2410 research outputs found
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Embedded Roots: Exploring Healing Through Digital Storytelling: Application and Training
Full text linkThis review examines digital and expressive storytelling in a clinical, community-based health center, focusing on its impact and relationship with trauma. Existing research has explored how digital storytelling serves as an intervention for addressing intergenerational trauma, trauma transmission, identity development, and social systems affecting youth. This community engagement project integrates these ideas with reflections from clinicians, exploring how clinicians\u27 involvement in digital storytelling may influence care, confidence, and cultural understanding. Theories central to this research include Bronfenbrenner\u27s ecological systems theory and systems-based awareness maps, which help examine the broader systems that influence youth as they develop their narratives. The transmission of intergenerational trauma and its role in adverse health outcomes is rarely addressed in psychotherapeutic interventions, particularly among adolescents. This issue is especially prevalent in underserved communities, where clinicians are seeking ways to make mental health care more accessible and encourage help-seeking behavior among youth. This review aims to address this gap by examining trauma-informed therapies as a potential intervention model for underserved populations. Through research, it becomes clear that while there are clinical, community-based programs using trauma-informed models, few integrate the influence of intergenerational trauma with culturally sensitive approaches for clinicians in practice. This paper concludes with a call for the widespread adoption of the frameworks discussed, advocating for their use in communal healing
Therapeutic Alliance in Psychotherapy and Multidimensional Relationship in Drama Therapy: In and Out of Dramatic Reality
Full text linkAbstract
The therapeutic alliance is a well-studied, empirically based phenomenon with much research evidencing its importance in successful therapy. The triadic multi-dimensional relationship present in drama therapy, one of the seven core processes at work in drama therapy, has been identified as a significant agent contributing to the client’s therapeutic change. However, no data specifically compares the therapeutic alliance to the multi-dimensional relationship. As a foundational base for further exploration, this research project, qualitative and self-reflective, explored specific moments of connection between therapist and child client within two sessions. This research was presented from data recorded in journaling, thematic analysis, and an art-based response. This project reinforced the general importance of the positive relationship between therapist and client, further identifying specific behaviors uniquely present in the multi-dimensional relationship, which takes place within dramatic reality (a liminal, me/not me, space). As the multi-dimensional relationship is a key core process, and the therapeutic relationship has been empirically designated as key to successful psychotherapy, further research and study within this relational dynamic specific to drama therapy, including the triadic relationship between therapist, client, and art, is warranted
Dance/Movement Therapy as a Potential Complimentary Treatment for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: A Literature Review
Full text linkPostural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a debilitating condition predominantly affecting younger individuals, marked by extreme heart rate fluctuations, fatigue, and cognitive disturbances. This literature review explores the multifaceted nature of POTS, emphasizing the need for effective management strategies that incorporate both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. It highlights the promising role of Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) as a complementary treatment, which fosters emotional expression and enhances physical well-being. By synthesizing current research on POTS, pharmacological options, and innovative non-pharmacological therapies like DMT, this review advocates for a holistic approach to POTS management that recognizes the complexities of the disorder and addresses both its physiological and psychological dimensions. Furthermore, it calls for additional research to evaluate the efficacy of DMT in improving symptom outcomes to promote a more integrated understanding of care for individuals living with POTS
The Neuropsychiatric Value of Expressive Arts Therapy Integrated with Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Treating Alzheimer\u27s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD)
Full text linkNeurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer\u27s disease (AD), Parkinson\u27s disease, and other dementias, are progressive disorders that lead to white matter damage in the brain, resulting in structural and functional consequences that disrupt neuronal pathways and contribute to significant cognitive and behavioral impairments. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form and a leading cause of death among older adults. Nearly 97% of patients experience neuropsychiatric symptoms, which are incredibly challenging to treat effectively as the disease progresses and, in some cases, may be untreatable with pharmaceuticals. This situation significantly increases caregiver burden and healthcare costs. Traditional pharmacological treatments for these conditions have limited efficacy and considerable side effects, prompting interest in novel therapies. Expressive arts therapy, which integrates various modalities such as music, art, dance, and drama, has shown evidence of enhancing cognition, emotional regulation, and quality of life for individuals with neurocognitive disorders. In parallel, psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT)—particularly with psilocybin—has garnered attention for its potential to improve mood and cognition in patients with dementia, offering a compelling alternative to conventional treatments. This review explores the combined therapeutic potential of expressive arts therapies and psilocybin-assisted therapy in managing neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with Alzheimer\u27s disease and related dementias. Emerging research suggests that both interventions support brain plasticity, emotional regulation, and overall well-being, offering effective treatment options where traditional pharmacological approaches often fall short. Although studies on integrating these therapies are still limited, early findings highlight their neuroscientific benefits and suggest significant potential for synergistic effects. This review encourages further exploration of an integrative treatment model. This low-cost, low-side-effect, and holistic solution integrates multiple therapeutic approaches that show potential to improve treatment outcomes, slow disease progression, and enhance the quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia
A Culturally-Informed Integration of Dance/Movement Therapy and Yogic Practice for South Asian Immigrants: A Community Engagement Project
