expressive therapy

Massachusetts Music Therapy Alliance and Honk Festival

2011-09-30T11:28:00.002-04:00

There are two great Music Therapy events this weekend. The Massachusetts Music Therapy Alliance is meeting Sat, Oct. 1 at 10:00 am. Registration begins at 9:30.

Topic: Therapeutic Attunement and Improvisation
Presenter: Mitchell Kossak PhD, LMHC, RPP

Mitchell Kossak will do a presentation on Therapeutic Attunement as it relates to Improvisation. He will share ideas about experimentation, risk-taking, discovery and meaning-making in the process of creating community through improvisation.

HONK! Festival (http://honkfest.org/) is a revolutionary street spectacle of never-before-seen proportions that will converge for the sixth time in Davis Square, Somerville, MA, from Friday, September 30 (sundown) through Monday, October 3, 2011!

These are socially conscious marching bands. These bands play music that is by, for, and of “the people.” The distinction between performer and audience, just like the distinctions between different musical genres, is just one more arbitrary social boundary they aspire to overcome.

Expressive Therapy, Trauma and Neuroscience

2011-06-29T09:08:00.000-04:00

Trauma and Neuroscience Conference 2011
featuring Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.
July 7-8, 2011 ~ Marran Theater, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA

Thursday, July 7 at 7:00pm
“The Interpersonal Neurobiology of Trauma Resolution” Sonnabend Lecture featuring Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.
**Free and open to the public; please RSVP to echambe5@lesley.edu
Dr. Daniel Siegel is a graduate of the Harvard Medical School, Executive Director of the Mindsight Institute, and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine, where he is Co-Director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center. He is an award-winning educator and internationally recognized expert on mindfulness and therapy. His clinical activities include work as a child, adolescent, adult and family psychiatrist. He is the author of the internationally acclaimed, bestselling The Mindful Brain: Reflection and Attunement in the Cultivation of Well-Being and the co-editor of The Healing Power of Emotion and Healing Trauma: Attachment, Mind, Body and Brain. His website is www.DrDanSiegel.com.

Friday, July 8 from 9:00am-4:00pm
“Trauma & Neuroscience: Applications & Practice”
Conference featuring Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.
**6 LMHC CEUs available
Cost: $125 (Lesley students/alumni/adjunct faculty: $95)
The recognition that traumatic events affect much of the world’s population requires clinicians to seek innovative approaches in their work with individuals, groups, schools and communities. This conference will bring together a distinguished group of practitioners in the areas of psychology, mindfulness, the arts, and neuroscience in a conversation with Dr. Daniel Siegel. Workshops will focus on interdisciplinary approaches to trauma in the areas of therapy, human rights and education. These workshops include:
· Meditation and Healing, with Dr. Susan Pollack and Dr. Nancy Waring
· Using Play as an Exposure Therapy for Traumatized Children, with Dr. David Read Johnson and Dr. Mitchell Kossak
· Community Interventions in Haiti, with
Dr. Vanessa Prosper and Dr. Susan Gere
· Viewing Trauma & Resilience Through Cultural
and Social Lenses: An Example from Cambodia, with Dr. Sylvia Cowan and Myra Saad
· Neuropsychological Interventions with Children and Adolescents, with Dr. Sydney Trantham
· Body-based Whole Person Approaches to Working with Trauma, with Dr. Vivien Marcow Speiser and Dr. Ilene Serlin

To Register
Please contact Beth Chambers at echambe5@lesley.edu or 617.349.8833.
For more information, please visit www.lesley.edu/ce/ls/traumaconference2011.html

Lesley University's Expressive Therapy continuing education - Summer 2011

2011-05-25T23:07:00.001-04:00

Summer 2011 Offerings
Office of Continuing Professional Studies

The Office of Continuing Professional Studies in the Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences is designed to meet the needs of working professionals who are looking to deepen professional skills and training as well as explore new areas for personal and professional development. Lesley University is recognized by the National Board for Certified Counselors to offer continuing education for National Certified Counselors (Provider #4472). These credits are accepted by the Massachusetts Board of Registration for Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC’s).

To register, please contact Beth at 617.349.8833 or echambe5@lesley.edu, or visit www.lesley.edu/ce/ls for more information.

WORKSHOPS:

Arts and Healing Military Trauma
**3 LMHC CEUS available
Naj WIkoff
DATE: Saturday, June 4 from 9:30-12:30am
LOCATION: Lesley University
COST: $45 (Lesley alumni/faculty: $40)
DESCRIPTION: PTSD, Military Sexual Trauma, rage, disfigurement, impotency, divorce and suicide are but a few of the potential outcomes of military service that challenge a person’s return to civilian life or continuing a life of service in the military. This presentation will discuss how the arts are increasingly being used to help address these outcomes in military hospitals and community settings.

Belonging and Fear of Belonging in Group Work: An Attachment Theory Perspective
**12 LMHC CEUs available
Pnina Rappaport, Ph.D., & Dan Raviv, Ph.D.
DATE: Saturday & Sunday, June 11-12 from 9:30am-4:30pm
LOCATION: Lesley University
COST: $195 (Lesley students/alumni/adjunct faculty: $165)
DESCRIPTION: This workshop will focus on the eternal human conflict of longing to belong versus the fear of belonging in life and it's expression in group work. Elements and causes of the conflict will be explored both through didactic and expressive experiential approaches, utilizing attachment theory principles. An attempt will be made to increase participants' clinical tools, and consequently, the ability to make more appropriate interventions in their groups. Being able to better understand the various attachment categories, will assist participants to recognize and understand the basic conflicts that occur in their clients who are struggling to form satisfying and secure relationships with others.

COURSE:

The Arts in Health: Cultural Context and Meaning
Graduate Course GCREA 6028 (3 credits)
Phillip Speiser, Ph.D., RDT, LMHC
DATE: June 3-5 and 25-26, 2011 (Fri/Sat/Sun and Sat/Sun), from 9:00am-5:00pm
COST: non-credit: $520*; 3 graduate credits: $1560* (*plus $30 registration fee)
DESCRIPTION: This courses looks at how health and illness are defined in many cultures, considering the central role of community, family, spiritual values, rituals and the arts in healing across cultures. On the first day of this course, participants will attend the Arts in Healthcare Conference at Lesley University (see description below).

CONFERENCES:

Arts in Healthcare Conference Series 2011: Violence Prevention in Schools and Communities
Co-sponsored by Lesley University and the Whittier Street Health Center
**15 LMHC CEUs available
DATE: June 2-4, 2011
LOCATION: Marran Theater, Doble Campus, Lesley University
COST: Please see our website www.lesley.edu/ce/ls/artsinhealthcare2011.html for costs, schedules and registration information.
DESCRIPTION: Lesley University and Whittier Street Health Center will host the second regional conference on Arts in Healthcare to increase awareness of the use of the arts in violence prevention in schools and communities. This conference will highlight best practices and research on creativity within arts and healthcare that effect positive outcomes and help to support mental, emotional and physical health. The conference will highlight programs, professionals and policy makers who work in government and at hospitals, community health centers, community programs, nursing homes, schools and other health settings. The presentations will underscore how the arts are also used to educate wider communities about the risk, prevention, and care for violence as a health epidemic. The Arts in Healthcare conference series is intended for a wide range of professionals interested in the arts and healthcare and the relationship between the two.

North American Playback Theatre Festival
**15 LMHC CEUs available
DATE: June 16-19, 2011
LOCATION: Doble Campus, Lesley University
COST: Please see our website www.lesley.edu/ce/ls/playbackfestival2011.html for costs, schedules and registration information.
DESCRIPTION: Come to the first-ever Festival of Playback Theatre in North America! Playback Theatre is a form of improvisational theatre that starts with listening deeply to people's stories and then transforming them spontaneously into theater. It is especially powerful in honoring the voices of people from marginalized communities and in helping to build understanding across differences. Join with members of many of the 70+ Playback Theatre companies from across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico gathering to perform, learn and celebrate. The Festival welcomes seasoned practitioners, those relatively new to the form, as well as anyone interested in the use of arts for social change and healing, whether familiar with Playback or not. Each evening will feature performances by two different Playback companies. Enjoy a unique opportunity to experience six outstanding companies and to taste of the exciting range of styles within Playback.

TRAUMA CONFERENCE SERIES 2011:
Sonnabend Lecture featuring Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.
DATE: Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 7:00 pm
LOCATION: Lesley University
COST: Free and open to the public; please RSVP to echambe5@lesley.edu
DESCRIPTION: Dr. Siegel is an award-winning educator and internationally recognized expert on mindfulness and therapy. His clinical activities include work as a child, adolescent, adult and family psychiatrist. He is currently an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and serves as the Director of interdisciplinary studies for the international nonprofit Children's Mental Health Alliance in New York. He is author of numerous books, including Mindsight, Parenting From the Inside Out, The Mindful Brain and most recently The Mindful Therapist.

TRAUMA CONFERENCE SERIES 2011:
Trauma & Neuroscience: Applications & Practice
featuring Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.
**6 LMHC CEUs available
DATE: Friday, July 8, 2011 from 9:00am-4:00pm
LOCATION: Lesley University
COST: $125 (Lesley students/alumni/adjunct faculty: $95)
DESCRIPTION: The recognition that traumatic events affect much of the world’s population requires clinicians to seek innovative approaches in their work with individuals, groups, schools and communities. This conference will bring together a distinguished group of practitioners in the areas of psychology, mindfulness, the arts, and neuroscience in a conversation with Dr. Daniel Siegel. Workshops will focus on interdisciplinary approaches to trauma in the areas of therapy, human rights and education.

Liberating Creativity: Courage to Lead
featuring Shaun McNiff and Paolo Knill
**6 LMHC CEUs available
DATE: Friday, August 26, 2011
LOCATION: Washburn Hall, Brattle Campus, Lesley University
COST: $125 (Lesley students/alumni/adjunct faculty: $95)
DESCRIPTION: Come join the founders of the field of expressive therapy and reengage your creative potential. This conference is designed for professionals who want to more fully realize their personal creative potential and learn how to lead others in more imaginative ways. The program is based on the belief that direct personal experience with the creative process enables leaders to more effectively foster the creative expression of individuals, communities and society. We will create a supportive environment to explore how the creative process carries us to new realms of expression and understanding. The session will engage varied artistic media and establish a community of creative expression where participants can practice letting go of inhibitions, cultivating responsiveness to the creative force, and learning how to witness and support the expression of others. Learn how to trust the process and accept the threats and fears of expression as vital partners in remaking and revitalizing ourselves and our communities.

CERTIFICATION PROGRAM IN LABAN/BARTENIEFF MOVEMENT AND SOMATIC STUDIES
Lesley University’s Continuing Education Program and the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies (LIMS®) are pleased to announce an exciting and rigorous program which awards the Certified Movement Analyst (CMA) credential upon completion. This certification program consists of 4 modules, each consisting of a 15-day, 120-hour intensive residency at Lesley University:

Module I: Immersion ~ June 13-27, 2011 for $2,000 (special introductory discount!)
--This module requirement can be waived by taking Lesley University’s Body/Movement Observation and Assessment I & II (or the equivalent, as reviewed by Lesley and LIMS®*), and passing the Module I Exam.
--In Module I, you will become acquainted with the fundamental categories of the Laban system, explore your movement possibilities according to your own body uniqueness and begin perceiving the power of Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) as applied to your field of interest. Classes include theory and movement experientials and are accessible to students from all disciplines.

Module II: Concentration ~ August 8-22, 2011 for $3,960
--In Module II, you will be immersed in LMA theory, Bartenieff fundamentals, movement observation and the history and application of LMA.

