Abstracts of all Creative Arts Therapies Thesis and Research Papers will be placed in this site at a future date.        Sajnani, Nisha 2002     The Embodied Mandala Method as an Assessment Tool in Drama Therapy    The Embodied Mandala method evolved out of the Mandala method proposed by Dr. Sue Jennings as a viable structure to explore the self. This research is an exploration of the connection between embodiment, projection and role to the mandala structure and is intended as an integrated mind/body approach to understanding the self. The proposed methodology has been explored with adolescents seen individually and in a group format. Applications of this method for assessment within drama therapy as well as cross-cultural adaptability are discussed.         Saltzman, Mona 1990    Art in the Context of Family Therapy and Childhood Psychopathology    A brief retrospective of the history of family therapy with emphasis on systems theory, the systems model and family art therapy retraces its origins and development.  This thesis examines the role and the function of art in family art therapy when children present with psychopathology.   In the actual process of creating something in the presence of family members' communication occurs and inner feelings are expressed. How these creations act as facilitators towards the goals of family therapy is a focus of analysis.         Sandilands, Erin 2004    A role for Creative Arts Therapies in Treating ADHD    Explore ADHD treatment as a site of interaction between creative arts and mainstream therapies. The clinical considerations in treating children diagnosed ADHD are described, and the role for creative arts therapies is examined through the work of creative arts therapists who include this population in their practice. ADHD is increasingly defined as a biological disorder; this paper explores the history of arts-based treatments in biological disorders. Using the analysis of Thomas Kuhn, the nature of the creative arts therapies as an emerging field is considered, and the relationship between evidence-based and arts-based treatments are investigated.        Schwartz, Cynthia L. 1994    "Art Therapy - Opening Doors”: Master's Thesis Video and Organizational Manual    Art Therapy is a rapidly developing alternative to the traditional verbal therapies. It places much of its emphasis on the act of creative problem solving through the production of art work, within a therapeutic environment. The video, "Art Therapy - Opening Doors," is an attempt to synthesize many of the current trends, theory, approaches and ideology that make up the practice of Art Therapy. The information for this video was abstracted from a series of interviews with professional art therapists across Canada and the United States.   The sixteen minute video was edited with the potential employer in mind. The video was created in part, to serve as a resumé supplement for art therapists seeking employment. The video in this way, would introduce the concepts of art therapy, enabling the therapist to focus on why she/he might be the right art therapist for the position.   The manual entitled "Art Therapy - Opening Doors"; Master's Thesis Video Organizational Manual, is a written synthesis of the video. It includes the objectives for the video, the budget, proposals for financial assistance, the video content, notes on the filming, the interview techniques, editing and some helpful hints about the production of a thesis video.         Scott, E. Stephen 1997    The Effects of Body Imaging on the Graphic Expression of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in a Group Art Therapy Program     This thesis explores the effects of a structured focus on body imagery on the expressive graphic representations of mentally challenged adults in a group art therapy program. This program utilizes preliminary activities in two-part sessions in which the clients are oriented to a focus on movement and visual thinking through a thematic concentration on aspects of bodily self-representation. These activities include mirroring, relaxation and imaging, role-play, and graphic representation of physical sensation and emotion. The study provides evidence that these explorations enhance, through primarily non-verbal art processes, clients' symbolic self-representations. This is shown by decreases in rigidity, and shifts toward improvements in receptive/expressive cognitive functioning in the works done in the second part of the sessions. It is believed that flexibility in imagery productions facilitate variation in the expression of personal and motional thematic material, The study incorporates Neo-Piagetian understandings of developmental processes in children's graphic expression as well as principles of therapeutic approach which utilize prelinguistic cognitive organization. The findings provide evidence of the efficacy of "process" models of art therapy in serving the needs of adaptivity and growth in low-functioning clients.         Scott, E. Stephen 1998    Emotional and Behavioral Response in Latency: Self-image Drawings as Projective Measures of Self-construct in Children with Conduct Disorder in Art Therapy    This exploratory case study uses self-image drawings to examine the phenomenology of self-representation in children who have been referred to a child psychiatry clinic for conduct problems. The children were asked to "draw themselves" in a standardized 4 1/2 X 5 1/2" rectangle. Observation of the results included incorporation of established projective criteria for Human Figure Drawings (HFD's), and response to the constraint of the container for the drawing. These drawings were elicited over a period of 6 to 8 months during which the children were involved in Art Therapy and treatment at the clinic. Emotional responses and adaptive strategies were examined in the drawings in relation to the broad-band personality profiles of internalization-externalization. A study of the self-image drawings of two 8 year old boys who share many of the same referring problems showed differences in emotional and schematic content in the manner by which they represented themselves, and were seen to correspond to traits characteristic of their profiles. Depressive or negative mood was seen to be concurrent to internalization, and was reflected in the developmental level and self-limiting emotional indicators in body-image and response to the container. Externalization was seen to be expressed as concern for interaction, more fluid and developed drawings, and more positive associations. Changes in self-image were considered to correspond to the development of more positively integrated self-feelings.         