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What Is Expressive Therapy?
By Nicole Hollimon Medically Reviewed by Smitha Bhandari, MD on August 03, 2020 |
If you’re living with a condition like depression, anxiety, or recovering from trauma, you may have a hard time talking about how you feel. Expressive therapy through writing, art, music, drama, or dance could be a healing outlet.
How Expressive Therapy WorksThis form of treatment uses creative activities to help you share and process feelings and memories that may be hard to put into words. It’s also called expressive arts therapy, art therapy, creative arts therapy, or experiential therapy.
In an expressive therapy session, a trained therapist guides you through the process of expressing yourself through art. It’s usually a mix of different activities, but sometimes therapists focus on just one.
You don’t have to be “good” at the art form you use during your sessions. The focus of expressive therapy is the process itself, not the results.
Conditions It May TreatExpressive therapy is an option for children and adults with different types of mental health concerns, including:
Art therapy. You use painting, drawing, sculpting, or another art form to process or express heavy thoughts and emotions. One study of women with cancer found art therapy helped them focus on the more positive parts of their lives. It also boosted their confidence.
Dance/Movement therapy. Different types of dance or movement can help ease stress and anxiety. It may also improve your physical health. One study found it helped breast cancer survivors move better.
Expression by Lee collaborates with these expressive therapists. Lee is added to the group because art therapy is as well an expressive therapy. These therapists are available to work virtually, their contact info is provided. Todas las terapeutas de las artes expresivas hablan espanol.
How Expressive Therapy WorksThis form of treatment uses creative activities to help you share and process feelings and memories that may be hard to put into words. It’s also called expressive arts therapy, art therapy, creative arts therapy, or experiential therapy.
In an expressive therapy session, a trained therapist guides you through the process of expressing yourself through art. It’s usually a mix of different activities, but sometimes therapists focus on just one.
You don’t have to be “good” at the art form you use during your sessions. The focus of expressive therapy is the process itself, not the results.
Conditions It May TreatExpressive therapy is an option for children and adults with different types of mental health concerns, including:
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Autism and other developmental conditions
- Eating disorders
- High stress levels
- Traumatic brain injury
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Ongoing medical conditions
Art therapy. You use painting, drawing, sculpting, or another art form to process or express heavy thoughts and emotions. One study of women with cancer found art therapy helped them focus on the more positive parts of their lives. It also boosted their confidence.
Dance/Movement therapy. Different types of dance or movement can help ease stress and anxiety. It may also improve your physical health. One study found it helped breast cancer survivors move better.
Expression by Lee collaborates with these expressive therapists. Lee is added to the group because art therapy is as well an expressive therapy. These therapists are available to work virtually, their contact info is provided. Todas las terapeutas de las artes expresivas hablan espanol.
Art
Lee Cohen,
PhD(c), MPS, ATR, RCAT, REACE, CCTSI
With over 25 years of experience in the arts as an artist, producer, actress, dancer, and an advocate for the arts. Lee facilitates workshops on the integration of spirituality and art therapy and the prophetic arts locally and internationally. The population...
Lee Cohen,
PhD(c), MPS, ATR, RCAT, REACE, CCTSI
With over 25 years of experience in the arts as an artist, producer, actress, dancer, and an advocate for the arts. Lee facilitates workshops on the integration of spirituality and art therapy and the prophetic arts locally and internationally. The population...
Dance/Movement
Lynda Perez-Venero Naimoli,
PhD, BFA, MS, BC-DMT, RYT-200, CPD#5068
For over 25 years, Lynda witnessed how bringing people together using the creative arts in a safe space engenders self-discovery, creates individual growth and fosters empathetic connection to others.
Music
Christina Zayas,
MT-BC, CCTSI
She is passionate about enhancing the quality of life of individuals through the power of music. Christina has worked with various populations including hospice care, children with developmental delays and bereaved individuals.
Talk to your doctor or therapist if you would like to try expressive arts therapy. They can help you decide what might work for you.
The information on the Expressive therapies were acquired by WebMD. You may read the article in its fullness by clicking on the link below and gather more information:
Hollimon, N. (n.d.). What is expressive therapy? WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/expressive-therapy
The information on the Expressive therapies were acquired by WebMD. You may read the article in its fullness by clicking on the link below and gather more information:
Hollimon, N. (n.d.). What is expressive therapy? WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/expressive-therapy