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The Value of Therapeutic Farming as an Art Therapy Intervention for Emerging Adults: A Literature Review
Get PDFThis literature review examines the role of place, space, and environment in art therapy and proposes therapeutic farms as alternative mental health care for emerging adults. The writing explores concepts of nature-based art therapy, therapeutic metaphors, and self-determination theory in regard to how these approaches can enhance engagement in the therapeutic process. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on emerging adults’ mental health and feelings of connection to nature. The developmental needs of this population are not met by the current mental health care system, and there is a need to consider alternative forms of treatment. This research builds evidence to support nature-based art therapy practices on therapeutic farms to meet emerging adults’ mental health needs and to help reestablish their connection to nature. Finally, the writer discusses the role of the setting of therapeutic practice and the value of art as an accessible model of connection and expression for individuals
Art Therapy and Internal Family Systems for Adolescents at a Therapeutic School: A Qualitative, Arts-Based Study
Get PDFAdolescence is an important developmental period marked by a search for identity and an increase in impulsive behaviors and intense emotions. The current study explored how a combined art therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) model is beneficial and appropriate for adolescents in a school setting. A brief art therapy group was facilitated with students at a therapeutic high school. The intervention integrated IFS approaches, including externalization and guided visualizations, with the goal of understanding parts and increasing self-compassion. Three main themes emerged based on observations of the sessions: 1) the concept of parts encouraged self-understanding and reduced shame; 2) visualizations promoted unblending and increased access to Self; and 3) externalizing parts through artmaking supported reflective distance. Participants also benefited from the group therapy experience and connected through witnessing and peer support. Findings suggest that integrating art therapy and IFS is a valuable and developmentally appropriate approach for working with adolescents
The Phenomenon of Dissociation with the Application of Expressive Arts Therapy: A Literature Review
Get PDFAs a symptom of pathological disorder, dissociation is commonly seen as detrimental; yet dissociation is also frequently referenced as a typical occurrence for most people on a regular basis. This paper aimed to investigate and clarify definitions of dissociation as a phenomenon in mental health counseling treatment, and to examine the application of the modality of expressive arts therapy where dissociation is present. Dissociation was found to be widely regarded as a spectrum of phenomena within the subjective experiences of an individual, ranging from average to debilitating in severity. Research and expressive arts therapies were found to reflect theory informing treatment of dissociation as a response to traumatic events and circumstances. Some researchers questioned the etiology of dissociation. Expressive arts therapies were found to be valuable for success in treatment for dissociation and trauma. To improve efficacy of theory and treatment models, more research is needed to determine what differentiates dissociation from other disorders and to explore if the widely accepted average dissociations are as benign as they are regarded in the literature
Connecting Creativity, Bipolar Spectrum Disorder and Art Therapy
Get PDFThis critical literature review investigates the potential connection of creative intellect with individuals suffering from symptomology associated with Bipolar Affective Disorder and related disorders (formerly known as manic-depressive disorder or affective psychosis described in the 19th century). The definition of creativity is encompassed and the manifestation of the diagnostic aspects in bipolar psychopathology is evaluated in this literature review. The cathartic benefits of art therapy (AT) are examined and processed amongst those diagnosed with this mental health disability of BAD. This review addresses the characteristics of mood disorders having comparative artistic attributes that are also seen in an artist’s innovative psyche. AT is considered for utilizing therapeutic techniques for those trying to manage their bipolar diagnosis. Creative self-expression is ideal for this population due to the fact it supports their diagnosis’s innate feature of artistic ability
Social Noting Meditation: Social Connection and Intersubjective Awareness Through Online Interpersonal Practice
Get PDFWhile an abundance of research exists on various aspects of meditation, relatively few studies explore interpersonal practice. Those that do often explore the outcome of mindfulness where an individual practitioner applies mindfulness in a relational context. However, there is a lack of research into interpersonal practice involving intersubjective awareness with two or more practitioners engaging in synchronous interpersonal practice. In addition, while research into the consistently growing field of online meditation practice is expanding, studies examining interpersonal meditation practices taking place online are few and far between. In response to this situation, the following thesis explores existing studies on interpersonal practice incorporating digital applications, while looking closely at online Social Noting Meditation as a means of cultivating intersubjective awareness and the sensed experience of social connection
Women\u27s Work: The Sublime is Now
