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Expressive Arts Therapy and Social Change: A Guide to Arts Therapies for Practitioners and Activists

Levi Powell

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Published in Art In Action: Expressive Arts Therapy And Social Change (Arts Therapies)

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Expressive arts therapy is a form of therapy that uses the creative arts to help people express themselves and explore their emotions. It can be used to address a wide range of issues, including trauma, grief, loss, and mental illness. Expressive arts therapy can also be used to promote social change by raising awareness of important issues and empowering people to take action.

This book is a comprehensive guide to the use of expressive arts therapies for social change. It provides a theoretical overview of the field, as well as practical guidance on how to use arts therapies in a variety of settings. The book is written by a team of experienced arts therapists and activists, and it is illustrated with numerous case studies and examples.

The theoretical overview of expressive arts therapy and social change begins with a discussion of the history of the field. The authors trace the roots of expressive arts therapy back to the early 20th century, when artists and therapists began to use the arts to help people heal from the trauma of war and other social upheavals.

Art in Action: Expressive Arts Therapy and Social Change (Arts Therapies)

by Ellen G. Levine

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2863 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	244 pages

The authors then discuss the different theoretical perspectives that inform expressive arts therapy. These perspectives include:

Psychoanalytic theory: This perspective views expressive arts therapy as a way to access the unconscious mind and explore repressed emotions.
Humanistic theory: This perspective emphasizes the importance of self-expression and creativity in personal growth and development.
Social constructivist theory: This perspective views expressive arts therapy as a way to challenge social norms and promote social change.

The authors conclude the theoretical overview by discussing the ethical implications of using expressive arts therapy for social change. They emphasize the importance of respecting the rights of participants and ensuring that the therapy is used in a safe and ethical manner.

The practical guidance section of the book provides step-by-step instructions on how to use expressive arts therapies for social change. The authors cover a wide range of topics, including:

How to choose the right arts therapy modality for your goals
How to create a safe and supportive environment for participants
How to facilitate expressive arts therapy sessions
How to evaluate the effectiveness of expressive arts therapy interventions

The authors also provide numerous case studies and examples to illustrate how expressive arts therapies can be used to address a variety of social issues. These case studies include:

Using drama therapy to raise awareness of the issue of human trafficking
Using music therapy to help refugees heal from the trauma of war
Using art therapy to empower people with disabilities
Using dance therapy to promote body positivity
Using play therapy to help children cope with the effects of poverty
Using bibliotherapy to help people process their grief
Using poetry therapy to give voice to the voiceless

The case studies in this book provide a valuable glimpse into the real-world applications of expressive arts therapy for social change. The authors present a diverse range of case studies, from large-scale community-based programs to small-scale individual interventions.

The case studies are organized into the following sections:

Arts therapies for trauma healing
Arts therapies for social justice
Arts therapies for community development
Arts therapies for education
Arts therapies for health and well-being

Each case study includes a detailed description of the program, its goals, and its outcomes. The authors also provide a discussion of the challenges and lessons learned from each program.

Expressive arts therapy is a powerful tool for social change. It can be used to raise awareness of important issues, empower people to take action, and create a more just and equitable world. This book provides a comprehensive guide to the use of expressive arts therapies for social change. It is a valuable resource for practitioners, activists, and anyone who is interested in using the arts to make a difference in the world.

Art in Action: Expressive Arts Therapy and Social Change (Arts Therapies)

by Ellen G. Levine

4 out of 5