Please provide your email and phone number:
What is Expressive Therapy?
Expressive Therapy is the therapeutic use of expressive and creative modalities (art, music, poetry, drama, storytelling, movement/dance, etc.), to address various mental health issues and to promote personal growth and wellness. Expressive Therapies are sometimes also referred to as Creative Arts Therapies and include both Art Therapy and Music Therapy, as well as several others. Expressive Therapists are healthcare professionals who have formal training in psychotherapy, human development, and clinical practice as well as the arts.
"The [Expressive] Therapies include art therapy, dance/movement therapy, drama therapy, music therapy, poetry therapy, and psychodrama. These therapies use arts modalities and creative processes during intentional intervention in therapeutic, rehabilitative, community, or educational settings to foster health, communication, and expression; promote the integration of physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning; enhance self-awareness; and facilitate change."
-NCCATA.org: National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies Organizations
What is Art therapy?
Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma, or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others; cope with symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art.
"Art therapists are professionals trained in both art and therapy. They are knowledgeable about human development, psychological theories, clinical practice, spiritual, multicultural and artistic traditions, and the healing potential of art. They use art in treatment, assessment and research, and provide consultations to allied professionals. Art therapists work with people of all ages: individuals, couples, families, groups and communities. They provide services, individually and as part of clinical teams, in settings that include mental health, rehabilitation, medical and forensic institutions; community outreach programs; wellness centers; schools; nursing homes; corporate structures; open studios and independent practices."
-arttherapy.org: American Art Therapy Association
What is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is the therapeutic use of music to effect positive change in an individual's life. Music Therapy utilizes the creative processes inherent in music making and in listening to music, in addition to the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and client, to facilitate this change. Music Therapy can enhance overall growth and wellness as well as address specific needs related to physical, emotional, sensory, cognitive, and social functioning.
"Music Therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well, and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses. Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in a wide variety of healthcare and educational settings."