THE PLACE OF THE CREATIVE ARTS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY<br /> Adam Blatner, M.D.<br /> (First posted in 2002; Re-posted, November 18, 2004)<br /> <br /> Abstract: There are a number of dimensions of healing involved in the creative arts therapies, but one that I want to emphasize is the power of improvisation and how that generates a receptivity to and increased sense of connection with the creative subconscious mind.<br /> Over the past half century, the creative arts have gradually become recognized as vehicles for healing in psychiatric treatment. Creative arts therapists of various kinds have developed their own organizations, so there are now national associations of art, music, dance, poetry, and drama therapists. At present, most hospitals, day treatment centers, and outpatient clinics have one or more creative arts or “expressive” therapists. (Expressive therapists tend to use two or more creative arts media in synergy.) They offer an experiential approach that can involving clients individually, in families, or in groups, and this approach in turn may be part of a multi-modal, integrative treatment plan.<br /> Historic Perspective
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