Module III: Depth ~ January 9-23, 2012 for $3,960
--In Module III, you will gain greater understanding of your own personal movement choices and further develop your skills in observing the functional and expressive movement of others. You will gain greater facility with the verbal and Motif vocabularies used in LMA in preparation for your final project proposal.

Module IV: Review and Project ~ June 11-25, 2012 for $3,960
--In Module IV, you will review the Laban work, and complete and present your final project.

For more information about this program, including prerequisite and application information, please visit our website at http://lesley.edu/ce/ls/laban.html or
contact Beth Chambers at 617.349.8833 or echambe5@lesley.edu <mailto:echambe5@lesley.edu> .

LIMS® is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a national accrediting body. *There is a review fee of $200 for this process; please see application for more information.

What is Creative Arts Therapy?

2011-03-24T15:34:00.008-04:00

We had a great time spreading the word about Expressive Therapies and Creative Arts Therapy week in Porter Square. The Expressive Therapy and Social Action class went out into the streets to ask people "what does community mean to you?" and to raise awareness of Expressive Therapy and Creative Arts Therapy.

Thank you Russ Ouellett for providing the video

For more information:
INTERNATIONAL EXPRESSIVE ARTS THERAPY ASSOCIATION: http://www.ieata.org
AMERICAN ART THERAPY ASSOCIATION: http://www.arttherapy.org
AMERICAN DANCE THERAPY ASSOCIATION: http://www.adta.org
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR DRAMA THERAPY: http://www.nadt.org
AMERICAN MUSIC THERAPY ASSOCIATION: http://www.musictherapy.org
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR POETRY THERAPY: http://poetrytherapy.org
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPY & PSYCHODRAMA: http://www.asgpp.org

Creative Arts Therapy Week - March 20-26, 2011

2011-03-20T17:44:00.005-04:00

It's National Creative Arts Therapy Week!

The Expressive Therapy and Social Action class at Lesley University is going to be "Taking it to the streets" with a small social action project where we go into Porter Square and tell people about Creative Arts Therapy - and where we hear from them about their experience of community. Look for a post next week about our project!

One way to get more jobs and recognition for the amazing work that we do is to spread the word about the work...

Don't wait for someone else to do it - Let it BE YOU!

From the website of the National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies:

This is the 32nd anniversary of the National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies. In honor of the coalition building many creative arts therapy leaders have done over the years, we would like to invite you to celebrate within your community the extraordinary work of the creative arts therapists all over the world.

- Host an open house with other CAT colleagues to display and demonstrate your modality or provide a workshop or seminar open to the public.
- Offer to run a career day with colleagues at a local high school or college.
- Provide a staff development in-service to broaden the knowledge of other professionals in your own institution or agency.
- Visit other schools, nursing homes, day-care centers to provide a creative arts therapy experience.
- Arrange a display at your local library (and in your own institution or agency!)
- Put up posters and leave flyers wherever you go. (Flyers will be available from NCCATA).

Suggestions for Media Coverage:

- Send out press release to your local paper announcing Creative Arts Therapies Week activities in your community.
- Send a letter or e-mail to the Public Service Director of your local radio and TV stations for a PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT. (Be sure to include your contact information.)
- Arrange for you or a colleague to be INTERVIEWED by a local paper or station, highlighting your work.

look for forms you can download on the 2009 site:
http://www.nccata.org/CATs_week_2009.htm
http://www.nccata.org/CATs_week.htm

Lesley University's Expressive Therapy Electives - Summer '11

2011-03-20T17:02:00.002-04:00

Many of our summer classes are already full! But there are still a few elective openings and we hope you can join us!

Tell everyone about them (supervisors, friends, colleagues), and register on-line - registration is already open.

Help us fill these classes so they are not canceled. Please consider coming back and taking an elective!!! Sign up today. And tell all your colleagues about our great offerings!

Check out our Summer elective offerings in Expressive Therapy

Lesley University is offering several courses this summer that can add revitalization to your practice:

For more info go to: http://www.lesley.edu/lois
and click on the "Real-time course schedules" link

Thanks,
Karen

GEXTH-5010-01 and 02
Principles & Practices of Exth
7/18-7/22 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM AlAjarma, Y. and Barzilay-Shecter, K.

GEXTH 5047
P&P of Drama Therapy
7/11-7/15 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM Bergman, J.

GEXTH-6105-01
Power Privilege & Oppression
Already FULL

GEXTH-6206-01
Voice and Music Therapy
Already FULL

GEXTH-6250-01
Creative Movement & Dance Therapy
8/1-8/5 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM Leavitt, J & Cardillo, N

GEXTH-6260-01
Anatomy and Kinesiology
8/15-8/19 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM Cheever, O.

GEXTH-6352.01 and 6352.02
Princ & Pract of Art Therapy
8/8-8/12 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM TBA

GEXTH 6360.01
Drawing from Within
6/6 -6/10 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM Malis, D.

GEXTH-6364
Art Therapy with Child & Adolescence
Already FULL

GEXTH-6368
Art Therapy with Traumatized Adults
Already FULL

GEXTH-6412-01
Yoga and Therapeutic Touch
6/10-12 and 7/1-7/3 Fri 6:00 PM - 9:50PM Sat-Sun 9:00AM - 5:50PM DeSharone,A

Lesley University's Expressive Arts Therapy Electives - January and Spring 2011

2010-10-19T10:29:00.007-04:00

Check out our January and Spring elective offerings in Expressive Therapy

We are trying to encourage the community to consider taking a January or Spring elective course...

Tell everyone about them (supervisors, friends, colleagues), and register on-line starting Nov 1, 2010.

Help us fill these classes so they are not canceled.

Lesley University is offering several courses this January and Spring that can add revitalization to your practice:

For more info go to: http://www.lesley.edu/courses/ and click on the “Real-time course schedules” link

January classes

GEXTH 5010.J1
Intermodal Expressive Therapy: Principles and Practices of Expressive Therapy
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9:00 am - 4:50 pm
Jan 7-9 and Jan 15-16

GEXTH 5045.J1
Arts and Healing
Monday-Friday 9:00 am -4:50 pm
Jan 10-14

GEXTH 6206.J1
Voice and Music Therapy
Fridays 6:00-8:50 pm and Sat and Sun 10:00 am -6:50 pm
Jan 7-9 and Jan 14-16

GEXTH 6301.J1
Drama Therapy/Psychodrama for Children and Adolescents
Fridays 5:00-9:50 pm and Sat and Sun 9:00 am -4:50 pm
Jan 14-16 and Jan 21-23

GEXTH 6353.J1
Family Art Therapy
Fridays 6:00-9:50 and Sat and Sun 9:00 am -5:00 pm
Jan 7-9 and 21-23

GEXTH 6367.J1
Art Therapy Studio
Monday-Thursday 10:00 am -5:00 pm, Friday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Jan 3-7

GEXTH 6400.J1
Holistic Approaches to Pain and Stress
Fridays 6:00-9:50 pm and Sat and Sun 9:00 am -5:50 pm
Jan 7-9 and Jan 14-16

Spring classes

GEXTH 5010
Intermodal Expressive Therapy: Principles and Practices of Expressive Therapies
Section 01: Mondays 9:00-11:50 am
Section 02: Mar 18-20 and April 7-9
Friday 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm, Saturday, Sunday 9:00 am - 5:50 pm

GEXTH 5029
Body Oriented Psychotherapy
Fridays 5:00-9:50 pm and Sat and Sun 9:00 am -5:50 pm
Feb 25-27 and Mar 25-27

GEXTH 5048.01
Theories of Poetry Therapy
Fridays 6:00-9:50 pm and Sat and Sun 9:00 am -5:50 pm
Jan 28-30 and Mar 4-6

GEXTH 6027
Performance and Practice: Art, Education and Therapy
Wednesdays 9:00-11:50 am

GEXTH 6031
Expressive Therapy and Social Action
Wednesdays 9:00-11:50 am

GEXTH 6033
Advanced Play Therapy
Thursdays 1:00-3:50 pm

GEXTH 6027
Music, Consciousness, Expression
Thursdays 1:00-3:50 pm

GEXTH 6255
Jungian Dance and Drama
Fridays 9:00-11:50 am

GEXTH 6302
Training Workshop in Psychodrama
Fridays 5:00-8:50 pm and Sat and Sun 9:00 am -5:50 pm
Jan 38-30 and Mar 25-27

GEXTH 6368
Art Therapy with the Traumatized Adult
Mondays 4-6:30 pm

Lesley University's Expressive Therapy Electives - Summer 09

2009-03-12T21:38:00.002-04:00

We are trying to encourage the community to consider taking a Summer elective course...

Tell everyone about them (supervisors, friends, colleagues), and register on-line starting Mar 16, 2009.

Help us fill these classes so they are not canceled. Please consider coming back and taking an elective!!! Sign up today. And tell all your colleagues about our great offerings!

Check out our Summer elective offerings in Expressive Therapy

Lesley University is offering several courses this summer that can add revitalization to your practice:

For more info go to: http://www.lesley.edu/current/oncampus/index.html
and click on the "Real-time course schedules" link

Thanks,
Karen

GEXTH-5010-01
Principles & Practices of Exth
6/22-6/26 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM Kossak, M

GEXTH-5010-02
Principles & Practices of Exth
8/3-8/7 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM Levy, R

GEXTH-5021-01
Focusing and Exth
7/27-7/31 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM Rappaport, L.

GEXTH 5047
P&P of Drama Therapy
7/13-7/17 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM H. Orkibi

GEXTH-6105-01 (and section 2)
Power Privilege & Oppression
6/1-6/5 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM N. Beardall

GEXTH-6206-01
Voice and Music Therapy
6/5-7 and 6/12-14 Fri 6:00 PM - 9:50PM Sat-Sun 10:00AM - 06:50PM Thomas, CB

GEXTH-6208-01
Applications of Drumming
7/11-12 and 7/18-20 Sat-Sun, and Sat-Mon 09:00AM - 05:50PM L. Kynvi

GEXTH-6250-01
Creative Movement & Dance Therapy
8/3-8/7 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM Leavitt, J & Cardillo, N

GEXTH-6352.01 and 6352.02
Princ & Pract of Art Therapy
8/3-8/7 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM Hertz, J. & Morrison, A.

GEXTH 6360.01
Drawing from Within
6/5-7 and 6/19-21 Fri 6:00 PM - 9:50PM Sat-Sun 10:00AM - 06:50PM Malis, D.

GEXTH-6364
Art Therapy with Child & Adolescence
6/8-6/12 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM Malchiodi, Cathy

GEXTH-6412-01
Yoga and Therapeutic Touch
6/5-7 and 6/19-21 Fri 6:00 PM - 9:50PM Sat-Sun 9:00AM - 5:50PM DeSharone,A

The Vagina Monologues - this Friday and Sat

2009-02-03T06:19:00.001-05:00

Announcing the 6th Annual V-Day Lesley benefit production of Eve Ensler’s

THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES

As a part of the Global V-Day Movement (http://www.vday.org), the V-Day College Campaign raises money and awareness on campuses worldwide during the months of February and March to help stop violence against women and girls.

Once again sponsored by the GSASS Division of Expressive Therapies, with a cast of graduate & undergraduate, student, alum & faculty women, the V-Day Lesley University benefit production of “THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES” will take place on Friday, February 13 & Saturday, February 14 at 8 pm, in Marran Theatre. (Parking is very limited in Cambridge so come early).

This year’s Beneficiary is Womansplace Crisis Center, a Domestic Violence shelter in Brockton, MA:

To find out more about their work, please visit http://www.hcsm.org/dfhs/wcc.htm

The V-Day 2009 Global Spotlight is on the women and girls of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

All women and men are most welcome to attend!

