2410 research outputs found
Sort by
How Art Therapy and EMDR Help Asylum Seekers and Refugees Move Towards Healing Trauma: A Literature Review
Full text linkIn the past ten years, there has been a significant rise in the number of asylum seekers and refugee populations worldwide (UNHCR, 2022). Displaced individuals are extremely vulnerable to mental illness because of the compounded trauma experienced in their countries of origin with the stress of immigration, asylum seeking, culture shock, and language barriers. PTSD is affecting 500 million individuals globally, and refugees are especially susceptible to having these symptoms (Farrell, 2020). Art therapy and EMDR are identified as the most promising modalities for treating such trauma.
This literature review examines the various ways EMDR and art therapy have been applied to treating trauma and PTSD for refugees and asylum seekers. Topics such as efficacy, cultural competency, versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to accommodate displaced individuals with diverse psychological needs are explored, as well as how EMDR and art therapy can help with memory restoration and healing complex trauma and PTSD.
The review concludes that for displaced populations there have not been enough robust studies conducted to affirm these practices as evidence-based. Most studies lack sufficient sample sizes, do not identify PTSD according to DSM, and do not use proper randomization. Among other important criteria, long-term follow-ups are rarely conducted (Farrell, 2020). However the paper argues that there is indeed enough evidence to invest significant efforts into further research of these modalities specifically for refugee populations
Art Therapists’ Perspectives on Exploring Sexuality in Treatment Sessions
Full text linkThis study examined the relationships between U.S. based graduate-level art therapists’ (N = 174) personal and professional characteristics and their decisions to explore sexuality in sessions. A mixed-methods concurrent design generated quantitative and qualitative data through a one-time anonymous internet study centering on two clinical case vignettes. One vignette highlighted gender nonconformity, the other the sexualization of the therapist. Comparison of years of art therapy experience for two groups, those who interacted with one vignette before exiting and those who interacted with both found the group that rated both vignettes had more years of AT experience (M = 13.08, SD = 10.5) than those who quit (M = 8.06, SD = 8.2) after one, t(145) = -2.9; p = .004. There were no significant differences in sexuality training, work location, or primary role between the two groups. The qualitative data found most respondents, predominantly White women, were often clinically confident. Where the gender nonconformity vignette elicited vulnerability, the sexualization of the therapist vignette provoked transference and projection. For gender nonconformity, the themes of art therapy for supporting safety and sexuality were very common. For the sexualization of the therapist, the themes of art therapy for exploring aggression and erotic transference were common. The data showed many were often comfortable, demonstrated mastery in treatment formulations, and gained confidence with age and years of experience. The profession of art therapy may benefit from including art therapy-based sexuality training as standard protocol in training and supervision
With a Heavy Heart : A Literature Review Exploring the Embodiment of Grief and its Implications for Grief Processing
Full text linkThough a plethora of literature has explored the connection between bereavement and the body, much of that research has focused on bereavement’s effects on physical health. Little research has been conducted to explore bereaved individuals’ embodiment of their grief, and even less has investigated the implications of those embodied sensations on the possible use of embodiment in interventions for grief processing. This literature review aimed to gain a better understanding of how grief is felt by and expressed through the body. The literature was synthesized, and common embodied themes reported by bereaved individuals were identified. Additionally, a discussion of possible ways mental health professionals can use embodied grief to facilitate grief processing was introduced. The review and discussion of the literature revealed that, though embodied experiences of grief are highly variable and unique to each individual, the body is a clear modality of communication, and through identifying a salient sensation, a mental health professional can help guide a bereaved individual to follow that embodied sensation to its source in order to gain more insight into their body’s inherent knowledge, expression, and needs surrounding their grief processing journey
The Role of Mindfulness as a Preventative Measure to Reduce Stress, Burnout, and Symptoms of Traumatic Stress in Nursing Students
No full textNurses and nursing students frequently face high-stress environments due to demanding workloads, human suffering, death, and complex decision-making. Global nursing shortages and the recent COVID-19 pandemic have worsened daily stressors in healthcare settings, leading to poor mental health, unpredictable work situations, and low job satisfaction. The physical and psychological strain of working in understaffed, under-resourced environments leads to higher rates of absenteeism, turnover, and challenges in staff retention and recruitment. This emphasizes the need for nursing students to be well-prepared to handle and cope with the inherent stressors of nursing education and future clinical practice. Research also shows that nursing students experience greater levels of stress, burnout, and traumatic stress during their training than students in other healthcare programs. This paper reviews existing research on the connections between stress, burnout, and traumatic stress symptoms in nursing students during their education. It also explores the role and advantages of introducing Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) to nursing students as a proactive and effective strategy to recognize and reduce the impact of these psychological challenges, thus building resilience and supporting career longevity. The related creative project introduces an accessible online resource that provides nursing students with information on signs and symptoms of stress, burnout, and traumatic stress, along with practical and straightforward mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and prevent harmful psychological responses
Embodied Capability: Exploring Strength Training Through a Dance/Movement Therapy Lens to Expand the Window of Tolerance and Empowerment
Full text linkThis literature review explores the benefits of incorporating strength training into Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) to expand and define movement practices within the field. By examining the parallels and commonalities between DMT and strength training, a framework for integration can be developed that allows the DMT lens to remain present within strength training. This can be informed by examining: 1) the use of movement metaphor, functional, and expressive movements; 2) the effects of weightlifting and DMT on empowerment and the window of tolerance (WOT); 3) neurobiological mechanisms supporting healing through strength-based movement practices; 4) the potential to enhance inclusivity for diverse clients and practitioners. Additionally, the mental health benefits of strength training will be explored. The incorporation of strength training could provide an additional intervention aimed at improving client self-efficacy, resilience, regulation, and expression to have a positive impact on overall quality of life, aligning with existing DMT principles. Possible integrations into DMT will be introduced, as well as highlighting areas for further research
