Expressive Arts Therapy

1170 Words3 Pages

Expressive arts therapy is the use of art modalities, creative process, and aesthetic experience in a therapeutic context. It is a therapy of the imagination (McNiff, 1992). Effective communication is an essential element in therapeutic relationships and, although verbal language is the most conventional means of conveying information, other forms can convey just as much as words. The arts are an alternative form of communication that has recently received recognition for their value in therapeutic settings. There is a long well-established connection between the arts and psychology. Expressive arts therapy builds on a natural, complimentary relationship between the two disciplines. As a formal therapy, this form is relatively new with its own influences, history, processes, techniques, and considerations. In The Third Chimpanzee (2006) Jarred Diamond argues art as communication is a biological imperative, necessary for survival, with precedents in the animal kingdom. As human life evolves and higher mental functions develop, art takes on more complex meanings. Over 40,000 years ago cave dwellers of Lascaux created paintings, statues, and musical instruments. These are the first indications of the importance of symbolic expression in rituals and reflect the belief that art is magic, can effect change, or be transformative. The use of therapies as preventative or reparative treatment has been around since ancient times. Medicine, anthropology, and the arts contain many references to using expressive modalities for healing purposes. The Egyptians are believed to have encouraged artistic activity in the mentally ill, the Greeks used drama and music in therapeutic ways, and European Renaissance physicians recognized the affects of ... ... middle of paper ... ... May 30, 2011, from National Coalition of Creative Art Therapies Association: http://www.nccata.org/fact_sheet.htm Pierson, M., & Wilson, H. (2009). Exploring Art as Therapy. In Using Expressive Arts to Work with Mind, Body, and Emotions: Theory and Practice (pp. 202-222). Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsly Publishers. Pierson, M., & Wilson, H. (2009). Expressive Writing as Emotional First Aid. In Using Expressive Arts to Work with Mind, Body, and Emotions: Theory and Practice (pp. 155-201). Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsly Publishers. Rogers, N. (2004). The Creative Connection: A Holistic Expressive Arts Process. In S. K. Levine, E. G. Levine, & 4th (Ed.), Foundations of Expressive Arts Therapy: Theoretical and Clinical Perspectives (pp. 113-132). Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsly Publishers. Wisechild, L. (1991). She Who is Lost is Remembered. Seattle: The Seal Press.

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