Tickets available at the door. Suggested donation: $10

* * *

Hi everyone,

I’m doing a monologue on birth this year... Please pass the word. If you’ve never seen the show it’s quite moving and not to be missed.

It’s intense and funny and touching and disturbing and wonderful. Bring a friend and come and support us.

Happy Valentine’s Day,
Karen

Lesley University's Expressive Arts Therapy Electives - January and Spring 2009

2008-11-02T07:02:00.001-05:00

Check out our January and Spring elective offerings in Expressive Therapy

Lesley University is offering several courses this January and Spring that can add revitalization to your practice:
For more info go to: http://www.lesley.edu/current/oncampus/index.html and click on the “Real-time course schedules” link

January classes
GEXTH 5010.J2
Intermodal Expressive Therapy: Principles and Practices of Expressive Therapy
Monday-Friday 9:00 am -5:50 pm
Jan 5-9

GEXTH 5045.J1
Arts and Healing
Monday-Thurs 9:00 am -6:30 pm, Friday 9-12
Jan 12-16

GEXTH 6025.J1
Family Art Therapy
Fridays 6:00-9:50 and Sat and Sun 9:00 am -5:50 pm
Jan 9-11 and 23-25

GEXTH 6206.J1
Voice and Music Therapy
Fridays 7:00-9:50 pm and Sat and Sun 10:00 am -6:50 pm
Jan 9-11 and Jan 16-18

GEXTH 6367.J1
Art Therapy Studio
Monday – Friday 9:00 am -5:50 pm
Jan 5-9

GEXTH 6400.J1
Holistic Approaches to Pain and Stress
Fridays 6:00-9:50 pm and Sat and Sun 9:00 am -5:50 pm
Jan 2-4 and Jan 9-11

Spring classes
GEXTH 5001
Techniques of Play Therapy
Fridays 5:00-9:50 pm and Sat and Sun 9:00 am -5:50 pm
Feb 6-8 and Mar 20-22

GEXTH 5010
Intermodal Expressive Therapy: Principles and Practices of Expressive Therapies
Fridays 1:00 – 5:30 pm and Sat and Sun 9:00 am -5:50 pm
Mar 6-8 and Apr 3-5

GEXTH 5029
Body Oriented Psychotherapy
Fridays 5:00-9:50 pm and Sat and Sun 9:00 am -5:50 pm
Mar 6-8 and Mar 27-29

GEXTH 5046
Principles and Practices of Writing as a Therapeutic Modality
Fridays 5:00-9:50 pm and Sat and Sun 9:00 am -5:50 pm
Mar 6-8 and Apr 3-5

GEXTH 6015
Assessment and Treatment Planning in Art Therapy
Mondays 9:00-11:50 am

GEXTH 6031
Expressive Therapy and Social Action
Thursdays 1-4pm

GEXTH 6212
Clinical Musicianship
Mondays 4:00-6:30 pm

GEXTH 6255
Jungian Dance and Drama
Fridays 9:00-11:50 am

GEXTH 6301
Psychodrama for Children and Adolescents
Fridays 5:00-9:50 pm and Sat and Sun 9:00 am -4:50 pm
Jan 30-Feb 1 and Feb 27-Mar 1

GEXTH 6363
Jungian Art Therapy
Fridays 5:00-9:50 pm and Sat and Sun 9:00 am -4:50 pm
Mar 27-29 and Apr 24-26

GEXTH 6368
Art Therapy with the Traumatized Adult
Mondays 4-6:30 pm

Special Topics course and Expressive Therapy Elective courses Fall 08

2008-09-07T18:40:00.002-04:00

We are really excited to have Steve and Ellen Levine, the co-authors and editors of many texts you will read in the program, teaching a 1-credit special topics course this fall! The course - GEXTH 5888 Special Topics: Poiesis and Human Existence - will be held the weekend of September 19-21. The class will meet Friday 7-10 pm, and Sat/Sun 10 am -5:30pm.

This course is a required course for first year ET specialization students but we are opening up a few slots to other students and alum as well. If you would like to take this course please contact me directly - estrella@lesley.edu. You will need to register for this class before Sept 16, so let me know ASAP.

Also, we still have openings in several of our ET electives, although you must enroll in these ASAP as classes have begun and you don't want to miss any classes. Again, the drop/add period ends Sept 16.

Here is a list of the open electives - please let others know!
And enjoy the beginning of the year,
Karen

GEXTH 6019
Storytelling & Healing: A lifespan approach
Wednesdays 6:45 pm – 9:15 pm

GEXTH 6200
Principles & Practices of Music Therapy
Tuesdays 9 am -12 noon

GEXTH 6029
Art Therapy with Severe Mental Illness
9/26 - 9/28 Fri 5:00 pm – 8:50 pm
Sat & Sun 9:00 am - 4:50 pm
11/14 - 11/16 Fri 5:00 pm – 8:50 pm
Sat & Sun 9:00 am - 4:50 pm

GEXTH-6259 Movement & Healing in Dance Therapy
Fridays 9 am – 12 noon

GEXTH 6254
Dance Movement Therapy with Children
11/7 – 11/9 Fri 5:00 pm - 9:50 pm,
Sat & Sun 9:00 am - 4:50 pm
12/5 – 12/7 Fri 5:00 pm - 9:50 pm,
Sat & Sun 9:00 am - 4:50 pm

GEXTH 6258
Movement Observation
Mondays 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm

GEXTH 6302
Training Workshop: Psychodrama
10/3 – 10/5 Fri 5:00 pm - 8:50 pm,
Sat & Sun 9:00 am - 5:50 pm
11/8 – 11/9 Fri 5:00 pm - 8:50 pm,
Sat & Sun 9:00 am - 5:50 pm

For more info go to: http://www.lesley.edu/current/oncampus/index.html and click on the “Real-time course schedules” link

Lesley University's Expressive Therapy Department will host the 2009 IEATA Conference

2008-07-11T11:24:00.006-04:00

click on the one-page brochure below to read

Expressive Therapy Theses 2008

2008-05-18T20:48:00.003-04:00

We are so proud of our 72 graduating students from the Expressive Therapies program here at Lesley University - graduating with specializations in Art Therapy, Dance Therapy, Music Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling.

Each of our graduates are required to do two years of clinical internship training in addition to scholarship and research in their respective modalities. And many students also opt to do thesis research.

This year's theses include:

Arrants, K. (2008). Creating acceptance: Expressive therapy with lesbian and bisexual women.
Berry, C. (2008). When the glass slipper doesn’t fit: A study of fairy tales and disability.
Corbin, S. (2008). A treatment protocol for the use of music therapy in meeting the special education goals of children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders.
Dawkins, R. (2008). Attachment, relationships and Alzheimer’s: A group art therapy process.
Eskridge, C. (2008). Emotion: The intangible pirate ship.
Ho, S. (2008). Children’s words about pain: An investigation on children’s perception of pain using music.
Jacobs, L. (2008). Supporting women through labor: Can music therapy deliver?
Jolicouer, R. (2008). Recovery and transformation from childhood sexual abuse utilizing expressive therapies and holotropic breathwork: A personal journey.
Jordan, C. (2008). Evil queen, superhero, friend: Using role theory to explore the drama therapist role.
Kalma, D. (2008). Feeling the pain of the world, and making use of it! Music therapy for supporting and transforming humans’ innermost responses to world conditions.
Kolodziel, D. (2008). Music for self, music for others: An exploration of one music therapy student’s changing relationship with music.
Krim, M. (2008). My lost identity as an immigrant: The journey of finding self.
Moldover, A. L. (2008). Refocusing the lens: Using photography to overcome personal traumas.
Nam, J. (2008). The effect of music therapy in reducing behavior problems in children with autism and rare syndromes in a school setting: A six week case-study.
Newberry, S. J. (2008). Speaking the same language? Music therapy with linguistically diverse clients.
Northup, C. (2008). Uncovering the nature of internal dialogue, how music and yoga effect my own, and therapeutic implications for treating clients with thought disorders.
Novotny, J. (2008). What we wove.
Rubesin, H. (2008). Rebuilding the container: How to use expressive arts therapy as a means to create images of pregnancy within group prenatal care.
Sakai, T. (2008). Identifying the components of love in music therapy: Clinical intimacy in the end-of-life care.
Saracino, F. (2008). How music and music therapy can therapeutically assist victims of trauma in identifying and processing their experience.
Shum, W.W.A. (2008). The impact of music assisted relaxation treatment on mood among individuals with stroke during their rehabilitation.
Slomin, J. (2008). Grant us the space to grieve!: A phenomenological exploration of the experience of grief in expressive therapy students and implementation of a peer-led expressive therapy bereavement group.
Sullivan, D. G. (2008). Bringing focus and calm to the classroom using yoga and the arts.
Teczar, E. (2008). The effects of performance anxiety in music therapy.
Villanueva, M. M. (2008). Shattered In body and mind: Addressing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in combat war veterans through music therapy.

New England Chapter of Dance Therapy at Lesley

2008-04-29T21:17:00.007-04:00

Annual Spring Conference
New England Chapter of
American Dance Therapy Association

Co-Sponsored by
Lesley University, Division of Expressive Therapies, Dance Therapy Program

Building Bridges & Extending Connections: Dance/Movement Therapy in 2008!
Saturday, April 5, 2008

Rainbowdancers: The Art & Technique of Isadora Duncan. Dancers: Dicki Johnson Macy, Valerie Blanc, Kristen Belcher, Zoe Ulrich, Nancy Beardall, Kellly Mezzatesta, Hui Chao Hsieh

Workshops given by: Dicki Johnson Macy, ADTR; Terri Halperin Eaton, ADTR; Marcia Spindell, ADTR; Julie Leavitt, ADTR; Nancy Jo Cardillo, ADTR; Caroline Loupe, ADTR.

Continuing Education Hours provided by American Dance Therapy Association* (*ADTA is an NBCC approved provider of continuing education)

Lesley University's Expressive Therapy Electives - Summer 08

2008-03-03T21:22:00.002-05:00

We are trying to encourage the community to consider taking a Summer elective course... Tell everyone about them (supervisors, friends, colleagues), and register starting Mar 17, 2008.

Help us fill these classes so they are not canceled. Please consider
coming back and taking an elective!!! Sign up today. And tell all
your colleagues about our great offerings!

Check out our Summer elective offerings in Expressive Therapy

Lesley University is offering several courses this Summer
that can add revitalization to your practice:
For more info go to: http://www.lesley.edu/current/oncampus/index.html
and click on the "Real-time course schedules" link

GEXTH-5010-01
Principles & Practices of Exth
08/06-08/12 Wed-Fri, Mon-Tues 09:00AM - 05:50PM Kossak,M

GEXTH-5010-02
Principles & Practices of Exth
08/06-08/12 Wed-Fri, Mon-Tues 09:00AM - 05:50PM Estrella, K

GEXTH-5021-01
Focusing and Exth
06/09-06/13 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM Rappaport, L.

