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Group Singing as a Tool to Bridge Communication Between People with Aphasia and their Caregivers: A Literature Review
Get PDFAphasia is a devastating language disorder induced by stroke that is typically treated using Speech-Language therapy. Given aphasia’s adverse effects on an individual’s mental health status, familial structure, relationships, community involvement and general sense of self, the available treatment options should encompass interventions that target all of these areas. Music therapy is a convenient and easily accessible form of treatment for aphasia, ranging in individual and group applications. While the existing literature surrounding aphasia and music therapy is limited, conclusions can be made about its application in treating the aphasic patient as a whole, and not just their speech and language deficits through traditional forms of therapy. Further research focused on involving the outcomes of group singing intervention between caregiver and person with aphasia to observe changes in communication levels is suggested
Art Therapy and Parts Work with Survivors of Sexual Violence: Development of a Method
Get PDFTrauma-focused approaches to psychotherapy continue to gather attention as a growing body of research demonstrates the pervasiveness of traumatic experiences and trauma-related disorders across the lifespan. Art therapy, a relatively young field within the mental health landscape, utilizes the creation of images in therapy through a variety of art media as a tool for intra and interpersonal communication in the therapeutic space. Parts work, a collection of trauma-informed theoretical methods that includes Internal Family Systems therapy, Structural Dissociation and Ego-State therapy, is a systemic framework that proposes that each person is comprised of various parts (or distinct inner voices), under the leadership of the authentic Self. There is limited research regarding the efficacy of combining parts work and art therapy with survivors of sexual violence. To expand upon current intersecting research in this field, the author explores methods of integrating art therapy and parts work at an outpatient clinic with eight sexual violence survivors (five adults and three children) over the course of eight months. As a result, all clients demonstrated an increase in self-awareness regarding symptoms and trauma-response triggers, and some demonstrated a decrease in intensity of trauma-related symptoms. Data was collected through therapist observation, client self-report surveys including the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth addition (PCL-5) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC), and client surveys tracking severity and intensity of symptoms. The positive responses to trauma-focused art therapy and parts work interventions indicate that this can be an effective trauma treatment modality that warrants further exploration
Accessing the Ecosphere: An Indoor Nature-Based Community Expressive Arts Therapy (ExAT) Exploration Project
Get PDFThis capstone thesis posits that when humans connect and maintain a relationship with nature, their mental health improves. Humans have developed from and within Earth’s ecosystem, making our relationship with nature a necessary acknowledgement that the self is more than a corporeal body but is, in fact, embedded within the natural world around us. The current overwhelming dependence on electronic advancements and the development of urban areas have led people to become more distant in their relationship to nature, putting the overall well-being of the planet in jeopardy. This thesis points out that the more separation we feel from nature, the more callousness we will treat it with, ultimately creating a compounded detrimental impact on the environment. Nature-based expressive arts therapy (NBExAT) is postulated to interrupt this estrangement by providing support to individuals in the ways they can connect and heal this fissure to develop appropriate empathy and compassion towards nature, also known as an eco-identity. A two-hour indoor workshop was offered for the expressive arts therapy graduate student population as an additional tool for replenishment from juggling the high demands of post-graduate learning. The workshop combined expressive arts therapy principles into ecotherapeutic approaches to act as a channel to explore the benefits of directly and indirectly engaging in a relationship with nature. This exploration is referred to as accessing one’s ecosphere or as an embodied exploration of connecting to nature. The results illustrate that intentional sensory contact with nature can promote a restorative experience while simultaneously gaining a deeper connection to nature therefore, increasing empathy towards it
Storytelling and Narrative Therapy through Art among Refugee Children: A Literature Review
Get PDFThis literature review introduces the importance of art therapy, storytelling, and narrative therapy for refugee children. While familiarizing themselves with a new habitat and way of living, this population battles being a minority, an immigrant, learning a new culture and language, and social-economic difficulties. This literature review brings to light the challenges and difficulties children face within their own trauma and anxiety. The passing on of trauma generationally, historically, culturally, or genetically is common, as is parents’ countertransference. Re-adaptation is essential for children who experience trauma, especially when escaping war. Childhood trauma affects the future adult state of mind. This literature review exemplifies how children are more communicative through storytelling and narrative therapy, depicting how they can process trauma through art. Narrative therapy breaks cultural barriers that may separate clinicians and clients as it provides an individual perspective. Communicating through art allows one to self-reflect subconsciously and consciously without having to use words. Four findings arise in this review: 1) Children who experience trauma and exposure to an unsafe environment communicate better through visuals than words; 2) Narrative therapy and storytelling support mental health; 3) Refugees are more comfortable with silence than with verbal communication; and 4) Art can promote a sense of home and comfort through similarities, relationships, culture, and community
Art Therapy Interventions for Fear of Childbirth: A Model for Implementing Expressive Arts Interventions in Prenatal Populations
Get PDFThis capstone investigates fear of childbirth (FOC) and correlated prenatal anxiety and/or prenatal depression. This literature review examines the current research related to FOC in prenatal birthing populations and art therapy interventions. Careful considerations were taken in regard to language for this population. Gender neutral terminology is used to be inclusive of trans, non-binary, and queer pregnancies. FOC is common, affecting about 80% of birthing individuals (O’Connell et al., 2021). Symptoms and implications for FOC are vast, including anxiety, depression, preeclampsia, increased medical inventions, and possible long term mental health risks. The baby\u27s wellbeing is also affected by FOC, including developmental delays and adverse health outcomes (Iordachescu et al., 2021; O’Connell et al., 2019; Webb et al., 2021). Clinically, there are a handful of evidence-based, non-pharmacological interventions being used to address FOC. This thesis focuses specifically on current art therapy interventions as a treatment method for FOC from the time of initial assessment onward. The literature reviewed shows specific intermodal techniques— including music, movement, meditation, and art—are already being utilized alongside more singular art therapy approaches. The art therapists in the reviewed studies implement intermodal practices under the title of ‘art therapy’ interventions and report their interventions as beneficial in reducing FOC symptoms. The intermodality of these studies suggests there may be benefits to utilizing and studying the specific impact of expressive arts therapy interventions for FOC. Further research is needed with hope of offering insight into using expressive arts therapy as a beneficial intervention for FOC
