New Developments In Expressive Arts Therapy

This collection reflects on the theory and application of expressive arts today in therapy, education, research and social and ecological change. Bringing the understanding of expressive arts into its contemporary theoretical framework, the book reveals the expansion of the field from its initial focus on therapy alone into a diverse range of other areas of interest to therapists, educators, researchers and those interested in working for social and ecological change. The book also contains a selection of discursive writing, poetry and visual art, highlighting the importance of keeping artistic creativity at the heart of the field. With contributions from pioneering arts therapists, this will be vital reading for arts therapists and students in the field today.

Foundations of Expressive Arts Therapy provides an arts-based approach to the theory and practice of expressive arts therapy. The book explores the various expressive arts therapy modalities both individually and in relationship to each other. The contributors emphasize the importance of the imagination and of aesthetic experience, arguing that these are central to psychological well-being, and challenging accepted views which place primary emphasis on the cognitive and emotional dimensions of mental health and development. Part One explores the theory which informs the practice of expressive arts therapy. Part Two relates this theory to the therapeutic application of the expressive arts (including music, art, movement, drama, poetry and voicework) in different contexts, ranging from play therapy with children to trauma work with Bosnian refugees and second-generation Holocaust survivors. Comprehensive in its coverage of the most fundamental aspects of expressive arts therapy, this book is a significant contribution to the field and a useful reference for all practitioners.

This book lays the foundation for a fresh interpretation of art-making and the therapeutic process by re-examining the concept of poiesis. The authors clarify the methodology and theory of practice with a focus on intermodal therapy, crystallization theory and polyaesthetics, and give guidance on the didactics of acquiring practical skills.

This book presents fresh and practical interdisciplinary arts-based concepts and methods to support and improve therapists' work assisting individuals and groups to develop coping, expressive, and communicative skills, broaden creativity and increase flexibility. It is written in a hands-on style combining theory, detailed protocols, and examples that the author brings together, offering an array of creative ways to work with different clients for a variety of aims. The book expands arts therapy practice to additional dimensions, enriching and improving professionals' work by presenting new knowledge in fields such as "performance-based therapy," "nature therapy," supervision and assessment, and mind-body connections. Berger's creative and pioneering style extends to sharing with readers the thought processes that culminated in developing the methods he presents. This approach inspires and invites practitioners to develop and implement their own creative methods. Ronen Berger, Ph.D., is a senior lecturer, drama therapist, and supervisor. Founder of Nature Therapy and former ecologist and dancer. He is head of the Drama Therapy MA Program at Ono College - The School for Arts and Social and Tel-Hai College, and teaches at Tel-Hai College and abroad. This is his 5th book.

Emerging Perspectives in Art Therapy aims to document newly emerging trends in the field of art therapy and to offer a vision of the future practices. This exciting new volume contains a diverse selection of chapters written to examine the current transitional phase of the profession where new paradigms of thinking and research methods are emerging due to the continued examination of old assumptions and development of new knowledge. Specific attention is paid to emergent knowledge in the areas of neuropsychological applications, philosophical foundations, research, multicultural and international practices, and art as therapy in allied professions.

"Expressive arts therapy-the purposeful application and integration of art, music, dance/movement, dramatic enactment, creative writing and imaginative play-is an action-oriented and sensory-based form of psychotherapy. This timely volume helps mental health clinicians incorporate different expressive modalities into practice with children, adults, and groups. Expert contributors present in-depth descriptions of their respective therapies, including art, music, dance/movement, drama, poetry, play, sandtray, and integrative approaches. In addition to reviewing the theoretical and empirical bases of each modality, chapters detail the process of assessment and intervention with people experiencing specific clinical problems and life challenges. A wealth of concrete examples and case vignettes are featured throughout to bring key concepts to life. Giving particular attention to strategies for integrating expressive work with other forms of psychotherapy and counseling, this is an eminently practical resource for clinicians of any orientation"--

Working through the process of image-making in a therapeutic relationship, the art therapist is able to explore feelings, fantasies, and myths in different setting with diverse client groups. Originally published in 1987 Images of Art Therapy is a collection of essays by experienced art therapists which discuss and develop both theoretical and practical issues central to art therapy. The authors describe how they work through the use of illustrated case material which includes children, adolescents, and adults, in normal schools, psychiatric hospitals, therapeutic communities, and out-patient clinics. Theoretical considerations include bereavement, play, transference, symbolism, and verbal versus non-verbal communication. The first book on art therapy, Art as Therapy, edited by Tessa Dalley, was a useful introduction to the subject. Images of Art Therapy expands the issues raised in the earlier book in more depth, and develops new and innovative ideas which it was hoped, at the time, would influence both the theory and practice of art therapy in the future.

This book provides helpful recommendations and guidelines for expressive arts therapists and educators who work in school settings as therapists, supervisors, supervisees, and graduate school expressive arts interns. It has been organized to provide readers with a practical and conceptual framework for school-based art therapies, as well as a detailed supervision model. For expressive arts interns who wish to work within a school setting, reading this guide, preplacement, can assist in their assessment and selection of a site and/or supervisor. Reviewing the guide during placement will help orient interns to a new system, assist them in developing an effective and successful treatment plan for the students, as well as help anticipate how the year might unfold according to the school calendar. This comprehensive book will also serve as an excellent resource guide for anyone interested in advocating and promoting the value of offering expressive arts therapies in school settings.