GEXTH 5047
P&P of Drama Therapy
07/21-07/25 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM S. Linden

GEXTH-6105-01
Power Privilege & Oppression
06/02, 06/14-06/15, 6/21-6/22 Mon, Sat-Sun 09:00AM - 05:50PM L. Kynvi

GEXTH-6206-01
Voice and Music Therapy
06/13, 6/20 Fri 07:00PM - 09:50PM 06/14-6/15, 6/21-6/22 Sat-Sun 10:00AM - 06:50PM Thomas, C B

GEXTH-6208-01
Applications of Drumming
07/14-07/18 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM L. Kynvi

GEXTH-6250-01
Creative Movement & Dance Therapy
07/28-08/01 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM Leavitt, J & Cardillo, N

GEXTH-6260
Anatomy and Kinesiology
08/11-08/15 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM O. Cheever

GEXTH-6352
Princ & Pract of Art Therapy
08/04-08/08 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM J. Miller

GEXTH-6364
Art Therapy with Child & Adolesence
07/28-08/01 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM Malchiodi, Cathy

GEXTH-6368
Art Therapy w/Traumatized Adult
06/27-06/29, 07/25-07/27 Fri-Sun 10:00AM - 04:50PM Snyder, Sherri

GEXTH-6412-01
Yoga and Therapeutic Touch
06/06-06/08, 06/13-06/15 Fri 06:00PM - 09:50PM, Sat-Sun 09:00AM - 05:50PM DeSharone,A

GEXTH-7102-01
Advanced Clinical Training/Exth
07/07-07/11 Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:50PM Steck,S

The Vagina Monologues - Expressive Arts and Social Action

2008-02-06T14:23:00.000-05:00

The Expressive Therapy Division at LEsley University is proud to announce once again that our students, faculty and alumni will sponsor V-Day Lesley University (The Vagina Monologues)

As part of the 2008 V-Day College Campaign, the students of Lesley University are proud to present a benefit production of The Vagina Monologues to raise awareness and funds for local organizations working to end violence against women and girls.

Performances:
15 February 2008 - 7:30 PM
16 February 2008 - 7:30 PM

Marran Theatre
47 Oxford Street
Cambridge Massachusetts 02138

Beneficiary: Womansplace Crisis Center

Sponsor: The Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences

Tickets price: $5 donation
To purchase tickets:

Contact Abigail at Abigail.Moldover@gmail.com

Cast and Crew: Abigail Moldover - Organizer
Erin McGreevy - Director
Lou Lim - Publicity Crew

Dance Therapy Celebration and Social Action and the Expressive Arts

2008-01-18T14:57:00.000-05:00

Celebrate with Lesley University Dance Therapy Program and Expressive Therapies Division!

Monday January 28, 2008 4-7 pm

Join Us to Honor Program Founder, Norma Canner and Rejoice in Our New Approved Program Status*

CELEBRATION LECTURE BY
David Gere, 2008 Sonnabend Fellow
4:00pm
University Hall Amphitheatre

David Gere, Ph.D., is director of MAKE ART/STOP AIDS, an international network of artists intervening in the AIDS epidemic. In addition to directing the Art/Global Health Center at the University of California - Los Angeles, he is associate professor in the Department of World Arts and Cultures teaching courses in AIDS/arts activism. His most recent book, How to Make Dances in an Epidemic: Tracking Choreography in the Age of AIDS (University of Wisconsin Press, 2004), received the award for outstanding book publication from the Congress on Research in Dance.

CELEBRATION RECEPTION
5:30-7:00pm
University Hall 3-094

As one of the first graduate dance/movement therapy training programs in the United States, Lesley’s Dance Therapy Specialization continues to hold the fundamental belief that dance and movement are a source of transformation for personal growth and healing. Program founder, Norma Canner, described it this way, “When we are moving spontaneously, we come closer to our primal selves and that is nurturing and healing…we use the language of movement to access deep emotions and early memories without censoring them… the dance is in you and always has been.”

*In October 2007, for the first time in its history, the Lesley Dance Therapy Specialization Program was granted Approved Program Status by the American Dance Therapy Association.

Brown Bag lunch on Expressive Arts with Elders

2007-11-25T06:06:00.000-05:00

ET Division Brown Bag lunch Series presents…

our last BBL of the Fall semester Wednesday Nov 28 12-12:45, University Hall 4-022 (408)

The Window Project:
A Multimodal arts project with Elders

with Emily Johnson and Hillary Rubesin

This Wednesday at 12:00, Emily Johnson and Hillary Rubesin, two second-year Expressive Therapies graduate students, will be presenting a quick peak into "The Window Project." The Window Project is a collaboration of painting, collage, reminiscence, storytelling, and ten large window panes constructed last year during their first-year internship at the Elizabeth Seton Residence, a nursing home for nuns. Come out to hear how it was done!

Lesley University's Jan and Spring Expressive Therapy electives

2007-11-24T16:49:00.000-05:00

Check out our January and Spring elective offerings in Expressive Therapy

Lesley University is offering several courses this January and Spring that can add revitalization to your practice:
For more info go to: http://www.lesley.edu/current/oncampus/index.html and click on the “Real-time course schedules” link

January classes
GEXTH 5010.J1
Intermodal Expressive Therapy: Principles and Practices of Expressive Therapy
Thurs – Fri and Mon – Wed 9:00 am -5:50 pm
Jan 3-4 and 7-9

GEXTH 6025.J1
Expressive Therapy with Families
Fri-Sun and Fri-Sat 9:00 am -5:50 pm
Jan 4-6 and 12-13

GEXTH 6206.J1
Voice and Music Therapy
Fridays 7:00-9:50 pm and Sat and Sun 10:00 am -6:50 pm
Jan 11-13 and Jan 18-20

GEXTH 6367.J1
Art Therapy Studio
Monday – Friday 9:00 am -5:50 pm
Jan 7-11

GEXTH 6400.J1
Holistic Approaches to Pain and Stress
Fridays 6:00-9:50 pm and Sat and Sun 9:00 am -5:50 pm
Jan 4-6 and Jan 18-20

Spring classes
GEXTH 5001
Techniques of Play Therapy
Thursdays 1:00-3:50 pm

GEXTH 5010
Intermodal Expressive Therapy: Principles and Practices of Expressive Therapies
Mondays 9:00-11:50 am

GEXTH 5024
Art Therapy with Older Adults (2 credits)
Sat and Sun 9:00 am - 4:50 pm
Feb 2-3 and Feb 23-24

GEXTH 5029
Body Oriented Psychotherapy
Fridays 5:00-9:50 pm and Sat and Sun 9:00 am -5:50 pm
Feb 8-10 and Feb 29-Mar2

GEXTH 5046
Principles and Practices of Writing as a Therapeutic Modality
Fridays 5:00-9:50 pm and Sat and Sun 9:00 am -5:50 pm
Mar 7-9 and Apr 11-13

GEXTH 6015
Assessment and Treatment Planning in Art Therapy
Mondays 9:00-11:50 am

GEXTH 6031
Expressive Therapy and Social Action
Fridays 9:00-11:50 am

GEXTH 6212
Clinical Musicianship
Mondays 4:00-6:30 pm

GEXTH 6255
Jungian Dance and Drama
Fridays 9:00-11:50 am

GEXTH 6301
Psychodrama for Children and Adolescents
Fridays 5:00-9:50 pm and Sat and Sun 9:00 am -5:50 pm
Mar 28-30 and Apr 25-27

GEXTH 6352
Principles and Practices of Art Therapy
Monday – Friday 9:00 am -5:50 pm
March 10-14

Poetry reading canceled

2007-11-24T15:46:00.000-05:00

Monday's Poetry Reading with Steve Levine will be canceled. Steve is unable to come due to illness - we hope to reschedule in the spring.

Poetry reading by Steve Levine, Expressive Artist

2007-11-22T10:58:00.000-05:00

4:30-5:00 IEATA networking meeting: Come hear about the exciting new work of IEATA and then come to hear Steve read his poetry and sign books...

Song the Only Victory:
POETRY AGAINST WAR

A special evening of poetry
with Stephen K. Levine

reading from his latest book:
Song the Only Victory:
Poetry Against War

Monday, November 26th at 5:00pm
Lesley University, University Hall Amphitheater. Room 2-150
1815 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA 02138

Free admission and all are welcome! Reception to follow

This is a book for all of those who wish to go beyond mute outrage
and to find their own out-spoken voices in the face of violence.
To all those who despair the impossibility of change, Levine counsels, “Sing on!”

Stephen K. Levine, PhD., D.S.Sc., REAT, is an expressive arts educator, poet, philosopher, and clown. He is Dean of the Doctoral Program in Expressive Arts Therapy, Education, Consulting and Social Change at the European Graduate School in Switzerland

For more information, email estrella@lesley.edu

This event is in collaboration with the Lesley University Division of Expressive Therapies

Brown Bag Lunch this Monday! Expressive Arts Prevention

2007-11-03T16:49:00.000-04:00

ET Division Brown Bag lunch Series presents:

Substance Abuse Prevention through Puppetry:

A Community-based Expressive Arts Program for young people

With Kat Arrants and Lou Lim Current Lesley ET Students

Monday, Nov.5 12-12:45, University Hall 4-022 (408)

Come here two current students talk about a summer grant-funded substance abuse program they ran through the Everett Public Library!

Come hear them talk about the population and the puppet-making, as well as the project that was funded through a grant written by Ellen Baird, a graduate of the program, and a librarian in Everett. Kat and Lou will present their protocol and lead us in a brief experiential.

Brown Bag lunch on Transpersonal Drama therapy

2007-10-19T14:46:00.000-04:00

Monday, October 22, 2007
12-12:45, University Hall 4-022 (408)
ET Division Brown Bag lunch Series presents…

A Transpersonal approach to the Expressive Arts Therapies and Drama Therapy in particular: A presentation of foundational principles in theory, experience and discussion.
Facilitated by Saphira Linden, MA, RDT-BCT, LCAT.

SAPHIRA LINDEN, M.A., RDT, BCT, LCAT: Director, Omega Transpersonal Drama Therapy Certificate Program; Adjunct Faculty, Lesley University; Transformational Theater pioneer; Artistic Director, Boston's Omega Theater (40 years); Management Consultant; Sufi Meditation Teacher-Guide(36 years);In private practice.

Upcoming Brown Bag Lunches

There is no BBL scheduled for Oct 29.
Nov 5 – Kat Arrants (and Lou Lim) will present on a summer program they did for kids on substance abuse prevention using the expressive arts (puppetry and theater)!

Nov 12 – no BBL
Nov 19 – Alan O’Hare will present his work with Life Story Theater and the projects they have done at Elizabeth Seton House

Nov 26 – no BBL
TBA – Emily Johnson and Hillary Rubesin on their work creating an arts-based project with Elders at Elizabeth Seton House.

Intergenerational Expressive Arts Therapy Brown Bag

2007-10-11T17:44:00.000-04:00

Our third brown bag lunch is happening this coming Monday. All are invited!!!

ET Division Brown Bag lunch Series presents…Monday, 12-12:45, University Hall 4-022 (408)

FOCUS ON GROWING OLDER TOGETHER:
A COMMUNITY-BASED INTERGENERATIONAL ART THERAPY PROGRAM with Julianne Hertz, ATR-BC, adjunct faculty

Julianne will present about an intergenerational art therapy group she ranwith older adults and adolescents based on the theme of growing older.Each participant was given a single use camera and was asked to photographtheir individual experiences of growing older. The intergenerational groupmade artwork using the photographs as the basis for the creative explorationof individual, group and generational experiences of growing older.Participants used mixed media techniques including: collage, photo transfer,painting and 3-D construction.

Brown Bag Lunch today!

2007-10-01T05:45:00.001-04:00

Our second brown bag lunch is happening today. All are invited!!!
Today 12-12:45, University Hall 4-022 (formerly Porter 408)

ET Division Brown Bag lunch Series presents…

So what are your images? with Donna Newman-Blustein - Registered Dance Therapist and Adjunct Faculty

It is said that we can not make a single movement without first having an image. Paying close attention to our images provides us with clues about our individual journeys. Couple that with the intention of self-nurturing, and our images move us along the continuum to greater health and well-being. Bringing our images, our visions and our dreams into enactment through art moves us toward fullest expression of the self, allowing us to share our unique gifts with others. Come hear Donna speak about our sources of inspiration! Be introduced to the Octaband, a dance/expressive therapy tool she's discovered to help us bring our gifts to others. Donna Newman-Blustein is a registered Dance Therapist and adjunct faculty at Lesley University.