Scott, Ron 2003    A Mixed-Methods Study Examining the Effectiveness of an Integrated Creative Arts Therapies Intervention on a Group of Depressed Adolescent Females    Depression is a serious mental disorder affecting a large percentage of female adolescents in contemporary society, which, due to a combination of psychiatric, environmental, social, and developmental factors, presents a remarkable challenge to the mental health professional. This paper evaluated the effectiveness of a group-based, combined art and drama therapy approach in treating three depressed adolescents. The study adopted a mixed methods approach, combining a quantitative and qualitative research methodology. A quantitative portion in the form of a quasi-experimental, pre-post research design was utilized in order to objectively demonstrate the effectiveness of the intervention with respect to the participants' levels of depression, anxiety, suicidality, self-esteem, conduct disorder, and global level of functioning. The qualitative portion provided some greater detail into the quantitative findings by means of descriptive case studies. Results of most quantitative measures were inconclusive, although all participants experienced an increase in self-esteem. However, the qualitative evidence presented some rationale for the inconclusive evidence, and demonstrated some additional improvements in levels of depression, self-awareness, and emotional expression. Due to the significant limitations of the study, it was concluded that the study holds validity as a pilot study, but that further research is necessary to empirically demonstrate the effectiveness of this intervention.        Séguin, Véronique 2007    Exploration du processus de séparation-individuation : une étude de cas examinant la relation mère-enfant en art-thérapie    La relation mère-enfant et principalement les questions relatives à l'attachement et à l'individuation ont fait l'objet de nombreuses recherches. S'il est impératif de connaître les effets de cette relation sur le développement de l'enfant, il n'est pas moins essentiel d'accroître et de perfectionner les méthodes d'intervention permettant de réduire les perturbations symbiotiques. La présente recherche entend démontrer l'hypothèse selon laquelle l'art-thérapie, grâce à ses qualités expressive, créative et communicative, s'avère un mode de traitement particulièrement efficace à ce stade relationnel primaire. Ce travail de recherche repose principalement sur l'apport théorétique et clinique des théoriciens de l'attachement, notamment Malher, Bowlby et Ainsworth, ainsi que sur le complexe de la « mère morte » défini par le psychanalyste André Green. Le développement psychique et socio-affectif de l'enfant, le processus de séparation-individuation, ainsi que les modèles d'intervention conçus pour traiter les conflits émanant du noyau primaire font l'objet d'une étude détaillée. L'ensemble de la recherche est soutenu par une étude de cas descriptive (single case design) reposant sur une méthodologie qualitative, et vise à démontrer l'efficacité d'un traitement art-thérapeutique de courte durée dans la réduction de l'anxiété de séparation et le renforcement de l'individuation d'une dyade mère-enfant.        Sequeira, Cristal 1996    Healing Through Art: An Exploration of the Efficacy of Art Therapy with Children with Cancer     This paper is an exploration of the efficacy of art therapy interventions with children with cancer. Some of the issues to be addressed are: the history and causes of cancer; the physical and psychological effects of cancer on children; the various treatments available; the current literature on using art therapy with this population; and the factors which contribute to the efficacy of art therapy. The research indicates that art therapy is mainly used to help children cope with their illness; however, together with visualisation strategies, drawings are also used to facilitate the physical healing process. Due to the exploratory nature of this paper, conclusions are formulated in terms of further work to be accomplished in order to better understand the role of art therapy in helping children with cancer.         Sequeira, Cristal 1997    The Pregnant Art Therapist: The Mother-to-be and the Child Client    This paper discusses the impact of the therapist's pregnancy on the therapist, client, and therapeutic work. Each of the three phases of pregnancy is accompanied by several emotional and physical changes. For the therapist these are experienced together with shifts in identity and new demands on her repertoire of therapeutic techniques. The child client may experience fear of abandonment, sibling rivalry, concerns about nascent sexuality, and other counter transference issues. A literature review is presented first, before the interplay between client and therapist is discussed using clinical case illustrations of four children in art therapy. In the particular case of short term art therapy with children with behavioural problems, the therapist's pregnancy facilitated the therapeutic process and led to emotional growth in the child client and the therapist.         