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Community Music among Brazilian Culture: A Community Engagement Project
Get PDFAlthough community music eludes a fixed definition due to its fluid and context-dependent nature, its effects are found to be beneficial throughout the world. An example of this is seen among native and emigrant Brazilians where music is part of the individual, community, and culture. This thesis explores the therapeutic value of community music among current residents of Brazil and Brazilians that have emigrated to the United States. Through a community engagement project, this research hypothesized that although music may serve different purposes occasionally, the primary function-to create community and culture-remains the same. Participation in two key community music making experiences, one in Brazil and the other in the United States, followed by journaling and expressive responses comprised the community engagement project. Findings indicate that the therapeutic value of community music is needed at a higher rate among Brazilian emigrates, due to the disconnect to their native land. The implications of this study advocate for incorporating cultural music in therapy sessions and the creation of more community and culture-based music groups to support the well-being of culturally diverse clients
Maintaining Well-being: Coping Strategies for Prolonged Traumatic Experiences from the Stories of Ukrainian Educators During the Wartime
Get PDFThis qualitative, phenomenological study aimed to better understand how and whether educators can maintain well-being during prolonged trauma. This study examines the experiences of Ukrainian educators living in non-occupied territories during wartime. The following research questions guided the study: What coping strategies do educators use to take care of themselves? What coping strategies do educators use with their students? How do educators perceive mindfulness and storytelling? A conceptual framework was created to better understand the topics of stress, trauma, being, well-being, surviving, suffering, and coping mechanisms through a literature review. Data collection occurred in February and March 2024, two years after the full scale invasion of Ukraine began. Using convenience and snowball sampling, 163 educators completed an anonymous survey, and 12 participated in confidential one-on-one interviews on Zoom. Key coping mechanisms that help Ukrainian educators manage prolonged trauma during wartime were identified through their stories. After analyzing the data, three major findings emerged: 1) No coping mechanism works universally. 2) Maintaining well-being amidst prolonged traumatic experiences requires educators to sustain connections with others. 3) Coping mechanisms are most effective when practiced mindfully. These findings led to recommendations on how educators can cope with trauma and stress in their own lives and support their students in doing the same
Visual Mindful Autoethnography in Practice: Integrating Visual Expressive Art and Self-Compassion into the Research Process
Get PDFThis thesis introduces the framework of Visual Mindful Autoethnography (VmAE) which integrates mindfulness, self-compassion, and creative visual expression as tools for reflexive self-inquiry within the research process. Grounded in the principles of autoethnography and mindfulness, VmAE fosters a deep engagement with personal narratives, biases, and cultural contexts while encouraging emotional resilience, self-awareness, and ethical integrity. By utilizing techniques such as expressive art and visual process journalling, this approach re-presents the inner emotional landscape while facilitating a balanced exploration of subjective experience. The framework is supported by the “P.A.C.E. Research with C.A.R.E.” model, which establishes mindfulness and self-compassion as foundational principles within research. The Literature Review highlights the transformative potential of combining art and mindfulness practices, demonstrating their capacity to enhance reflexivity and emotional regulation, cultivate inclusivity, and inspire meaningful contributions within the research process. This work contributes to the evolving field of mindfulness research and provides a model for authentic, creative engagement with lived experience as a researcher and participant within academic inquiry
Treat Yourself with Compassion: Art Therapy and Self-Talk with an Autistic Teen
Get PDFThis study examines the use of art therapy to address negative self-talk and promote emotional awareness, self-compassion, and identity development in an adolescent with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Adolescents with ASD are particularly susceptible to negative internal dialogue due to challenges with emotional regulation, communication, and social integration. Given the limitations of traditional talk therapies, art therapy offers a nonverbal, sensory-accessible modality for emotional expression and cognitive restructuring. Within an in-home family stabilization model, a 17-year-old participant engaged in three structured art therapy directives with parental involvement. Data were collected through session observations, automatic writing, and artistic reflection. Findings indicated that art therapy supported the externalization and reframing of internal narratives, enhanced emotional literacy, and fostered positive self-concept. Key themes included cultivating self-compassion, exploring identity through visual metaphor, and strengthening relational engagement. The results highlight the importance of sensory-sensitive materials, flexible yet structured interventions, and relational attunement. Implications for practice include integrating art therapy into educational and community settings and adopting neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based approaches. This research adds to the growing evidence supporting art therapy as a developmentally appropriate, neurologically informed intervention for building resilience and transforming maladaptive self-talk in adolescents with ASD
Sense, Drugs, and Rock \u27n\u27 Roll: A Critical Review of Music and Psychedelic Literature
Get PDFThe use of psychedelics has been shown promising efficacy surrounding treatment-resistant mental health diagnoses, as well as improving quality of life for those not suffering from mental health conditions. Additionally, music has been seen as a significant part of psychedelic research, both by music therapists and other allied health professionals alike. This literature review explores the current research surrounding music therapy and psychedelic approaches, as well as the areas in which they intersect. The current review focuses on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and self-concept, delving into the perceptions of both music and psychedelic therapy as emerging treatment options for these diagnoses. Ultimately, the intersection of these two mediums is under-researched despite showing beneficial and significant overlap in uses. Recommendations moving forward include more rigorous research standards and integrating other forms of music therapy into psychedelic-based approaches
How Can Art Therapy Be Utilized to Support Emotional Communication for Autistic Individuals with an Alexithymic Profile?