The 8th annual Passages Student and New Professional Music Therapy Conference

2007-09-25T13:30:00.000-04:00

The 8th annual Passages Student and New Professional Music Therapy Conference will take place this Saturday, September 29th, at Lesley University in Cambridge. The conference is free, open to all, and no advance registration is required.

The conference will take place from 9 am - 5 pm, with concurrent sessions throughout the day.

There are terrific presentations being offered, with 11 of the 17 presentations being done by current Lesley Students.

here is a sampling of the presentations:

Sarah Newberry Songwriting for clients with dementia and other verbally limited populations
Sarah Corbin Clinical improvisation: Some places to start
A.I. Kali Cruz How music affects movement: Integrating music and movement within a therapeutic setting
Marlén I. Rodriguez Music and patients in oncology: The effects of music in oncology procedures
Lisa Jacobs, MM & Serene Thin Elk Melodies without words: Songs from the Indigenous and Jewish traditions and clinical applications
Kate Keelty, MA, MT-BC The use of musical resources in recovering from romantic relationship dissolution
Shanna Clark Making music with children: Experiences of a first-year intern
Saré Chisholm The Yellow Brick Road: Creating and performing a musical with a group of children
Adrienne Flight, B. Mus (MT), MMT, MT-BC Learning to accept: How music therapists become value-receptive
Makiko Wada, MA Why do music therapists pursue BMGIM as their practice?
Sandra Belajec "Unasked for and undeserved gift": MT treatment plan for women with metastatic breast cancer
Julia Slomin Guitar workshop: Developing beginning clinical skills
Cailin McElrath The function of music in enhancing spirituality in Christian Adults
Laural Pond The effects of music in childbirth
Wei Wah Angela Shum, RN Music therapy for a Chinese client with developmental disability

The plenary session will be:

Music Therapy in Africa: The experiences of students from Berklee College of Music

Brown Bag Lunch this Monday!

2007-09-23T06:38:00.000-04:00

The first Brown Bag lunch for this year will be on Monday Sept 24. All are invited!!!

ET Division Brown Bag lunch Series presents…

Local Art Making a difference in Community:
A presentation by the Art Connection of Boston –
with Tova Speter (Art Therapy ‘02)

Monday, 12-12:45, University Hall 4-022 (formerly Porter 408)

The Art Connection (www.theartconnection.org) is a Boston nonprofit with a belief in the power of art and a mission to expand access to original art to the greater community, specifically to under-served populations. By placing original artwork in community centers, health clinics, homeless shelters, domestic violence clinics, and other programs offering services to clients in need, spaces are transformed into opportunities for reflection, stimulation, inspiration, and hope. Many of the spaces where therapists work, may be eligible for donated art through The Art Connection. This session will be presented by The Art Connection's Program Manager, Tova Speter (Art Therapy '02); and will include a brief presentation about The Art Connection program, including local examples of artwork, mention of The Art Connection's community mural project, and a discussion about the power of art.

Awakening the Imaginal - a talk at the IBMS and Expressive Therapy research symposium

2007-07-11T08:49:00.000-04:00

In March, I was asked to participate on a panel for Lesley University's Institute for Body, Mind, and Spirituality (IBMS) and Expressive Therapy PhD Program Research Symposium. The symposium was called "Body, Mind and Spirit: Innovations in Research, Practice and Pedagogy" and opened with a talk by Dr. Jared Kass entitled - Spiritual Maturation: A Developmental Resources for Resilience, Well being, and Peace.

I have an earlier post on this blog with some of the exciting ET workshops that were offered.

Now you can also read my talk on-line. It has been published in the Journal for Pedagogy, Pluralism and Practice - Issue 12. My talk was a brief response to Dr. Kass' talk - entitled Awakening the Imaginal.

The whole issue - is devoted to the work of the Institute of Body, Mind and Spirituality and has several articles by Lesley University's Expressive Therapy faculty - so check it out!

The Journal for Pedagogy, Pluralism and Practice is an on-line refereed journal published by Lesley University, and has a mission of presenting a "balance across diverse forms of scholarship, practitioner-research, philosophical essays, empirical research, literature, and the visual arts. The goal is to provide interdisciplinary interpretation and analysis of educational theory and practice, including learning in classrooms, organizations, and non-traditional settings."

You may also want to check out Issue 9: Fall 2004 devoted to Arts-based Research and Inquiry.

As someone on the email list I got about the issue said - it looks like good summer reading!

Lesley University's Expressive Therapy Fall Electives

2007-07-03T20:14:00.000-04:00

Check out our fall elective offerings in Expressive Therapy

Lesley University is offering several courses this fall:
For more info go to: http://www.lesley.edu/current/oncampus/index.html and click on the “Real-time course schedules” link

GEXTH 5010
Intermodal Expressive Therapy: Principles and Practices of Expressive Therapies
Mondays 9 am -12 noon

GEXTH 5046
Writing as a Therapeutic Modality
Mondays 6:45 pm – 9:15 pm

GEXTH 6019
Storytelling & Healing: A lifespan approach
Wednesdays 6:45 pm – 9:15 pm

GEXTH 6200
Principles & Practices of Music Therapy
Tuesdays 9 am -12 noon

GEXTH 6208
Drumming, Rhythm and Healing
Mondays 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm

GEXTH 6254
Dance Movement Therapy with Children
11/2 – 11/4 Fri 5:00 pm - 9:50 pm,
Sat & Sun 8:00 am - 4:50 pm
11/30 – 12/2 Fri 5:00 pm - 9:50 pm,
Sat & Sun 8:00 am - 4:50 pm

GEXTH 6258
Movement Observation
Mondays 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm

FULL – GEXTH 6302
Training Workshop: Psychodrama

GEXTH 6360
Drawing From Within: A studio art therapy course
9/21 – 9/22 Fri 5:00 pm - 9:50 pm,
Sat 9:00 am - 5:50 pm
10/5 – 10/6 Fri 5:00 pm - 9:50 pm,
Sat 9:00 am - 5:50 pm
11/9 – 11/10 Fri 5:00 pm - 9:50 pm,
Sat 9:00 am - 5:50 pm

Lesley's Expressive Therapy professor emeritus Norma Canner is awarded by DMH

2007-06-21T13:25:00.000-04:00

On May 22, 2007, the Department of Mental Health sponsored a Commissioner's Reception at the Mass State House Hall of Flags to honor the contributions of those who have made a significant impact on the lives of people with mental illness.

Norma Canner, professor emeritus and founder of the Dance/Movement Therapy program at Lesley University, was among those honored. Norma Canner received the Special Recognition Award for her contributions to the field of mental health. According to Commissioner Elizabeth Childs, M.D. Norma left her mark on the Department of Mental Health and "brought movement, joy, and healing" to the children she served. Her influence remains.

Of the 17 people presented with awards, Norma was the only one to receive a standing ovation. According to Donna Newman-Bluestein, a dance therapist and adjunct faculty member who attended the awards ceremony, “it was, of course, not only what Norma said, but how she said it, that brought people to their feet. She brought her genuine presence, as she slowly made eye contact around the room, and acknowledged that she got not only a clinical education, but that she learned about soul from the children with whom she worked.” As one psychiatrist stated, "Norma Canner is a legend".

In addition to the award for Norma Canner, the Arts and Healing Program at Tewksbury State Hospital was awarded the Rehabilitation, Distinguished Service

award. Art therapist and Expressive Therapy adjunct faculty member, Jenny Navarro, is a core member of the Tewksbury hospital’s Arts and Healing Program staff. In addition to Jenny’s work, several Expressive Therapy interns also work in the program.

The citation for this award stated, "The Arts and Healing Program was selected for its creative and collaborative approach to rehabilitation and recovery. Focusing on the arts as a path to recovery not only reinforces the strengths of an individual but also empowers our most vulnerable citizens to find their voice, discover their talents and create their hopes and dreams." We are proud of their accomplishments.

The International Expressive Arts Therapy Association conference

2007-06-07T09:44:00.000-04:00

There were many Lesley University students, alum, and faculty at the seventh conference of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA)
which took place at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC on May 23-27. (Thanks again Meg for all your help!)

The conference was terrific! Many of the pioneers of the field were there - Lesley University's own Shaun McNiff was there, as was Paolo Knill, Steven and Ellen Levine, Sally Atkins, Maria Gonzalez-Blue, and many others. This is some of us on a panel -There was a wonderful labyrinth and a terrific poster session - where one of our students - Cailin Good presented her work! (you can see a close up of her poster in the previous post on this blog! just scroll down)

Another great Expressive Therapy poster session!

2007-05-15T04:18:00.000-04:00

The Master's students presented their research at the annual Expressive Therapy Poster session here at Lesley University on May 4th. WOW! what exciting work the students have been doing. For a list of titles and abstracts click on the 2007 Thesis and Dissertation Research
Page.

In addition, we had an exhibit of photography by graduate student Samara Liverant, entitled, "Transitions."

Congratulations to all who presented their work!

Expressive Therapy Open House and Arts Cafe - Please come!

2007-05-04T07:16:00.000-04:00

EXTH Division Open House!
Porter Exchange 3rd Floor
Rooms 3-051 to 3-064
May 4th 6-7pm
Come & Enjoy some food!!
Welcome & Cheer!!!

Followed by the End-of-the-year Arts Café
Come and celebrate another great year of Expressive Therapy at Lesley University!
Feel free to bring friends and family (children always welcome)
And PLEASE bring poetry, song, dance, improvisation, art work, stories to share.

No need to RSVP - just come!
ALL ARE WELCOME!

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 7-10pm
in Porter 2nd floor open space

Great time at the Imagine Conference

2007-04-28T17:06:00.000-04:00

Several of us had a great time at the Imagine Conference this weekend. In addition to the conference and Titus Lecture, we got to enjoy our reception with the Graduating Art Therapy Show.

Imagine: Expression in the Service of Humanity, Moving Towards Forgiveness

2007-04-12T09:53:00.000-04:00

If you are passionate about achieving peace in our world, please plan on joining us for "Imagine: Expression in the Service of Humanity, Moving Towards Forgiveness," Friday, April 27, and Saturday, April 28, at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA.

This dynamic two-day event will focus on creative approaches to conflict resolution and the healing power of forgiveness. Learn more about the conference at www.lesley.edu/gsass/bodymind/imagine.html http://www.lesley.edu/gsass/bodymind/imagine.html

Conference Highlights:

On Friday, the morning plenary session titled "Working Creatively with Others to Transform Unjust Social Structures" will be given by Fariq Esack, Ph.D., William Henry Bloomberg Visiting Professor at Harvard Divinity School. In the afternoon, there will be an international panel who will speak about "Working with Trauma and Conflict". Panelists include:

- Herb Kelman, Ph.D., Harvard University
- Lobsang Sangay, S.J.D., Harvard Law School
- Meenakshi Chhabra, Ph.D., Lesley University
- Gobi Stromberg, Ph.D., Tonaltzintli Institute
- Yousef Al-Ajarma, M.A., Lesley University

On Saturday, the morning will begin with a screening of "The Power of Forgiveness", the second film in the series of PBS documentaries sponsored by Fetzer Institute's Campaign for Love and Forgiveness. Director/Producer Martin Doblmeier will discuss the making of this film. Donald B. Kraybill, Ph.D., from Elizabethtown College will give a talk on "Forgiveness and the Amish Community". The afternoon plenary session will feature Robin Casarjian from the Lionheart Foundation and Dr. John Woodall from Harvard University.

