Monarch Therapeutic Services, LLC
INNER CANVAS
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Creative and Expressive Therapies
Art therapy is the purposeful use of visual arts materials and media in intervention, counseling, psychotherapy, and rehabilitation; it is used with individuals of all ages, families, and groups. Music therapy is the prescribed use of music to effect positive changes in the psychological, physical, cognitive, or social functioning of individuals. Drama therapy is the systematic and intentional use of drama/theater processes, to achieve the therapeutic goals. It is an active approach that helps the client tell his or her story to solve a problem, achieve catharsis, extend the depth and breadth of his or her inner experience, understand the meaning of images, and strengthen his or her ability to observe personal roles while increasing flexibility between roles. Dance/movement therapy is based on the assumption that body and mind are interrelated and is defined as the psychotherapeutic use of movement as a process that furthers the emotional, cognitive, and physical integration of the individual. Dance/movement therapy effects changes in feelings, cognition, physical functioning, and behavior. Poetry therapy and bibliotherapy are terms used synonymously to describe the intentional use of poetry and other forms of literature for healing and personal growth. Play therapy uses the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development. Sandplay therapy is a creative form of psychotherapy that uses a sandbox and a large collection of miniatures to enable a client to explore the deeper layers of his or her psyche. By constructing a series of “sand scenes,” a client is helped to illustrate and integrate his or her psychological condition. |
Therapeutic Creative Arts and Expressive Arts are the use of art, music, drama, dance/movement, poetry/creative writing, bibliotherapy, play, and sandplay within the context of psychotherapy counseling. Additionally, expressive therapies are sometimes referred to as “integrative” when combinations of various arts are purposefully used in treatment. Approaches to creative arts and expressive arts therapies are described in the column on the left. Creative and expressive therapies are used to foster awareness, encourage emotional growth, and enhance relationships with others. Therapeutically encouraging individuals to express themselves through therapeutic play, painting, music, or dance involves an understanding of the media beyond the scope of recreational play. Many therapists integrate creative arts, expressive arts, and therapeutic play activities that enhance relaxation as part of trauma intervention. Other relaxation techniques integrated into the creative, expressive, and play therapies may include guided imagery, visualization, meditation, yoga, and other methods of stress reduction. Current Inner Canvas Program Offerings: ~ Manga and Anime group for adolescent girls
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