Creative Therapies
Creative arts therapies are based on the premise that when someone works creatively under the guidance of a qualified therapist, they become more expressive and communicative. This raises their awareness of issues and brings impetus for change. The creative work can involve music, art, dance, movement, and other creative activities. Some of these are described in more detail below.
What is music therapy?
According to the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA):
"Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program" (2008).
A music therapist utilizes music to address the emotional/psychological, cognitive, physical, and social needs of the client.
Music therapy begins with a thorough assessment to identify the client's strengths and areas of need. After the assessment, the music therapist manages the role of music in the therapeutic process, the relationship between the client and the therapist, and the approaches and interventions tailored to meet the needs of the client.
What is art therapy?
The American Art Therapy Association, Inc. states:
"Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of individuals of all ages" (2008).
The premise is that the creative process allows for artistic self-expression which helps individuals solve conflicts, manage behavior, improve self-esteem, develop self-awareness and insight, manage stress, and develop interpersonal skills. The art therapy process integrates theories of human development, the use of visual arts, and the process of creating.
Art therapy is used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, wellness centers, clinics, community agencies, education institutions, and private practices. Art therapists assess and treat children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, as individuals, groups, or families. The creative process incorporates drawing, painting, sculpting, and various other media to meet the needs and preferences of the individual or group.
What is dance/movement therapy?
The American Dance Therapy Association defines dance/movement therapy as:
"The psychotherapeutic use of movement to further the emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration of the individual" (2008).
The focus of the therapeutic process is the movement that emerges within the therapeutic relationship. This movement simultaneously serves as the material for assessment and as the means of developing therapeutic interventions.
Dance/movement therapists use communicative, expressive, and adaptive behaviors and interactions in treating both groups and individuals. The registered dance therapist adapts the approach to meet the individualized and specialized needs of any group or individual. Dance/movement therapy is offered in a variety of mental health centers; educational, forensic, and medical settings; nursing homes; day care centers; and private practice.
What is drama therapy?
The North American Drama Therapy Association states:
"Drama therapy is the intentional use of drama and/or theater processes to achieve therapeutic goals" (2010).
Drama therapists may incorporate improvision, theater games, enactment, and storytelling, depending on the client's needs, interests, and abilities. Drama therapy is practiced in schools, hospitals, private practice facilities, nursing homes, and shelters, among others. According to the NADT, "Drama therapy is active and experiential. This approach can provide the context for participants to tell their stories, set goals and solve problems, express feelings, or achieve catharsis."
How do creative arts therapies benefit health and wellbeing?
Creative arts therapies share a commitment to the "expressive action that engages emotions in a direct and physical way; an ability to generate creative energy as a healing force for mind, body, and spirit; and a belief that the creative imagination can find its way through out most perplexing and complex problems and conflicts" (McNiff, 2005).
Each therapy is influenced by its unique medium or art form, giving it the flexibility to meet the complex needs of each client. While commonalities exist among the various therapies, there are also a myriad of differences.
Music and music therapy
These therapies impact and benefit health and wellbeing in a variety of ways. Music therapists use music to provide distraction from anxiety and pain by directing the listener to relaxing or comforting music. Clients can also engage in active music-making sessions, such as drumming, singing, or group keyboard lessons. Research shows that this has positive effects on overall wellbeing by decreasing anxiety, depression, and loneliness. It has also been shown to improve the gait of adults with movement disorders (Thaut, M. & Abiru, M. (2010). Rhythmic auditory stimulation in rehabilitation of movement disorders: A review of current research. Music Perception, 27(4), 263-269.)
Art therapy
The creative process in art therapy often contributes to a sense of clarity for the individual, leading to greater self awareness and understanding. Therapeutic art often brings emotional expression, improvement of self-esteem, and management of conflict. Art therapy is particularly useful in addressing trauma, because of the unique capacity of art to express repressed traumatic imagery. The art therapist is trained to use appropriate materials and directives based on the needs of the clients and is a facilitator of the client's journey towards self-awareness and discovery.
Dance and movement therapy
These therapies function on the premise that the mind and body are interrelated and interact in health and illness. Thus, dance helps, whether the primary focus is an illness of the mind (which will impact the body) or of the body (which will impact the mind). The dance and movement therapist strives to mobilize the resources from within where the mind and body connect. The healing occurs as the client is able to access and draw forth these internal resources.
Is there good evidence?
- Music therapy: There is a wide array of research-based evidence to support the use of music therapy. Much of this research is published in the Journal of Music Therapy, which is available through the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). AMTA also publishes Music Therapy Perspective, which includes articles on more clinical applications of music therapy in a variety of settings and clinical arenas. Music therapy research also appears in a variety of healthcare-related journals. If you are looking for research on a specific need or client population, visit the AMTA website at www.musictherapy.org.
- Art therapy: The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) publishes the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, which is the leading publication for this field. This journal presents articles with diverse perspectives on art therapy, as well as topics related to professional practice and research. Visit the AATA website at www.arttherapy.org to see a listing of the articles included in the latest publication.
- Dance therapy: The American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) includes a number of research resources and bibliographies on their website. The association includes extensive bibliographies on the use of dance and movement therapy with a wide variety of clinical environments and client populations. Many of these articles are published in the American Journal of Dance Therapy, which include quantitative and qualitative research. ADTA lists several articles focused on the use of dance therapy in the treatment of clients with eating disorders and in the field of corrections.
Additionally, research surrounding the creative arts can be found in journals such as The Arts in Psychotherapy or Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, as well as a variety of related professional journals. To find specific research for a particular need or creative arts modality, visit the appropriate website. It can also be helpful to speak with a therapist certified in that particular modality to direct you to the appropriate research.
How do I find a music, art, or dance therapist?
The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) strives to connect individuals seeking music therapy services in their area (throughout the United States) to a qualified music therapist. Individuals and organizations can contact AMTA at (301) 589-3300 to speak with a representative who can connect you with a music therapist in your area.
To locate a registered art therapist (ATR) in your area, contact the American Art Therapy Association at (888) 290-0878 or info@arttherapy.org.
For additional information on how to locate a dance/movement therapist (ADTR), contact the American Dance Therapy Association at (410) 997-4040 or info@adta.org.
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.
For more information
For additional information about music therapy, visit the Center for Spirituality & Healing's online learning resources, then click Music Therapy.
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