Workshops will be facilitated by Lesley University professors and invited guests, who will include Maria Broom, an actress-dancer-storyteller who is starring in the HBO series 'The Wire'.

Register now!

Cost to attend both days is just $125, and one day is $75. Discounts are available to the Lesley community, members of the Fetzer Institute and WGBH, as well as university students.

We hope you'll join us in our quest for peace.

This event is sponsored by the Institute for Body, Mind and Spirituality at Lesley University. Cosponsors: Lesley University's International and Collaborative Programs, Fetzer Institute's Campaign for Love and Forgiveness, and the Greater Boston Metropolitan Ministries.

Expressive Therapy Presents the Graduate Art Therapy Student Exhibition

2007-04-10T08:52:00.000-04:00

Lesley Graduate Art Therapy Student Exhibition
Marran Gallery, April 9-27, 2007

Please join us for an Opening Reception Friday, April 20th from 4-7 pm

Check out our summer offerings in Expressive Therapy

2007-04-06T11:54:00.000-04:00

Lesley University is offering several courses this summer:
For more info go to: http://www.lesley.edu/summer/grad.html

Intermodal Expressive Therapy: Principles and Practices of Expressive Therapies
GEXTH 5010-01 | 3 credits
August 6–August 10, Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–6:00 pm

GEXTH 5010-02 | 3 credits
June 2–June 6, Monday–Wednesday, Saturday–Sunday, 9:00 am–6:00 pm

Arts and Healing
GEXTH 5045-01 | 3 credits
August 13–August 17, Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–6:00 pm

Theater as Therapeutic Process
GEXTH 6009-01 | 3 credits
July 23–July 27, Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–6:00 pm

Assessment and Treatment Planning in Art Therapy
GEXTH 6015-01 | 3 credits
June 4, 6–7 and June 25, 27–28 Mondays, 9:00 am–12:20 pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 am–6:00 pm

Introduction to Art and the Brain
GEXTH 6030-01 | 1 credit
July 9–July 12, Monday-Thursday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm

Voice and Music Therapy
GEXTH 6206-01 | 3 credits
June 1–June 10, Fridays, 7:00 pm–10:00 pm, Saturdays–Sundays, 10:00 am–7:00 pm

Drumming, Rhythm, and Healing
GEXTH 6208-01 | 3 credits
June 30–July 22, Saturdays–Sundays, 9:00 am–6:00 pm

Introduction to Creative Movement and Dance Therapy
GEXTH 6250-01 | 3 credits
August 6–August 10, Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–6:00 pm

Principles and Practices of Art Therapy
GEXTH 6352-01 | 3 credits
August 6–August 10, Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–6:00 pm

Jungian Art Therapy
GEXTH 6363-01 | 3 credits
June 18–June 22, Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–6:00 pm

Art Therapy with Children and Adolescents
GEXTH 6364-01 | 3 credits
July 30–August 3, Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–6:00 pm

Yoga and Therapeutic Touch
GEXTH 6412-01 | 3 credits
June 15–June 24, Fridays, 6:00 pm–10:00 pm, Saturdays–Sundays, 9:00 am–6:00 pm

The Theory and Practice of Creative Imagination
GEXTH 8007-01 | 3 credits
June 15–June 24, Friday–Sunday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm

Expressive Therapy Brown Bag Lunch on Noh Theatre

2007-04-05T09:27:00.000-04:00

A research symposium involving Expressive Therapy

2007-03-15T07:38:00.001-04:00

Lesley University's PhD programs in Expressive Therapies and Educational Studies, in conjunction with the Pluralistic Wellness Program at Harvard Divinity School and MSPP are co-sponsoring a Symposium entitled "Body, Mind and Spirit: Innovations in Research, Practice and Pedagogy.

Friday, March 30, 2007, 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Lesley University, Porter Exchange Building, 1815 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, Massachusetts

"Check out some of these exciting Expressive Therapy offerings:

“Art: Creating Experience Through Touch”
Amy Morrison

Often we are told to not touch the art. That art is meant to be seen but not physically interacted with. This presentation explores art that is made to be touched, to be experienced through our senses. The exhibit titled "Pulse: Art, Healing and Transformation", shown at the ICA will be our jumping off point. We will examine the context in which this experiential art is exhibited and the lives of the artists who create such work. The presenter will speak about her art piece, “Holding While Being Held" that was exhibited in the Marran Gallery at Lesley University, the impetus for creating this piece and the process of creating it. Discussion will entail community and meaning making regarding this art form and how presentation participants can create and offer their own experiences through art that can be touched.

“Spirit and Form: An Encounter with Embodied Imagery of the Divine in Hindu India”
Hadass Harel

In this presentation, the presenter will concretely and visually invite participants on to the ground floor of her research: she will share imagery of street statues of the goddess Kali, photographed by her during the Hindu festival of Kali puja in Kolkatta. Gathered in a true ethnographic fashion, the images, (floating in a sea of others), were with her for a long time before a clear focus of their statement as “research” begun to emerge. In a myriad ways, her study is still a work in progress. At this mid-point in her research, the presenter would like to share with lecture participants the steps now behind her: The mechanics and the guiding principles of visual research – and the meaning and implications of the statues within their original segment of Hindu religion, culture, and aesthetics. The presenter would like to invite discussion of challenges and potential directions awaiting her in the next portion of her study. Can meaning and spirit travel, via Art, beyond the confines and the dialectics of a particular culture? What are some of the ways one might measure, and debate, such meaning as it is embodied in concrete form?

“Group Facilitation Using Fairytales and Expressive Therapies”
Lourdes F. Brache-Tabar

As a beginning professional and student, the presenter would like to share the work she has done using various modalities of creative arts in group psychotherapy that took place over the course of three years. She hopes to have the opportunity to learn what other therapists are doing with body work and creativity. Her research interest is in young women and women in their midyears.

“What I Think About Me: Assessment of Self-Concept in Adolescent Girls”
Donna C. Owens, Tonya Ferraro

Self-concept is what you think about yourself. This workshop will present preliminary findings in a study designed to create a creative self-concept tool for use with adolescent girls. The participants are enrolled in the United South End Settlements’ Arts Incentives Program (AIP). AIP is a clinically informed, arts-based, youth development program that works with high-risk girls ages 11-18. Its mission is to help those young people living at the cusp of trauma and disregard be successful in all areas of their lives through skill-building in the arts, arts-based mentorships, art making, performance, and exhibition of their work. The proposed tool is based on creating paper dolls and is measured against a proven self-concept assessment. Participants will be given the opportunity to experience the tool. Further research is being done and participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and contribute ideas for future study. It is hoped that this assessment tool can be broadened to include other aspects of identity beyond self-concept. Other areas informally assessed using this tool have included fine and gross motor skills, communication skills, and family dynamics. Much more research in many areas is needed to move this assessment forward.

“Baquine/ Velorio del Angelito: Transforming Individual Mourning through “The Imagistic Exchange: Communication through Imagery in the Mother/Daughter Relationship”
Denise Malis, with Mekkin Lynch

Our original grouping and initial experiences with community are based in family. The connection to others and to ourselves stems from these early interactions and communications. Family as imagery often marks an interesting juncture in the lives of woman artists as it attempts to define the psyche and the relational base of women’s social and psychological stages of growth. The importance of relationships is central to the development of a woman’s identity and psyche. According to Jean Baker-Miller (1991) and Carol Gilligan (1982), women are rooted in their relationships. Both Baker-Miller and Gilligan differentiate between male vs. female development, citing areas of autonomy and separation vs. connectedness and intimacy. Art therapists on the whole tend to be predominantly female. It is important for art therapists to understand their own biases, communication patterns and familial relationships. Art therapists have to be aware of issues such as transference and countertransference and underlying dynamics. These dynamics often echo the early communication which takes place within key relationships that have occurred during their development. Art therapists find strength from their ongoing connection to their art making process. A fundamental component of art therapy is based in non-verbal communication. Specific to art therapy and communication is the centrality of images and image making (as process and product). In consideration of this it is vital to explore female communication, specifically the interaction and relationship between mother/daughter. Personal and professional growth is often interconnected and threaded through relationship. Visual references to the mother/daughter relationship will be viewed in artwork by the presenter, art therapist Denise Malis, and her daughter, Mekkin Lynch

“Creating An Accessible Art Environment”
Jessica Case

The Creative Arts Program at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) is a multi-faceted program that offers patients the opportunity to explore studio art, music, dance/movement, theater/drama, and writing workshops, as well as a humor program. By using or being exposed to the creative arts, individuals can discover different ways to be in the present moment, as they imagine and create their future. The creative arts are gentle therapies that are especially helpful during difficult times, when patients might feel overwhelmed with diagnoses and treatment plans. The Arts Studio provides a place where there is no confrontation, labeling, or definition in order to find a quiet and healing space inside. These approaches encourage and support the exploration of the personal creative process by making them readily available. Art is made accessible to patients of all different artistic levels in this program by catering to the individual and providing a wide variety of opportunities. In this presentation, the presenter will provide examples of workshops, projects, and case studies that have allowed her to make the arts accessible to patients of all artistic levels in a variety of ways.

“Who Am I This Week?: The Doctoral Process as Transformative Learning and Identity Re-formation”
Steven W. Durost

The Doctoral Program is a transformative experience, creating shifts in how one thinks about the world and how one views one's self. Sometimes the changes are slow and unnoticed and at other times the renovations happen so fast, one is left wondering "who am I today?" This wild, wonderful and scary process has been called Transformational Learning. Occurring when deep shifts take place in one's thinking, feeling and behavioral patterns...shifts which can alter one's sociocultural perspective, physical awareness, relational interactions, internal monologues, etc. The presenter is interested how transformational learning alters one's sense of self and thereby changes one's identity. Through this "re-formation" process, identity is questioned, analyzed, reorganized and made anew. The presenter will look at Elliott Mishler's discussion of identity formation as non-linear in contrast to Erikson's identity formation as a series of developmental stages. The presenter will also draw on the theory of transformational learning and identity formation to discuss the "mind-altering" experience of working towards a doctorate. Participants will be asked to contribute to discussion on key element in creating transformational learning environments, especially at the doctoral level. Doctoral candidates will find comfort in the information and stories presented, coming away with a knowledge that they are not alone in feeling the world is changing around them…from the inside out.

“The Social Nervous System and Its Correlates to Community Based Art Therapy”
Michael Franklin

Community as well as the human nervous system is built out of meaningful collective interactions (Chilton Pearce, 2002; Cozolino, 2002; Dissanayake, 1992; Porges, 2001; Schore, 2000; Timm-Botos, 1995). The arts offer unique opportunities to foster and solidify these social connections (Hannaford, 1995) through poetic uses of movement, sound, language and visual images. Each of these artforms, when witnessed, has the potential to express complex life events and foster social bonding. More than ever we need safe community spaces that can offer social connection and witnessing by uniting disparate groups of people together in safe environments like a community art studio. In addition to this perspective, thoughtful explanations that articulate why these practical studio spaces are important for social and cultural policy makers are essential for the field of art therapy. This presentation will discuss these themes, focusing on the neurological connections between the social brain and the social nervous system (Caldwell, 2004; Chilton Pearce, 2002; Cozolino, 2002; Porges, 2001; Schore, 2000) along with the importance of the studio environment (Allen, 1992; Franklin, 1996; McNiff, 1997; Moon, 2002). These topics will be addressed through an investigation of the social brain, specifically attachment behavior (Karen, 1994; Schore, 2000; Siegel, 1999) and mirror neurons (Gallese, 2003; Rothschild, 2004). The community based art studio (Allen, 2001) becomes a place to nurture the social brain and build on earlier forms of attachment behavior (Karen,1994; Schore, 2000; Siegel,1999) that can often be ignored in adolescence and adulthood. Art, at its core, is subjective and objective, private and public, communicating the depth of personal experience within a social context. Due to its correlation to deep emapthic experience, the art process, when practiced in community, offers connections to early attunement experiences and empathic mirroring (Gallese, 2003; Lachman-Chapin, 2001). Several of these related yet to be integrated topics will be discussed in a unified presentation of the social nervous system and studio based art therapy.