Shalmon, Maya. 2007    Self-mutilation, pathology, and performance: Implications for art therapy     This research addresses the phenomenon of self mutilation, as practiced by adolescents and adults living in contemporary Western society, as found in the imagery of clients in art therapy, and as performed by artists as part of their body of work. Literature on self-mutilation in the fields of psychiatry, psychology, and art therapy is compared to and contrasted with art historical literature on a selection of contemporary performance artists using self-mutilation in their work. The principle aim of this research is to examine the motivations and functions of self-mutilation performed in the contexts of pathology and of performance of art. The subsidiary aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between the actor and the viewer, be it the performance artist and the audience, of the client and the therapist. This study uses a theoretical methodology in order to view divergent discourses on acts of self-mutilation performed within different contexts, in the hopes of finding interrelationships between them, thereby contributing to a new perspective on the subject relevant to the field of art therapy. Treatment implications for art therapists explored in this study include the way in which the art making process may aid in overcoming the obstacle of therapist counter-transference towards self-mutilating clients, and facilitate the resolution of unconsciously driven acting out behavior. The relationship between self-mutilation and ritual informs a discussion on the parallels between ritual space, contained within established cultural boundaries, and transitional space, contained within the art therapeutic frame, and how both offer conditions favorable for transformation.        Shamy, Tania 1984    The Mandala: Survey of Its Cyclical Evolution in Children's Drawings and Human History    The cyclical evolution of the mandala configuration in children's drawings and human history is the subject of this thesis. The fact that it is a system of organization is seen in the emergence of the mandala configuration in children's drawings as they proceed to pictorial representation. The mandala is also discussed in reference to Jung's research  collective unconscious. Its function as a system of organization is revealed through examples of architecture, art and the science of alchemy. Its originating form is found to reach back to the Archetypal Image of the Uroboros, or the beginning, the structure of which is found in nature. As a symbol within a culture it is described as an integral part of the mythology of the Navaho Indians of the Western United States. The thesis concludes with a discussion of the importance of the mandala in the art of the early part of the 20th century as a reflection of the instability of mankind as a result of the revolutionary changes made by scientific research and artists' attempts to encompass it on a spiritual level. Education through art can be seen as a basis for a universal language that carries a potential for the unity of mankind.         Shapiro, Beverly 1998     Art Therapy and Rehabilitation - A Holistic Approach: The Role of Art Therapy in the Holistic Medicine Model When Working with Physical Disability    Three art therapy cases of severely physically disabled adults in a convalescent and rehabilitation hospital are the basis for a study in conjunction with a review of literature pertaining to the holistic approach toward mind-body balance in healing physical and psychological disorders. The concept referred to is that of psychosomatic medicine because it also deals with "somatopsychic" medicine - an area that has not been widely acknowledged or researched - the focus of this study. A description of the impact of disability on the affective life of the patient is investigated. With this information and the presentation of the cases as clinical examples of the process of creative art expression and its effect, an evaluation of the results is given. Special reference is made to specific goals proposed in relation to fulfilling emotional needs and positively effecting rehabilitation, as may be inferred from the three illustrated cases. A brief summary of the art therapy process with regard to this population is then presented. Possible areas for future investigation conclude the thesis.         Sherwin, Nicola 1994    Cross-Cultural Healing: Art Therapy, Acculturation and the Canadian Native    Cross-cultural Art Therapy is a new and burgeoning field. As yet, there is little to meet the specific problems faced by Canadian Native clients. This study attempts to address those challenges by defining Native realities and cultures so that the therapist can gain a more complete understanding of the field. The task of defining the cultural aspects of all nations and tribes would be immense. I have therefore focused on my direct involvement with Natives in the province of Quebec, in attempting to realistically observe differentials between Native and Western cultures, and in looking at Native spirituality through the eyes of a woman of European descent. Acculturation is a shadow of the constructs of culture. To walk in this Western-cast shadow is critical to understanding the reality of the culturally-displaced Native client. The effects of societal disintegration by the majority culture cause significant problems faced by its members who enter the arena wishing to repair the damage. Gaining trust is imperative to the effort of becoming a socially sanctioned healer. The most difficult problem faced by the professional working in this milieu is recognizing the level of acculturation faced by each individual client.   The main presenting problem by clients in this milieu is substance abuse, although the other major forms of abuse are apparent. It is my proposal in this work to combine Native healing with psychotherapy.         Shortliffe, Thomas 2004    The Relevance of Gender in the Profession and Practice of Art Therapy: A Male Perspective    The following research focuses on the relevance of gender in the profession and practice of art therapy. Women make up more than 80% of professionals in the field and this has prompted the question: "Why are so few men art therapists?" The issue of men's absence is investigated within a qualitative framework in part by asking: "What is the experience of a male art therapy intern like?"  