Expressive Arts Therapy

How can expressive arts therapy nourish you?

For centuries, self-expression has been an enjoyable, effective avenue for heightened awareness and empowerment. expressive arts therapy, also known as creative arts therapy^[1] or performing arts therapy, recognises that creative connection can bring about realisations and cathartic release. 

Expressive arts therapy began in 1970 at the Lesley College Graduate School in Cambridge, Massachusetts^[2] and expressive therapies^[3] developed in Australia in 1987. They combine counselling and multiple modalities including Bioenergetics,^[4] body focus, dance,^[5] drama,^[6] dreamwork,^[7] emotional integration,^[8] emotional literacy activities,^[9] expressive writing,^[10] mandala artwork,^[11] movement,^[12] music,^[13] sandplay therapy^[14] and symbol work.^[15]

This modality may enhance emotional, cognitive, and physical integration.^[16] Many therapists apply expressive arts therapy in conjunction with psychotherapeutic models such as psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive, developmental, systems, narrative and solution-focused processes.^[17]

Expressive arts therapy aligns with the Greek concept of poiesis,^[18] the journey from everyday reality to the creative world of imagination for expression, understanding and evolution. It triggers transformation of thoughts, emotions, and experiences into tangible forms, sounds and movements. This reinforces new neural connections while clearing old, outmoded patterns. 

Expressive arts therapists are not regulated through registration, however many countries have professional associations to ensure high standards are upheld. These include the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA)^[19] and the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA).^[20] This connects all creative art modalities. Registration by the IEATA^[21] requires a minimum of a Master’s degree in Expressive Arts Therapy, psychology, fine arts, education, or a related field, supervised clinical work and advanced training at an approved institute. In Australia and New Zealand^[22] only graduates from approved courses with a minimum of 750 hours of clinical placement can be accredited.