A Dance Movement Therapy Tool: To Name It To Tame It: A Development of a Method with Grieving Children and The Four Zones of Emotional Regulation
Get PDFEmotions have the capacity to influence the body at every level. Research studies have confirmed that emotions can be recognized from facial expressions and linked to the four zones of regulation (Ekman, 1972). The study aimed to help children identify their feelings and teach them strategies that would support them in coping with their feelings. This thesis explored ways clients can be aware of themselves and the skills needed to improve their understanding and tolerance of emotions. The method contributed to the current literature on emotion regulation and bereavement. The data collected were from several parts of written journals and analyzed for the frequency of recurring themes across the zones of regulation. The results showed three major themes of self-regulation, the four zones of regulation as a psychoeducational tool and increased awareness of emotions/feelings within self and others through facial expression and body language. The themes and techniques used in this method showed promising implications for developing self-regulation as a coping skill. The findings revealed insights into the power, strength, and vulnerability of being connected with one’s emotions and, therefore, can be used as a guide to help children to self-regulate. Future studies can be used to examine what happens by adding more coping skills to the children\u27s toolbox
Using Expressive Arts Therapies to Aid the End-of-Life Transition for Older Adults: A Literature Review
Get PDFThis literature review presents the use of expressive arts therapies as they may be applied to end-of-life care for older adults. Death is inevitable and if given the chance to prepare, the expressive arts modalities provide a foundation to process the emotions associated with the ending of a life on earth. Expressive arts provide the opportunity to communicate in non-traditional ways which have the ability to locate subconscious themes. End-of-life care previously revolved around pain management. In more recent years it has evolved to caring for the whole person emotionally, socially, psychologically, and physically. Sources were found utilizing resources provided by Lesley University library services and included peer-reviewed articles and books. Findings included the benefits of music therapy and art therapy for older adults in end-of-life care. When applying expressive arts modalities to end-of-life care, patients are likely to benefit from increasing feelings of autonomy, clarity in their lives, and feeling a sense of community with other people in end-of-life care
Healing Collective Generational Trauma and Building Resilience Through Art Therapy
Get PDFCurrent research is limited in the transmission of transgenerational trauma. Most
of the research available on the topic was specific to the survivors of the
Holocaust. The focus in this thesis is on the Armenian population and how the
trauma of the wars and the Genocide has transmitted to future generations and
continues to impact the population today. The literature reviewed for this topic
explored how trauma transcends these generations but also how the resilience
transcends. My goal was to help build resilience through the artmaking
process more in the style of Jungian art therapy in a semi-open studio structure.
The artmaking and the response art served as a container in expressing the
heaviness of the transgenerational trauma and became a catalyst for the reflection
on the transmission of resilience. Specific to the Armenian culture, the Armenian
population does not tend to seek therapy or talk about their feelings, so in this
process the artmaking aided in expressing the trauma with a creative outlet
through the exploration of various art materials
Exploring Attachment in the NICU: A Music Therapy Model
Get PDFThis music therapy method intends to explore the implication of music within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to foster attachment and provide bonding experiences between infants and their caregivers. Using a flexible multistep model, the music therapist will consider established family dynamics, cultural background, and medical diagnosis of infants to determine the necessary music therapy approach to support the infant and caregiver throughout hospitalization. This method involves the integration of live-music intervention and hospitalization through procedural support and infant-contingent singing as co-regulation. Music therapy is an evidence-based practice used across the lifespan. The practice of music therapy with neonates has been identified as a viable non-pharmacological treatment modality to improve infant sleep patterns, support brain development, and improve physiological calming and regulation. This method seeks to explore the outcomes of music therapy interventions by providing procedural support and facilitating opportunities for family bonding while empowering caregivers to engage in the process alongside the clinician. In order to conduct a music therapy method that supports the infant while providing resources and sustainable care practices for caregivers, this model will follow a session structured on building rapport with the family and care team, establishing trust with the infant and caregiver, supporting the family throughout hospitalization through clinical practice and advocacy, and empowerment of the caregiver and infant to continue bonding throughout hospitalization and once discharged
Effect of Art Media on the Collective Mood of a Middle School Art Therapy Group: A Development of a Method
Get PDFThe art medium influences emotional expression and is a tool for change within the therapeutic art process. Research reveals physiological changes in participants’ heart rate and brain activity when working with art materials in response to the art medium’s resistive and fluid qualities. Art therapists can assess a person’s emotional presentation and decide which art media are psychologically appropriate for a person by observing changes in mood, emotions, and non-verbal language. A therapeutic game was played over three sessions with an art therapy group of adolescents, ages 11-14 years old, within a therapeutic middle school setting. Changes in the group’s emotional response while using fine tip markers, oil pastels, and tempera paint were explored. Variables affecting individual group members and emotions that transferred to the collective mood of the art therapy group included: the art medium, structure of art materials and creative activity, complexity of the task, and therapeutic environment. It was found that the art medium is a component of a therapeutic art-making experience and cannot be isolated. The art therapist must intentionally select the art medium or creative activity when working within an art therapy group to ensure an effective therapeutic experience