Get PDFWhat influences the lens through which we view art and the value we ascribe to it? This paper investigates the ways in which the historically gendered philosophy of “The Sublime,” a lack of institutional access, and traditionally gendered materials have acted as impediments for women in the arts. Discussion is given to the ways that masculine rhetoric in terms of “The Sublime” prevented women from attaining what was once considered the highest level of artistic achievement. Further attention is given to obstructions female artists face(d) in terms of gaining intuitional access within the art world. Finally, I examine the ways in which works using certain materials, specifically textiles, fibers, and needlework, have traditionally been dismissively classified as “craft” or “women’s work.” Throughout the paper, I will also examine how my own artistic practice seeks to address these issues. Towards this end, I will address specific examples of my work and how it not only serves to decenter a traditional history of landscape painting, but to empower female artists and their experiences
Unified Co-Op Art: Empowerment and Collaboration through Group Art Therapy and a Community Engagement Art Show
Get PDFThis community engagement thesis examines the use of group art therapy to encourage empowerment, collaboration, and peer relations with students in grades 6-12, with and without intellectual disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A literature review was done, examining current theories on empowerment, school-based art therapy, inclusion, and display of art, thus aiding in the formulation of the group purpose. After the 6-week program, completed artwork was showcased in a community wide art show at a local candy store that employs individuals with intellectual disabilities. Using group art therapy and community engagement, participants were able to create relationships, practice social skills, increase confidence and encourage both participants and the community to include and interact with one another
Bibliotherapy with Children with Neurodiverse Profiles: A Literature Review
Get PDFExpressive arts therapy interventions are continuing to gain recognition as a means of healing for individuals with a wide range of diagnoses. Bibliotherapy is a particularly under researched modality of the expressive arts, leaving ample opportunity for future research on both reading and writing interventions. While bibliotherapy may not be a widespread subject of study, preliminary research shows that reading and writing therapies can promote emotional well-being for individuals dealing with mental illness. Children with neurodiverse profiles (NP) are more likely to be diagnosed with psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, than neurotypical children. Although previous research has suggested that bibliotherapy is an effective form of treatment for individuals with these diagnoses, the impact of reading and writing therapies on children with NP is significantly understudied. Given the correlation between NP and mental illness, the positive effects of bibliotherapy for individuals with mental illness could possibly translate to children with NP. However, it is crucial to consider the individual needs and learning styles of individuals with NP, such as their struggles and limitations in reading, writing, language, and processing. This literature review examines relevant research on three topics: the relationship between NP and mental illness, bibliotherapy as treatment for mental illness, and limitations and considerations of reading and writing for children with NP, in order to further understand how bibliotherapy could be used with children with NP
An Embodied Approach to Sexual Education: Developing a Method for Disabled Adults
Get PDFAbstract
Sexual education is often a topic that gets neglected when it comes to the general public. Schools lack thorough curriculums, often approaching the subject from a fear-based perspective of pushing abstinence only, as opposed to teaching about healthy and safer sexuality. One can imagine, then, the disparity in education among disabled populations. In this thesis, I create and enact a method to educate intellectually and developmentally disabled adults on topics relating to sexual education in an embodied way. This thesis takes into account the current research on dance/movement therapy, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and sexual and somatic psychotherapy to develop a method of creating sexual education workshops. The topics come from the current literature as well as directly from individuals who were to be participants. The topics include consent, boundaries, healthy relationships, and safer sex and dating. Each workshop consisted of psychoeducation, discussion, an embodied activity, and an art-based reflection. Reflections from the writer are included in the discussion.
Accessible Abstract
There is a lot of missing information when schools teach sexual education, especially for disabled people. Disabled adults deserve learning about and having sex if they want to. In this paper, I talk about creating workshops that teach sexual education to disabled adults. These workshops include activities that have to do with feelings in one’s body. The topics of the workshops are consent, boundaries, healthy relationships, and safer sex and dating
My Voice Is Tired: The Reclamation of Voice Through the Expressive Arts to Aid in Self-Care and Processing for BIPOC Interns and Therapists Amidst Microaggression Experiences: A Literature Review and Autoethnography
Get PDFThis thesis centers the experiences of Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) interns and therapists’ with microaggression and racism within their various environments. The impact and consequences of these experiences are discussed. An assortment of self-care and coping strategies for the experience of racism is examined, including the use of the expressive arts for self-care, reclamation of voice and processing. The El Duende One Canvas Process Painting technique was selected as the expressive arts tool for BIPOC interns and therapists to engage in to reclaim their voice. This author conducted an autoethnographic inquiry using the El Duende One Canvas Process Painting to process their own experiences of micro-aggression and self-care. The author’s artwork is integrated within the thesis for readers to gift levity and respite from witnessing