“Creative Art Therapy for Healthy Aging”
Sunhee Kim

Art is one of the most powerful ways of producing many different kinds of experiences, and it contributes to mental development and social adjustment. Some of the therapeutic benefits of art are gaining a sense of connection between internal and external reality, feelings of mastery by giving form to and integrating conflicting feelings, and satisfying creative and expressive urges. The presenter sees art as both stimulation to and an expression of overall mental functioning, and it often bridges unseen cognition and outward physical evidence. Art helps us sustain our lives, not only to achieve feelings of joy and fulfillment, but also to maintain our health on basic and necessary levels. Art is an important method for developing a sense of connection to and understanding of our environment, including the people around us. All of these are true to in old age. We consider, however, old age as a period of deceleration and diminishment in the energy of life. Many of the elderly feel that they have lost their worthiness and connection to the world. Various mental health disciplines, including psychotherapy, are used to relieve their stress and improve the quality of their lives. Better yet, creative arts, such as music, art, drama, and dance can span time and space therapeutically, thereby targeting specific issues and needs of the elderly. The arts can connect us not only to our inner selves and self-worth, but also to other people, who can share time and space through the medium of the art. Furthermore, group arts experiences enable empathic connections among elderly participants, creating social support from the same factors that outside the therapeutic environment expose individuals to isolation and pain.

“Body-Mind-Spirit in Context: Beyond an Individualistic, Toward a Relational Paradigm”
Colleen D. Brown, Kaitlin Mulcahy, Tara Mullan Rousseau

This discussion will suggest that to be fully wholistic, an understanding of the intrarelationship within the human – body-mind-spirit – must consider the human as an interrelational being, and thus the whole relationality of body-mind-spirit within its social and ecological context. Social and environmental pathologies, and healing agents, must be considered vital to explore in the process of finding what hinders, and heals, the body-mind-spirit of an individual. Beyond the isolating limitations of an individualistic, biospsychospiritual approach to assisting human healing, or wholeness, community-based health and healing work offers experiences of and insights into the relationality of body-mind-spirit beyond the individual human being, into the wider world through which s/he is created by, and creates, relationally meaningful existence. Through a discussion about work within a community-transforming, family-centered social service agency in Brooklyn, individual social healing from sectarian trauma in Belfast, and accompanying the homeless community in Boston, the presenters will share their own movements from an individualistic to a community-oriented understanding of wholistic healing: body-mind-spirit in context.

“The Mind, Body, Spirit Connection in Transpersonal Drama Therapy”

Saphira B. Linden, Lynn Bratley, Chris Carbone, Patrick Hughes, Colleen Jordan, Pete Kovner, Jaclyn Newman
Transformation as we define it is not about changing, but rather uncovering who we are in our essential selves. Drama Therapy with a transpersonal approach assumes health rather than pathology which helps clients and audiences shift their identities from a limited sense of self to their essential core self, which can never be tarnished by conditioning, abuse or trauma. It works with balancing all parts of one self and holds all emotions as sacred coming from love in pure and distorted forms. The Transpersonal approach also honors the interconnectedness of all living beings including plants, animals and humans. The presenters will demonstrate with actual case studies the application of the Transpersonal Drama Therapy principles. Examples will be shared from a wide variety of populations and methods. In all cases, the presenters will be distilling from a broader experience, the highlights of their work using this approach. The connection between Mind, Body, and Spirit is fundamental to understanding how Transpersonal Drama Therapy happens. Since transpersonal drama therapy is an embodied therapeutic form, it takes the Mind, Body, Spirit connection even further than other therapeutic approaches. The presenters will talk about how some anecdotal research has been conducted informally toward the end of eventually creating more rigorous research to demonstrate the efficacy of this approach.

Creative Arts Therapy Week - March 18-25, 2007

2007-03-12T06:33:00.000-04:00

One way to get more jobs and recognition for the amazing work that we do is to spread the word about the work...
Don't wait for someone else to do it - Let it BE YOU!

From the website of the National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies:

This is the 28th anniversary of the National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies. In honor of the coalition building many creative arts therapy leaders have done over the years, we would like to invite you to celebrate within your community the extraordinary work of the creative arts therapists all over the world.

- Host an open house with other CAT colleagues to display and demonstrate your modality or provide a workshop or seminar open to the public.
- Offer to run a career day with colleagues at a local high school or college.
- Provide a staff development in-service to broaden the knowledge of other professionals in your own institution or agency.
- Visit other schools, nursing homes, day-care centers to provide a creative arts therapy experience.
- Arrange a display at your local library (and in your own institution or agency!)
- Put up posters and leave flyers wherever you go. (Flyers will be available from NCCATA).

Suggestions for Media Coverage:

- Send out press release to your local paper announcing Creative Arts Therapies Week activities in your community.
- Send a letter or e-mail to the Public Service Director of your local radio and TV stations for a PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT. (Be sure to include your contact information.)
- Arrange for you or a colleague to be INTERVIEWED by a local paper or station, highlighting your work.

Be sure to send a notice of your scheduled activity to Donna Betts, NCCATA Virtual Assistant, at DonnaBettsATRBC@aol.com, to be posted here on the NCCATA WEB site after March 25th, 2007.

http://www.nccata.org/CATs_week.htm

I'm back! and Evidence-based research in Expressive Therapies

2007-03-08T10:07:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

I'm back from sabbatical - and I've been trying to think about how to re-invigorate my blog and my practice! Unfortunately, I've been pretty swamped with re-entry, teaching 3 classes this semester, and our big ET office move. But I've always thought - the best time to do something on the web is when you're completely overwhelmed. The satisfaction of the instant post is AWESOME!

Besides, there are always things to inspire us in this field... so I have decided to begin with a posting of a compilation of resources in "Evidence-based research in ET." The whole notion of evidence-based research and practice is a hot topic, so I hope I've have posted something that can generate conversation!

Let's get it started! Tell me what you think!
and thanks for your interest!
Karen

****

Evidence-based research in Expressive Therapies
compiled by Karen Estrella March 2007

Chapman, L., Morabito, D. & Ladakakos, C. (2001). The effectiveness of art therapy interventions in reducing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in pediatric trauma patients. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 18 (2), 100-104.

Edwards, J. (2005). Possibilities and problems for evidence-based practice in music therapy. Arts in Psychotherapy, 32 (4), 293-301.

Esterling, B. A., L'Abate, L., Murray, E. J., & Pennebaker, J. W. (1999). Empirical
foundations for writing in prevention and psychotherapy: Mental and physical health outcomes. Clinical psychology review, 19 (1), 79-96.

Evans, D. (2002). The effectiveness of music as an intervention for hospital patients: a systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 37 (1), 8-18.

Gilroy, A. (2006). Art Therapy, Research and Evidence-based Practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Heenan, D. (2006). Art as therapy: An effective way of promoting positive mental health? Disability & Society, 21 (2), 179-191.

Higgins, M., McKevitt, C. & Wolfe, C. D. A. (2005). Reading to stroke unit patients: Perceived impact and potential of an innovative arts based therapy. Disability and Rehabilitation: An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 27 (22), 1391-1398.

Hilliard, R.E. (2005). Music therapy in hospice and palliative care: A review of the empirical data. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2 (2), 173-178.

Johnson, D. R. (2000). Creative therapies. In E. B. Foa, T. M. Keane & M. J. Friedman (Eds. ), Effective treatments for PTSD: Practice guidelines from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (pp. 302-314). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

Koch, S. C., & Brauninger. I. (2005). International dance/movement therapy research: Theory, methods, and empirical findings. American Journal of Dance Therapy, 27 (1), 37-46.

Malchiodi, C. A. (1999). Medical art therapy with children. Philadelphia: Jessica
Kingsley Publishers.

Monti D. A & Peterson C. (2004). Mindfulness-based art therapy: Results from a two year study. Psychiatry Times, 21, 63 –66.

Nainis, N., Paice, J. A., & Ratner, J. (2006). Relieving symptoms in cancer: Innovative use of art therapy. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 31 (2), 162-169.

Pifalo, T. (2006). Art therapy with sexually abused children and adolescents: Extended research study. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 23 (4), 181-185.

Pizarro, J. (2004). The efficacy of art and writing therapy: Increasing positive mental
health outcomes and participant retention after exposure to traumatic experience. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 21 (1), 5-12.

Reynolds, M.W., Nabors, L. & Quinlan, A. (2000). The effectiveness of art therapy: Does it work? Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 17 (3), 207-213.

Rousseau, C., Drapeau, A., Lacroix, L., Bagilishya, D., & Heusch, N. (2005). Evaluation of a classroom program of creative expression workshops for refugee and immigrant children. Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, 46 (2), 180-185.

Rusted, J., Sheppard, L. & Waller, D. (2006). A multi-centre randomized control group trial on the use of art therapy for older people with dementia. Group Analysis, 39 (4), 517-536.

Smeijsters, H. (2006). Research in practice. Music Therapy Today (Online 22nd December),VII (4), 781-838. Available at http://musictherapyworld.net

Wolf Bordonaro, G. P. (2005). Art therapy with hospitalized pediatric patients. Dissertation Abstracts International, 66 (5), 1600A (UMI No. AAT 3137634).

Pat Allen

2006-05-22T18:17:00.000-04:00

So when i first published the blog I posted this posting, but then I was editing it and trying to figure out how I wanted it to look and ended up taking the post off... But I wanted to put it back on, and I wanted to encourage you to join the discussion...

Check out the comments under the first posting!

***
Nothing like immediately being humbled! I just found Pat Allen's home page and blog.

Wow... check it out and be inspired!

Pat Allen's web page

Pat Allen's blog

A great poster sesssion!

2006-05-17T07:47:00.000-04:00

The Masters students presented their research in the Expressive Therapy division's Annual Research Poster Session on May 5, 2006.

Visiting the poster session were graduate students, faculty and alum.

in addition, we had an art exhibit by graduate student Natalie Blue, entitled "The Artist Within"

Please see the 2006 Thesis Research page for more titles, and links to the abstracts!

Pictures from the "Dance in the Streets" Event

2006-05-04T11:28:00.000-04:00

April 21-28 was DANCE THERAPY WEEK IN MASSACHUSETTS!

Lesley Dance therapy faculty and students celebrated DANCE THERAPY WEEK with the community on the Cambridge Commons on Saturday April 22, 2006.

This event took place the day before the one day New England Dance Therapy Association's spring conference entitled, "Transforming Lives Through Dance/Movement Therapy."

2006 Expressive Therapy Poster Session - New Research

2006-05-01T10:06:00.000-04:00

The class of 2006 here at Lesley will be presenting their research on a variety of subjects. Please come and support them and see their work.

Friday, May 5, 1:00-1:45 PM Porter 408

Here are some examples of the theses titles: (Don't they look awesome!!!!)