“It’s… complicated:” A Literature Review on the Possibilities of Using Drama Therapy to Improve Relational Functioning of Emerging Adults with Complex Trauma
Full text linkInterpersonal relationships play a crucial and complicated role in the mental well-being and development of emerging adults. Complex trauma has a significant negative effect on relational functioning, which plays an important role in post-traumatic growth, especially for emerging adults. This thesis reviewed current literature to outline the interaction between complex trauma and interpersonal relationships through the developmental lens of emerging adulthood. Empirical studies highlighted emotional (dys)regulation, attachment processes, and self-concept as mediating factors of this interaction. The literature reviewed offered current treatment approaches for this population, with connections that were relevant to drama therapy approaches. The literature showed that drama therapy has great potential as a treatment modality for emerging adults with complex trauma, as it is inherently relational, encourages spontaneity, is embodied, and utilizes the concept of distancing. While not generalizable, there is empirical evidence that highlights the positive effect of drama therapy on factors that mediate the interaction between trauma and relationships. Additional research is needed regarding complex trauma in emerging adulthood and the efficacy of treatment specific to this population
Using Expressive Arts Therapy with Autistic Children to Help Regulate and Build Coping Skills: a Literature Review
Full text linkThis literature review is about whether we can use Expressive Arts Therapy with autistic children to regulate and build coping skills. The author could not find articles that covers the entire topic, but she split the topic in terms of autism in India and various application of Expressive Arts Therapy globally. She was able to find Expressive Arts Therapy or Creative Arts Therapy was helpful to autistic children, or children with trauma. She could also notice the stigma of autism in India in some of the articles
Hope in Times of Helplessness: A Literature Review on the Queer Art of Resilience and Melancholia via the Expressive Arts
Full text linkThis thesis explores the intersection of Queer resilience, expressive arts therapy, and community-building practices within marginalized communities – particularly focusing on how Queer communities have utilized art as means of survival, perseverance, and legacy in times of struggle. Queer communities have consistently turned to artistic gestures of expression as a way to not only resist oppression, but to also preserve collective memory and identity. In a world experiencing heightened stress, disconnection, and violence, finding ways to maintain hope is critical.
Through the lenses of trauma-informed expressive arts therapy, Queer aesthetic sensibility, and Queer melancholia, this paper examines how artistic practices serve as a sanctuary for processing grief, navigating trauma, and affirming one\u27s identity amidst adversity. The expressive arts offer more than mere therapeutic interventions; they provide a collective space where individuals can connect with themselves and each-other, nourishing a sense of belonging and shared experience. Through an emphasis on storytelling, performance, and co-creation, this thesis demonstrates how these practices serve as instruments of resilience – which connect participants to legacies of the past, present, and future. The work also explores how expressive arts therapy is a suitable complement to existing community-based healing practices, which can enhance the Queer pursuit of joy, transformation, and liberation
A Step-by-Step Guide to Incorporating Mindfulness into the Adult ESOL Classroom
No full textThis paper examines how adults in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes could benefit from the integration of mindfulness principles and/or the teaching of mindfulness in the classroom and culminates in a step-by-step guide. The guidebook outlines key principles for introducing mindfulness in the adult ESOL context and includes example practices, pedagogical considerations, and suggestions for further reading, designed to support teachers with varying levels of experience in mindfulness. The adult ESOL classroom in the United States is a space where migrants, immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers (here referred to collectively as immigrants and refugees) can seek out resources and learn the dominant language of their new country, a skill that helps them advance their economic situation, social well-being, mental health, and physical health. Immigrants and refugees face many challenges that can impede their well-being and their capacity to learn, and migration is unlikely to decrease considering the extent of ongoing global crises including climate change, armed conflict, and political instability. Thus, environments where immigrants and refugees are learning a new language should include offerings to support their well-being and capacity for learning. This project aims to guide teachers in using the tool of mindfulness responsibly in the face of challenges including a lack of research on mindfulness and ESOL students as well as ongoing funding cuts for scientific research, social services, and adult education
Black Somatic Liberatory Practices: The Africanist Aesthetic in Psychotherapeutic Movement Observation
No full textThis critical ethnographic qualitative study explored Black body-based healing practices and coping strategies used to resist and titrate the impact of racism and oppression. It also examined how Black individuals use their bodies to regulate their nervous systems to heal and cultivate liberatory practices. Grounded in theoretical frameworks such as Black Psychology, African Indigenous Healing Systems, Liberation Psychology, and Critical Race Theory, this research investigated the intersections of Black Aesthetics, Psychology, and the body through the lens of the Africanist Aesthetic. The study employed interaction analysis and reflexive thematic analysis to analyze non-verbal and verbal data collected from two focus groups. Findings revealed the profound significance of community, cultural expression, and embodied practices in fostering empowerment and cultivating liberatory practices within the Black community. Participants highlight the role of movement, sensory experiences, and nature-based practices in grounding their identities and facilitating emotional and spiritual healing. The Africanist elements, including improvisation, marathoning, high effect juxtaposition, cultural fusion, and the aesthetic of the cool, are integral to understanding the complex dynamics of psychotherapeutic movement observation. This study addresses the gap in resources and prioritization of white assumptions in psychotherapeutic movement observation and somatic-based healing practices, offering a population-specific framework for community wellness and clinical intervention. By centering Black strengths-based approaches and culturally resonant practices, this research contributes to the advancement of liberatory practices within the Black African Diaspora