The Creative Therapist In Practice

In The Creative Therapist in Practice Hillary and Bradford Keeney present a radically innovative approach to the practice of therapy. Combining improvisational performing arts, action-oriented cybernetics, and ecstatic healing traditions, therapy is re-imagined as a creative transformative art. The book demonstrates the principles of creative therapy through numerous transcriptions of sessions conducted by the authors. It guides practitioners in conducting a three-part therapeutic performance: beginning with therapeutic techniques that broaden the context, igniting a session to creatively "cook," and finally concluding with a creative prescription for change that can be incorporated into the client’s daily living. As well as tracing the historical development of creative therapy, chapters explore what is possible for the future of therapy when practitioners leave behind conventional models and theoretical interpretations. Applying case examples of creative therapy to a wide range of presenting concerns, The Creative Therapist in Practice will be relevant to clinicians working across the field of mental health, including licensed psychotherapists, psychologists, and clinical social workers. Filled with inspiring anecdotes, unique interventions, and fascinating case illustrations, it will benefit anyone looking to become more naturally improvisational and wake up the creative life force in their sessions.

In The Creative Therapist, Bradford Keeney makes the case that "creativity is the most essential aspect of vibrant, meaningful, and successful therapy." No matter what therapeutic orientation one practices, it must be awakened by creativity in order for the session to come alive. This book presents a theoretical framework that provides an understanding of how to go outside habituated ways of therapy in order to bring forth new and innovative possibilities. A basic structure for creative therapy, based on the outline of a three-part theatrical play, is also set forth. With these frameworks, practical guidelines detail how to initiate and implement creative contributions to any therapeutic situation.

"This is accessible, well-written and easy to breeze through, it is an enjoyable read and one that I would recommend as an introduction to the subject of art therapy" - International Arts Therapies Journal www.sagepub.com "Vivid clinical vignettes and remarkable illustrations combine to give a lively sense of art therapy in action. They bring the reader right into the art therapy studio. David Edwards locates the practice of art therapy firmly in its historical and cultural context, explaining its roots in art and links to psychoanalysis, in this always engaging account. The detailed bibliography and resources section offers a foundation for further exploration as well as information about training. An excellent introduction to the topic, this book will be invaluable for beginners, students and experienced practitioners alike" - Professor Joy Schaverien, Jungian Analyst, East Midlands and Visiting Professor in Art Psychotherapy, University of Sheffield "I believe that David Edwards book is an excellent introduction for all of those wishing to increase their knowledge concerning the profession of art therapy. Readers will particularly appreciate David's ability to clearly convey complex material which includes psychotherapeutic concepts, illustrated case histories, and historical to the present day developments within the profession. A readable and accessible overview which will contribute to a greater understanding of the profession of art therapy and the therapeutic use of art undertaken by registered art therapists" - Carole Pembrooke, Chair of the British Association of Art Therapists. Art Therapy provides a concise introduction to theory and practice, brought to life through case material and examples of artwork produced during therapy sessions. Written by practicing art therapist Dave Edwards, the book explains key theoretical ideas - such as symbolism, play, transference and interpretation - and shows how these relate to practice. The book also provides useful information on training and employment as well as guidance on practical issues such as: } assessing clients } establishing and maintaining boundaries, and } ending therapy. An extended case study provides an overview of the whole process from beginning to end, tying together issues discussed in earlier chapters. For anyone training or planning to train as an art therapist, Art Therapy offers an excellent foundation on which to build future knowledge and skills.

Case studies and perspectives from around the globe illustrate examples of effective collaborations between clinical creative arts therapists and arts in health practitioners. Reaching beyond silos, these professionals can collaborate to deliver inspirational practice in a variety of settings. Leading experts explain how they have pioneered arts-based practice, developed successful partnerships and overcome difficulties in fostering relationships to offer better support and increase access to their services by the public. Discussions surrounding policy, funding and international initiatives towards integration offer a timely call to action. By working together, we reach collective goals of positively impacting clients' mental health, wellbeing and quality of life through the arts.

Creative Methods in Schema Therapy captures current trends and developments in Schema Therapy in rich clinical detail, with a vividness that inspires and equips the reader to integrate these new ways of working directly into their practice. It begins with creative adaptations to assessment and formulation, including the integration of body methods to promote engagement and to bring about early emotional change. Other chapters introduce innovative methods to lift a formulation off the page and it goes on to bring to life new developments across all aspects of the ST change repertoire, including limited reparenting, imagery, trauma processing, chair work, the therapy relationship, empathic confrontation and endings. For the specialist, there are chapters on working with forensic modes, eating disorders and couples work. Finally, the book includes chapters on the integration of key principles and techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy and Compassionate Mind work into a core schema model. The book will appeal not only to full-fledged schema therapists, but also to junior therapists and therapists from other modalities who are willing to enhance their ways of working.

Eco-Art Therapy in Practice is uplifting, optimistic, and empowering while outlining cost-effective, time efficient, and research-based steps on how to use nature in session to enhance client engagement and outcomes. Dr. Pike employs her background and credentials as a certified educational leader and board-certified art therapist to walk readers through establishing ecologically-based practices— such as growing art materials using hydroponics regardless of facility constraints. Each chapter is aligned with the continuing education requirements for art therapy board certification renewal to make its relevance clear and to orient the book for future training program integration. Appendices feature clinical directives in easy-to-follow, one-page protocols which encourage readers to consider client needs when applying methods, along with intake forms to bolster real-world application. This text will help clinicians and educators to employ eco-art therapy in practice, in turn empowering their clients and conveying an inclusive message of respect— respect for self, others, community, and the world.

Responding to growing interest in DBT-informed art therapy, this edited guide focuses specifically on how these interventions can treat a variety of client groups. Combining the structure and skill development of DBT with the creativity and non-verbal communication of art therapy can be a significant advantage in treating patients who are resistant to talking therapy. This book includes international contributors who cover work with a wide variety of populations, such as those with suicidal behaviours, eating disorders, and personality disorders. Divided in two parts, Part I focuses purely on DBT-informed art therapy, whilst Part II brings in multi-modal DBT-informed approaches, such as poetry and movement, but all with visual art as a component.

Can I be a creative therapist without overstepping boundaries and risking complaints? Can I practise safely and ethically whilst remaining true to my humanistic values? This book answers ′Yes′ by offering a safety net to trainees and therapists working in the context of today′s ′complaints culture′. Exploring what safe and creative practice means in relation to the key cornerstones in therapy, the authors offer practical guidance to assist the reader in reflecting on and negotiating the challenges of boundaries, legalities and defensive practice. Creative Ethical Practice for Counselling & Psychotherapy considers the necessary structures and processes that must inform creative, humanistic practice for it to be a safe, ethical therapeutic framework. Packed with reflective exercises, summaries, case examples and step-by-step guidance, this book takes the reader from establishing the therapeutic relationship to worst-case scenarios like complaints procedures and legal action. It is essential reading for legal & ethical modules on all counselling courses. Patti Owens, Michael Wilson and Bee Springwood are all humanistic and integrative therapists and members of the UK Association of Humanistic Psychology Practitioners (UKAHPP) as well as the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).