* Hogan, S. (2006). Understanding the experiences of three- to five-year-olds in group expressive therapy.
* Simon, N. (2006). Drawing on empathy: What is the experience of empathy in cross-cultural counseling?
* Hanney, C. (2006). Becoming a Music Therapist, One Breath at a Time: A Self-Analysis of Personal and Professional Development.
* Ferrazzani, J. (2006). Performance and Self-Disovery: A Group's Eight Week Journey Through Dance/Movement, Drama, and Performance Development.
* Brown, C. (2006). Creative process as peace process: The role of Psychosocial Arts Therapies in transforming poverty<>violence.
* Alfonso, G. (2006). Building Bridges: The Expressive Arts for Social Justice in Asia.
* Burkstein, S. R. (2006). Creating the Dance: Understanding Self through Movement Expression.
* Sordillo, S. L. (2006). Art Therapy on Wheels: Designing, Creating and Implementing An Expressive Arts Cart within a Medical Setting.
* Fox, B. W. (2006). Ecological Expressive Arts Therapy: The integration of expressive therapy and ecopsychology examined through creative nature journaling process.
* Fryar, L (2006). Soul Medicine: the curative affects of the creative process and the arts.
* Farnham, S. (2006). Embodied Presence: Dance/Movement Therapists∂f Experiences of Presence in Clinical Practice

Seasons: An Exploration of Life Cycles

2006-04-24T21:35:00.000-04:00

Sunday evening the students of the PhD program in Expressive Therapies will also sponsor "Seasons: An Exploration of Life Cycles" - a performance and gallery show of the creative works of first-year Expressive Therapies doctoral students. The gallery show and performance will follow the PhD student research conference on Sunday, April 30th. The gallery opening will be at Marran Gallery at 5pm, and the performance will be at 6pm at the Marran Theater.

Igniting the Synapses
Seasons: An Exploration of Life Cycles
Gallery Opening

As the scientist uses a microscope to study the cells of a leaf, or a astronaut uses a ship to view the whole of planet earth, so did these art-based researchers use color, light, mood, tone, self-reflection and time to explore their subjects. Displayed in Marran are the creative documentation of the Art Apprenticeship’s doctoral student’s two semester research projects. These artist-scientists invite you to view their offerings, to think about the season, and meditate on the cycles of our lives.

Emily Marsick made her art installation in response to several poems. Poetry Therapy is a modality in which a person reads a poem and responds personally with creative writing or another art modality. Emily used five poems as a departure point for the entire installation about therapy as a reflection of the growth processes found in nature and in the creative process.

Ji Hyun Lee presents Home is Where the Heart Is made from boxes and found objects. Have ever thought about what kind of furniture you would be if you could be furniture? Or, have you ever thought about which room represents you? A bedroom, a living room, or a kitchen? A single piece of furniture does not make a room and a single room does not make a house. A house without a family does not make a home….

Dorothy Anderson has pieces shown in the gallery which are selected from a series created as part of a heuristic arts based research project titled, Kylie and Mommy: The Story of Our Connection As Told Through Art. The art and corresponding poetry is my response to watching videotapes of our daily mother/daughter activities recorded when she was 3 ½ to 5 ½ months old. The following themes surfaced in the art and taught me about the quality and evolution of our relationship: Potential, Journey, Reciprocity, Independence, Stillness, Witnessing and Imagination.

Steven Durost uses large formatted nature pictures to reveal the striking beauty of a flower and a leaf, and seeing them up close unveils the design and intimacy of a whole other world. The afghan pieces speak to the precise work of rows and rows of stitches, yet the pieces themselves call across the years to embody the similarities and differences among four generations. His work expresses connection between the ethereal life cycle beauty of a flower and a human, whether in a few days or across generations.

Igniting the Synapses
Seasons: An Exploration of Life Cycles
Performance Pieces

Created in separate unity, these art-based research pieces started out as unbounded and unguided explorations of the artist-scientists doctoral students of the Art Apprenticeship class. They supported each other through two semesters to create individual performance pieces. However, it was not until bringing the pieces together that they realized they had all been working on parts of the life cycle. Serendipitous? Magic? Coincidence? You decide as you view the debut of these creative pieces.

Dorothy Anderson-Perales
Kylie and Mommy: The Story of Our Connection As Told Through Art
This performance piece tells the story of connection between my daughter, Kylie and myself as we grew to know and relate to each other when she was between the ages of 3 ½ to 5 ½ months old. During that time, I video taped some of our activities and then responded to what I witnessed though visual art and poetry. A summary of my heuristic, arts based research is expressed in this performance piece combining, poetry, photography, visual art, audio recording, song and movement.

Dong Min Kim
Towards My Own Musical Individuation
As a Korean woman raised in a Confucian culture that has required women to be silent, submissive, passive, dependent, obedient and inexpressive, I had a hard time figuring out how to be true to myself. Since I had long been trained as a classical musician, I had been banned from improvisation and encouraged only to recreate music as it was. I remember how frustrated I was when I was asked to improvise on the spot during the first improvisation class in my music therapy training. It was such a reawakening moment for me to realize that I needed to find my musical self to become fully human. Individuation is a life-long journey, and I just hope to be awake during my journey.

JI Hyun Lee
Circle of Family
I have been always fascinated by the uniqueness of each family I have met. After I came here, America, I became interested in my own family origin. A lot of meaning of life breathes in this small word, Family: Joy in birth, curiosity in a new beginning, happiness in companionship, wholeness in a sense of belonging, satisfaction in achievement, sadness in losing a loved one, and patience in hard times. The song is about a husband mourning for his dying wife. It is a sad song, but even death is part of the circle of family, and families go on forever. The pictures used here are from my own family and some are from Korean families.

Steven Durost
The Elder Projec
“Old age is no place for sissies” said the indomitable Betty Davis. Becoming old takes no particular effort; being old takes a great deal of courage. As life cycles into its final stages, one reminisces on life, death and everything in between. Life processing can be a source of great pain as well as great resiliency. My conceptualization of the elderly has been altered a number of times through my close connection with my older relatives, my creative counseling of nursing home residents in America, and my profound experience with traumatized elders in Capetown, South Africa. This art-based exploration is dedicated to each of these elders who taught me so much about life, about others and about myself.

Igniting the Synapses conference

2006-04-24T20:58:00.000-04:00

This past weekend, Lesley sponsored a successful conference of the New England chapter of the American Dance Therapy Association. We'd love to hear from you. Did you go to the conference? Tell us about it...

This coming Sunday, the PhD Expressive Therapy program is sponsoring a one day conference called "Igniting the Synapses: Stimulating the Lesley Community." The conference will take place on our Main Campus from 1-8 pm.

Igniting the Synapses - Schedule of Sessions
12:30-1:00pm Registration and refreshments (Student Center, 2nd Floor)

1:00 pm – Session A
Dr. John Aram & Emily Marsick – Wolford 202
Planning Task Force for a PhD Program in Social Change: A Roundtable Discussion
Many questions arise if one wants to design a doctoral program to maximize the integration of theory and practice in the study of social change. And these questions will form the base of this roundtable. John and Emily are seeking to engage the participants in a lively discussion with will help provide useful feedback for the Planning Task Force

Cameron L. Marzelli – Wolford 203
Is This a Mirror I See Before Me? Adolescent Girls Use Imaginal Writing to Re-vision Life Experience
Cameron’s research was conducted with three adolescent girls over the last 12 months and, in general, deals with therapeutic applications of imaginal writing. More specifically, Cameraon was interested in how the writing process might facilitate resilience in adolescent girls who have already been challenged by life experience. Cameron will be presenting her research and observations to date.

Carol Watson-Phillips – Wolford 204
Relational Fathering: Relational-Cultural Theory and Male Relational Development
Presenting on a much needed topic, Carol will be discussing her research findings and observations about Relational Fathering. This cutting edge research looks at the impact of fathering on the fathers, revealing how men grow and develop as a result of their relationships with their sons.

2:00 pm – Session B
Jane Ferris Richardson – Wolford 202
The Autism Arts Project: A Roundtable Discussion
The goal of the autism arts project is to identify and examine art therapy interventions or programs for individuals on the autism spectrum, including their philosophy, goals, outcomes, and plans for future development. Jane is seeking input from the roundtable participants as to structuring her inquiry, both the initial survey and the later in depth study. She will discuss her model for using art therapy with children on the autism spectrum, and how client response has led her into further investigation.

Julie Casella, Steven Durost & Nancy Simon (in absentia) – Wolford 203
Expressive Therapies-Based Classroom Crisis Intervention
A presentation of Julie, Steven and Nancy’s crisis intervention work with a First Grade Class who lost a fellow classmate to a traumatic death. These three students are working on an article about their experience and will be looking for feedback on their work and approaches to the article. Come and hear about this very compelling communal grieving process.

Karen Estrella – Wolford 204
I am, a, um, Psychologist: The Experience of Social Class Identity and Status Among Psychotherapists from the Working-Class
Currently investigating the impact of social class on the personal and professional identities of doctoral-level psychotherapists from working-class and/or poor backgrounds, Karen will present her work to date. She will be presenting narrative analysis methodology, talking about her preliminary analysis of the pilot data, and asking for feedback on the possibility of utilizing this method as a jumping point for introducing a more arts-based research method, namely poetic re-presentation of the data.

3:00 pm – Session C
Carmen Aldinger – Wolford 202
The Process of Implementing Health-Promoting Schools in Zhejiang Province, China
Carmen will talk about her experiences with data collection, transcription and translation and beginning of analysis. This information and example will provide participants with relevant information on these key processes for all PhD students.

Dorothy Anderson – Wolford 203
A Personal Exploration of Art-Based Research
This presentation will outline the steps that Dorothy took in two personal art-based research projects. She will highlight what struck her as interesting, unpredictable or valuable in collecting and analyzing data. Dorothy will also discuss how the two projects are linked and refer to the theoretical foundations that influence her work.

Dr. Speiser, Julia Leavitt Kutzen, Deb Goldman, Nava Lotan, Ilene Beth Chodos and Donna Newman Bluestein – Wolford 204
Moving In and Moving Out: The Use of Authentic Movement as a Research Tool
This presentation will demonstrate the work of the Moving in Tongues Collaborative. This group of seasoned and well established dance therapists has been moving together continually for over a decade. The group will spontaneously perform and will discuss the process of performance making/life making from Authentic Movement to writing to collective writing to choreographing/moving out of the writing.

4:00 pm – Session D
Mary Carberry – Wolford 201
The Education Needs of the Hospitalized Adolescent with Cancer
A working session, Mary will present her present research on hospital education for adolescents with cancer. After which, she is seeking ideas on how to improve the survey, to analyze the data, and to create an end product.

Irit Halperin – Wolford 202
The Moral Action of Israeli Women Peace Activists
This session will focus on Irit’s work and observations of a group of women peace activist in Israel. Come hear about these heroic women.

Kathleen Howland – Wolford 203
Creating Original Operas with Special Needs Students
This presentation will summarize Kathleen’s research over the past four years with special needs students who create their own original opera productions. The purpose of this research has been to better understand the abilities of special needs students to participate in intensive arts productions.

Marilyn Fraktman – Wolford 204
Play: Fostering Growth and Development and Interpersonal Relationships
A presentation of a program-initiated research project that is based in the literature that stresses play as a necessary and important element in the development and mental health of infants and children.

Creating a forum for discussion

2006-04-14T17:15:00.000-04:00

For some time I've been discussing the possibility of creating a blog for expressive therapy on my website with one of our alum, Eve Lyons. Well, there's nothing like a pressing project (how will I motivate myself when my dissertation is done?!) to get you moving!

My hope is that this can be a way to make expressive therapy even more of a living process for those of us who are interested in learning more about it.

So, here we go!