Expressive therapies are creative activities designed to help people find a form of communication beyond words or traditional therapy. Therefore, the scope of expressive therapy is wide, and is tailored to each individual.

Three of the most commonly used and professionally supported approaches include:

Music Therapy

Music therapy uses music to both improve general well-being and to meet the needs of those experiencing stress, pain, communication difficulties, emotional trauma, memory loss, and physical rehabilitation. Click here to learn more about specific uses of music therapy [0] .

Art Therapy

Art Therapy involves the creation of art in order to increase awareness of self and others. This in turn may promote personal development, increase coping skills, and enhance cognitive function. It is based on personality theories, human development, psychology, family systems, and art education. Art therapists are trained in both art and psychological therapy.

Dance Therapy

Dance Therapy asserts that the state of the body has a positive or negative affect on our feelings. It seeks to help the patient uncover and express illness, injury, or emotional and physical trauma through movement, with a goal of integrating, confronting, and accepting these issues.

How can I benefit?

Benefits from expressive therapies vary from person to person and activity to activity. However, expressive therapies are often used to alleviate pain and/or stress, control anxiety, process feelings of fear, grief, or abandonment, or simply feel productive, creative and “alive.”

Are there any cautions?

Finding a qualified instructor or group to practice your expressive therapy is vital; check websites of professional organizations for music, dance and art therapy. Also, check with a qualified health practitioner about your fitness level before beginning any strenuous dance regime.

References

Examples of research from music therapy.

• Imagery in healing: Shamanism and Modern Medicine. New York: Shambhala.
• Darrow, A (Ed.). (2004). Introduction to Approaches in Music Therapy. Silver Spring, MD: AMTA
• Davis, W., Gfeller, K., & Thaut, M. (2001). An Introduction to Music Therapy: Theory And Practice. Dubuque, Iowa: William C. Brown.

Expert contributors: Annie Heidersheit, PhD [0]
Date: April, 2006.

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