Get PDFThe expressive nature of art therapy can aid those with communication and sensory processing differences. Art making allows for the individual to access and emote in a way that spoken language cannot. This literature review will investigate and explore the features of the processing differences related to autism, interoception and alexithymia. The findings from the research explore the effectiveness of utilizing art therapy as a method to expand emotional communication. There are many challenges pertaining to emotional regulation and communication for autistic individuals. Accessing mental health resources and service providers familiar with communication differences is another challenge for this population. There is a growing need for the autistic community to have neurodivergent affirming care with a means of emotional communication and understanding of differences in processing from the service providers. Art therapy is a means of supporting emotional expression when words do not suffice
La Vida Es Un Carnaval : An Exploration of Cuban Identity and Nostalgia through Dance/Movement Therapy - A Community Engagement Project
Get PDF“La Vida Es Un Carnaval” is a community engagement project and thesis that explores how identity and nostalgic resilience show up through dance/movement therapy with Cuban immigrants living in the United States, specifically Massachusetts. This project brought together six Cuban-born participants, ages 26 to 67, each with their own unique migration stories; from the Rafter Balsero Crisis of 1994, to the “Wet-Foot/Dry-Foot” policy, and family reunification. Through a mix of in-person and online sessions, participants explored their experiences using intermodal activities including dance/movement therapy techniques, conversation, journaling, artwork, and music. Themes of cultural pride, “Cubanía” – Cuban-ness, culture shock, and emotional challenges of migration arose in sessions through storytelling and embodied connection. Participants expressed feeling seen, supported, and more open to mental health support because it was offered in a way that felt familiar through a culturally grounded approach and safe. This thesis and community engagement project is a tribute to nostalgic resilience. It is a reminder that through dance, movement, reminiscing, and shared cultural pride, identity is not only preserved but also embodied. It shows how collective healing happens when people come together, speak in the language of their roots, share stories only they can tell, and move through pain and joy side by side, reclaiming who they are and where they come from
Why Disability Justice Matters in Mental Health Care and How Drama Therapists Can Help Get It Right
Get PDFDisability Justice (DJ) is an important, ever-growing aspect of mental health work that must be further explored and implemented if mental health professionals are committed to harm reduction and health equity. Drama therapy (DT) provides a unique accessibility that traditional psychotherapy does not always afford. The emphasis on encounters, relationality, and creative expression provides more avenues through which people can approach DT. Through analysis of current literature, this thesis explored the present relationship between DT and DJ, the relationship between the broader mental health care system and DJ, and how progress can continue toward competent, dignified care for disabled people. Analysis of the literature found that there is a lack of DJ in mental health counseling, both in training and in practice. To address this, recommendations in the literature are for mental health professionals to seek out disability competency trainings and to consider incorporating drama therapy practices like multi-modal communication and emancipative research frameworks
Multimodal Dance/Movement Therapy for Children with Autism
Get PDFThis literature review examines the potential of creative arts therapies, particularly multimodal approaches, in improving social connection and communication for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The review explores how expressive arts therapy, including dance/movement, music, art, and drama therapy, engages children with ASD in non-verbal and emotionally expressive ways. Emphasizing early intervention, it highlights how these therapies promote emotional regulation, social and motor skills, and self-expression, enabling children to connect with others and navigate their social worlds. Drawing on both research and personal experience, the review illustrates how creative arts therapy can provide flexible, individualized interventions to meet the diverse needs of children with ASD, fostering an environment where self-discovery and social connection can flourish
Investigating Teacher Practice in Designing Educational Digital Games to Improve L2 Chinese Word Recognition Skills
Get PDFThis study explores the design strategies and pedagogical principles that shape digital games for developing second-language (L2) Chinese word recognition skills. Drawing on design documents, reflective journals, and design notes, it analyzes the game development process, the reasoning behind design choices, and their perceived effectiveness and challenges. The analysis is grounded in established game-based learning frameworks and second language acquisition theories. Findings reveal that the practitioner employs five design strategies: learning alignment, cultural contextualization, achievement mechanics, user-centric navigation, and functional aesthetics. These strategies are shaped by pedagogical principles, including scaffolding, multimodal learning, active learning and immediate feedback, as well as by theoretical perspectives such as constructivist learning theory, cognitive load theory, dual coding theory, the input hypothesis, among others. The study discovers design challenges in three areas: conceptualization, pedagogy, and technical implementation. These challenges reveal the complexities of aligning game design with language learning goals. The practitioner’s reflections show that educational games can support contextual learning, boost learner engagement and strengthen skill development for L2 Chinese learners. This study adds to the growing body of research on digital game-based language learning by presenting a practitioner’s perspective. It also sheds light on the iterative process of educational game development and emphasizes the importance of thoughtful pedagogical considerations within the instructional context when integrating games into language instruction. The findings present practical implications for educators seeking to harness game-based learning to enhance L2 vocabulary acquisition, for game designers focused on educational game development, and for teacher development in digital game design