Expressive Arts Therapy

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.

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 - Me...

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