects on women’s relationship with their inner knowing this thesis aims to understand power in a new, counter cultural way that is tethered to a source within. Through the lens of Tantrik Hatha Yoga and Authentic Movement this thesis offers a counter cultural way to understand identity as layered, malleable and rooted in a relationship to awareness. This shift in relationship to identity opens a doorway to intimacy that offers a development of relational understanding that is equanimous and empowering. The layers of shame imposed on women’s psyche through patriarchal conditioning are released through the cultivation of a loving inner witness through Tantric Hatha Yoga and the experience of being seen in a nonjudgmental light by another through the practice of Authentic Movement