What is Expressive Arts Therapy? Here are two explanation from the leaders in the field: From "The Creative Connection" (1993) by Dr. Natalie Rogers PhD Expressive arts therapy uses various arts- movement, drawing, painting, sculpting, music, writing, sound, and improvisation - in a supportive setting to facilitate growth and healing. It is a process of discovering ourselves through any art form that comes from an emotional depth. It is not creating a 'pretty' picture. It is not a dance ready for the stage. It is not a poem written and rewritten to perfection. We express inner feelings by creating outer forms. Expressive art refers to using the emotional, intuitive aspects of ourselves in various media. To use the arts expressively means going into our inner realms to discover feelings and to express them through visual art, movement, sound, writing or drama. We use the arts to let go, to express and to release. Clients report that the expressive arts have helped them to go beyond their problems to envisioning themselves taking action in the world constructively. Involving oneself intensely with the creative process brings an alignment of mind and body, creating an opening to receive divine energy. Discovering one's spirituality through creativity actually happens. From "The Foundations of Expressive Arts Therapy" (1999) by Dr. Stephen Levine PhD and Dr. Ellen Levine PhD Wholeness and self-actualization are seen as the goals of therapeutic work: the arts are necessary precisely because of their capacity for expressing the totality of the self. No matter what the framework, we sense a common concern with human suffering and the possibilities of an artistic response. Expressive Arts are those activities in which creative expression fosters psychological, physical and spiritual wellness. What if I am not an artist... Can I still do Expressive Arts? Yes! No art experience is necessary! The only thing that matters in Expressive Arts is to give yourself the freedom to create something that comes spontaneously. * Bring comfortable clothes that you won't mind getting dirty! * All criticism is left outside the front door. * The atmosphere is non-competitive. * There is no right or wrong way of doing things. * No experience with art media is necessary. * All feelings are allowed. * Individual dreams, aspirations, revelations and insights are given respect and encouragement. * Emotionally Safe environment.
To ignite your creativity To become aware about new interests To reconnect with your creative impulse To express your feelings through art media To explore your mind in an open-ended way To energize your ability to think outside the box To discover layers of your inner world Testimonials
joy to the group. Thank you." Fran Floersheimer - Program Manager Care Consultation, ARTS (Alzheimer’s Recreation Training Services) Alzheimer's Association- www.alz.org "Lorena: The (Diabetes Support Group) patients loved the expressive arts activities. I told my Director what you did and she thought it was great. The patient’s said that they really enjoyed being part of the program and not just sitting and listening. Thank you again for your wonderful program and I look forward to seeing you again soon." Janice Hertz RN, CDE Certified Diabetes Educator Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital 7777 Southwest Freeway, suite # 312 Houston, Texas 77074
wonderful opportunity to learn more about ourselves and our co-workers in a fun, creative, non-judgmental environment. The staff truly enjoyed the exercises you chose for our group. The EA workshop allowed us to see the importance of the arts in the self development of not only youth, but also adults. The workshop provides such a unique way for individuals to learn about themselves and others in a non-critical, fun and safe environment. Sincerely, Jean McMillan Executive Director Palmer Drug Abuse Program, www.pdaphouston.org "Lorena: On behalf of Psi Beta - HCC Chapter, I would like to thank you for conducting an Expressive Arts Workshop for us yesterday, Feb 19, 2008. It was a wonderful and meaningful experience for all who attended, to get in touch with the aspects of ourselves that may have been hidden or neglected. Again, many thanks for facilitating this memorable workshop!" Joanne Chiehwen Hsu, Ph. D., Psychology Professor and Department Chair Dept of Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology Houston Community College - Northwest" "I had the opportunity to be part of one of Lorena's workshops and got really impressed on how from pressumingly simplistic directed activities participants were able to gather info from their minds and hearts that was hidden somewhere like the big elephant in the room of their lives. It was a very moving and helpful experience. Knowing her book Spiritual Healing with Art also helped me to see the critical importance of art in our lives and how we can actually use it to heal, to leave our baggage behind and move on." Mariela Tinoco Human Resources Professional /Appreciative Career Coach Career 4 Change "As one of Lorena's first workshop participants a few years ago (2002), I can attest to the healing powers of art. The lifeline painting experience helped me to let go of the past, see what is important now, and highlight my dreams for the future. " Georgie Collis - Senior Training Manager Career Development Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC "You Divine phenomenal Woman Being! You are a great and I mean great facilitator. You were and are so calmed and centered. Everything to me flowed well from one thing to another. It was fun and energetic, yet it was deeply moving. I was really surprised by my reaction and my art. I admire your courage to deal with a controversial topic. It was beautiful! Thank you." L.M.B. "Me diverti, goze como loca. Ademas me permitiste entrar en las profundidades mas secretas de mi misma. Tu expontaneidad, tu diosa interna, tu creatividad y mera presencia hicieron de este workshop una experiencia inolvidable para mi (y para muchas tambien.) Sos una facilitadora y una artista incredible!! Gracias.": R.S. "Your relaxed, fun presence worked. You constantly gave permission to 'do what you want' A lot of freedom to explore any direction, nice. Glad you had people up and moving for ½ hour. Nice timing and design of movement, art and sharing. Your enthusiasm for life inspires others. Thanks" N.R. "Congratulations on doing such a f*cking great job! I admire you for doing a workshop on this, I would like to have that kind of courage. The sharing was very important and interesting to hear the variety of insights that came out in your offering." B.K. "You arranged the room in an inviting way with costumes, scarves around the circle and also on the banister of the entrance. It was great that you gave out copies of the lyrics so people could understand them and sing them. The group seemed to enjoy moving to the music and was very playful in dancing and singing, very good to have a lively, playful evening. The message of the lyrics seemed to inspire much of the art and touched into darker issues and memories. The art that emerged from it was thought provoking." S. D. "You are so warm and genuine, your love, excitement and enthusiasm are infectious. They drew me in to your workshop. It was good to move - if I had spent time sitting straight after dinner I may have got very sleepy! The lyrics were hard for me. - I think some gay women might have felt unable to connect with it. - I was very surprised how much came out for me in the art and in sharing it. It was good that you kept the plan simple. It gave me time to let my feelings really emerge and to have time to explore them and share them. It left me with some feeling of vulnerability my "difference" from other group members. You responded directly to me when I shared with the whole group - That was very valuable to me, gave me a feeling of being heard and really acknowledged. I needed that after sharing, helped me feel safe again." L. A. "Me has ensenado una nueva manera de aproximacion al trabajo con la sexualidad, con un recurso original y que sin duda atrae con fuerza emociones en los participantes. Reconosco en ti la autenticidad, la irreverencia, la honestidad, un sentido de la provocacion y tu condicion inexpugnable de artista apacionada." S.S. |
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