Several impediments are slowing growth in this promising field of research. Artists are unfamiliar with the principles and practices of expressive arts therapy, art therapists are not well versed in the rapidly growing array of computer tools at their disposal, and computer programmers need guidance in adapting available tools in new ways that are appropriate for clients with serious impairment. For artists and programmers to understand the power of expressive arts therapy it is first essential to clarify its goals and the clinical principles on which successful treatment depends.
Expressive arts therapy is a multimodal therapeutic practice emphasizing the empathic connection created between client and therapist through the shared process of creative expression. Overwhelming experiences are externalized into a painting, a poem, a dramatic role, or a song, so they can be safely analyzed, integrated into the client’s self-concept, and new responses to situations can be tested (Rubin 222). Expressive arts therapy is approached from a variety of therapeutic orientations, but essential to the discipline is emphasizing the expressive content of creative material over artistic achievement or technical mastery (Levine & Levine 115). Influential art therapist Judith Rubin …show more content…
The physical practice of making visual art may serve as a form of physiotherapy, exercising fine motor skills (Anderson 101). Specific art exercises have also been associated with cognitive gains (Malchiodi, Handbook of Art Therapy 104). Dance and drama therapies may encourage profound changes in somatic awareness and in language and memory skills (Grainger 50). But even as a client is developing their individual abilities, their social aptitude may be growing as
Expressive arts therapy is a multimodal therapeutic practice emphasizing the empathic connection created between client and therapist through the shared process of creative expression. Overwhelming experiences are externalized into a painting, a poem, a dramatic role, or a song, so they can be safely analyzed, integrated into the client’s self-concept, and new responses to situations can be tested (Rubin 222). Expressive arts therapy is approached from a variety of therapeutic orientations, but essential to the discipline is emphasizing the expressive content of creative material over artistic achievement or technical mastery (Levine & Levine 115). Influential art therapist Judith Rubin …show more content…
The physical practice of making visual art may serve as a form of physiotherapy, exercising fine motor skills (Anderson 101). Specific art exercises have also been associated with cognitive gains (Malchiodi, Handbook of Art Therapy 104). Dance and drama therapies may encourage profound changes in somatic awareness and in language and memory skills (Grainger 50). But even as a client is developing their individual abilities, their social aptitude may be growing as