Expressive Arts Therapy

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 ref...

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 th...

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...

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)

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!

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

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.