Full text linkThis capstone thesis project explored the effectiveness of integrating dance/movement therapy (DMT) and yoga as a culturally informed group therapeutic intervention to ameliorate acculturative stress among South Asian immigrants domiciling in the U.S. Existing research has shown that stigmatization of mental illness and traditional therapeutic approaches among South Asian communities is highly prevalent. The Western medical model poses barriers for immigrant populations who prefer holistic and naturalistic healing methods that align with cultural practices and values. Creative practice can potentially be an alternative methodology in combination with these cultural beliefs, especially through movement to access a somatic form of healing. This community engagement project aimed to offer a culturally-informed approach to DMT to recognize stress and negative mental health outcomes resulting from acculturative stress. The current method consisted of combining aspects of yogic practice and DMT in a singular session format for 10 adult immigrants identifying as South Asian. Metaphoric movements were created by participants to represent themes of isolation, community building, resilience, liberation, opportunity, gratitude, identify shifts and spirituality. Future directions are discussed to further uplift and advocate for DMT research with this population
Self-Authorship and Student Outcomes – A Mixed Methods Study
No full textThere are a relatively small number of schools in Massachusetts that produce strong growth in student outcomes in a given year. Having a clear understanding of the characteristics of these schools allows other schools to improve outcomes for all students. The purpose of this research study was to identify the characteristics of these schools with a specific focus on the schools that produce strong gains in student growth with large percentages of students who are designated as low income. A mixed methods study, which combined secondary data analysis and a case study was used. Secondary data analysis was used to understand the characteristics of these schools and to identify those specific schools that produce strong growth with large percentages of students who are designated low income. A case study was conducted to better understand levels of teacher efficacy and leadership styles in these schools. When compared, schools that produced strong growth in student outcomes were shown to have higher attendance rates, lower suspension rates, higher percentages of experienced teachers, higher teacher retention rates, and lower percentages of students who were designated low income. Schools with both high student growth and high percentages of students who were designated low income had teacher retention rates and experienced teacher rates that were no different than other low income schools. Teachers in these schools demonstrated high levels of teacher efficacy and leaders demonstrated a clear vision of themselves as instructional leaders. Teachers and leaders disagreed on the origin of teacher mindsets and had different perceptions of how disagreement operated in their schools. Overall, teachers in schools with high levels of student growth and high levels of students designated as low income displayed a coherent experience by which they developed self-authorship. However, it is possible that this pattern of development may leave them misaligned to their schools over time and may contribute to their decisions to leave their schools, despite their success. The dissertation discusses the above findings and their implications for policy, practice and future research
Adverse Childhood Experiences: Healing Through Storytelling and Mindful Narrative Therapy
Full text linkThis study presents research about the nature and prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), the mental and physical impacts to individuals exposed to ACEs, and incorporating mindfulness practices into therapeutic approaches to treating them, particularly Mindfulness-Based Narrative Therapy (MBNT). It is important because ACEs have become a global crisis, with the potential for interfering with psychological and physical development, early mortality, and other harmful life outcomes. This thesis provides critical information for mindfulness teachers and practitioners, therapists, educators, regulators, parents, and individuals subjected to ACEs.
The methodology includes extensive literature searches for narrative therapy and mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in peer-reviewed journal articles, as well as references found in those peer-reviewed journal articles. The findings show that MBNT can be a helpful intervention for individuals exposed to ACEs that generates more positive life outcomes. However, participation in MBIs may, for some individuals, result in adverse effects, thus requiring trauma-sensitive, phase-based approaches incorporated into MBNT
Centering Black Resource-Poor Adolescent Voices: A Critical Phenomenological Study of Lived Mental Health Struggles While Enduring the Covid-19 Pandemic
Full text linkThere is a dearth of research in general and qualitative research specifically about the mental health experience of resource-poor Black adolescents living in Boston. This has implications for the field in terms of how adolescents experiencing mental health issues can be supported and how professionals can create more useful mental health treatment. Drawing from the theoretical lens of critical race theory and more specifically, intersectionality, this hermeneutic phenomenological inquiry examined the ways in which experiencing multiple levels of inequality, especially from racism and poverty, affected a Black adolescent’s mental health. Eleven adolescents were interviewed via Zoom. Six major findings included: (a) community connections, (b) grief and loss, (c) systemic struggles as a society in media, (d) screen time, (e) mental health service utilization, and (f) systemic racism (i.e., George Floyd’s murder and Black Lives Matter protests on the mental health of Black adolescents). Through reflections, including their pre- and post-COVID-19 mental health, multiple themes and subthemes emerged to create a patchwork of the stories of 11 young lives
Heartscape Resonance: A Psychophysiological Coherence-Based Expressive Arts Therapy Intervention for Quantum Healing of Emotional Dysregulation
Full text linkThis feasibility study examines the concept of Psychophysiological Coherence-Based Expressive Arts Therapy as a method for improving emotional regulation and aiding trauma recovery in psychiatric inpatient groups. The intervention developed for this study, termed Heartscape Resonance, integrates quantum healing, somatic heart coherence practices, and expressive arts therapy into a model that combines heart-centered breathing, bilateral stimulation, and artistic expression. The intervention was implemented four times across three units at an inpatient hospital in Massachusetts, USA. Self-report data collection methods that utilize embodied awareness, coherence ratings, and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) testing were employed, with the facilitator’s data forming the basis for inferring group-level insights based on principles of social coherence, attunement, and kinesthetic empathy. Despite evidence of improvements in emotional regulation, somatic awareness, and emotional processing supporting coherence-based expressive arts therapy for trauma healing, further research is required before making definitive conclusions and evaluating clinical utility
The Authentic Self in Mental Health Practitioners Through the Use of Internal Family Systems and Character Card Creation in Art-Based Therapy
Full text linkMental health practitioners, or therapists, are complex beings who carry not only the trauma from their life experiences but are also presented with the undertaking of trauma stewardship for clients. This study explores how participating with clients fosters self-expression and promotes emotional regulation, while enhancing social interactions within myself. Combining the terminology from the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model and the concept of collaged card creation from SoulCollage to create character cards, made with clients, that represent the various parts of the personality. This qualitative study on the intervention found that it provided a safe space for both clients and therapists, and misidentifying the Parts of the Self was a prevalent issue