A heuristic approach outlined by Douglass and Moustakes, (1985) began with an "internal search to know" the meaning of my experience as the only male in an otherwise all female group of 11 art therapy interns. A review of the literature demonstrates that the social construction of gender is an important consideration in diagnosis and treatment considerations as well as the in professional history and present of art therapy. A survey comprised of 6 questions was designed to sample the perceptions of 17 professional and interning art therapists regarding the relevance of gender in their professional and practical experiences. The question: "why are there so few men art therapists?" was examined. The constant comparative procedure (Maykut & Morehouse, 1994) was used to make meaning of the data. Responses suggest that the socialization of gender is perceived to be an important factor involved in the absence of men from professional art therapy and that male and female respondents may perceive the relevance of gender in art therapy from distinct perspectives. Finally, 5 paintings were produced towards a creative synthesis of the data. The creative process and product in the final component of this study are discussed for their tacit, non-verbal rendering of the subject area towards a creative synthesis of the findings.        Singh, Abha 2001    Art Therapy and Children: A Case Study on Domestic Violence    This research paper investigates how art therapy is a creative process through which children who have experienced domestic violence can communicate their thoughts, emotions, and trauma. The research presents a practical look at violence and children and how art therapy can be utilized as a tool for such children. Some ethical concerns are presented and various assessment procedures that have been developed for children within the area of children and abuse are suggested. An attempt is made to understand the emotional content through indicators represented within children's art expressions. An emphasis is placed on the use of specific indicators portrayed in the images of children who have been exposed to violence followed by a discussion of the art therapy process and product and its importance when working with children who have been exposed to violence. The importance of play in therapy is presented as I found it beneficial to this population. Further, a case study of a child who has experienced domestic violence is incorporated within the research by way of illustration in support of the study.         Slipp, Micheala, C., 2006     Art Therapy in Venezuela: A developing field in the developing world     This qualitative research project is a preliminary investigation into some of the key mental health issues and the services currently available to children in Caracas, Venezuela. It attempts to identify potential links between mental health practice and issues in Venezuela and the field of creative arts therapies. This line of inquiry was addressed through semi-structured interviews with mental health professionals in Caracas from March through to July of 2005. The subsequent data analysis was informed by phenomenological theory as developed by J.A. Smith and Giorgi & Giorgi (2003). This manuscript summarizes some of the principle themes that emerged from interviews across the public, private and non-profit mental health service sectors. This includes summary of the main issues that present for treatment and some of the services currently available in Caracas. Treatment programs featuring creative arts treatment modalities and several socio-political factors affecting mental health are also highlighted.        Smith, Heidi Ann 1997     Art Therapy for Drug Dependent Adolescents    Adolescent drug dependent persons are one of the most challenging populations to treat. Understanding drug dependency and the developmental milestones which adolescents undergo is essential in providing effective treatment. This research paper is an unfolding literature review of adolescent drug dependency. Specifically, the question "Why is art therapy effective with drug dependent adolescents?" is the vantage point from which this research stems.   The first chapter focuses on the definition of drug dependency, adolescent development and why adolescents use drugs. Related pathologies that this population may have are also explored. To summarize, a vignette by Mildred Lachman-Chapin is personally analyzed and evinces a clinical explanation of dependency. This case is chosen from a book entitled Approaches To Art Therapy which is edited by Judith Rubin.   Encompassed within the next section are connections between drugs and art. A tripartite paradigm; unconsciousness, relaxation and symbol formation occurs collectively in both, thus suggesting that art therapy is a polyvalent treatment tool for drug dependent adolescents.   Within the third chapter, current research focusing on treatment milieus is investigated. Most importantly, individual art therapy will be highlighted and promoted as a main focus in an effective treatment environment.         Smith, Heidi Ann 1998    Psychodynamics of Fairy Tales in Art Therapy: A Case Study Investigation    The purpose of this research paper is to investigate the use of fairy tales in art therapy with children. My primary research question is: How can fairy tales be useful in art therapy when working with children? The importance, significance and usefulness of a fairy tale will be highlighted in a case analysis which is included in this paper.   Other issues addressed are: What are some analytical interpretations of fairy tales in regard to children? Why do children enjoy fairy tales? How are fairy tales implemented in children's therapy? When do children choose a favorite fairy tale? How does art therapy relate to fairy tales? How do fairy tales help in an art therapy setting with children? How does the analysis procedure unfold when using fairy tales in art therapy? How are fairy tales useful during sessions, and/or are they only helpful in later analysis conducted by the therapist alone?   The overall findings of this exploration suggest that fairy tales are psychologically significant to children, as exploring a child's favorite fairy tale may indeed bolster the working through process in art therapy. Through using the tale as a metaphor for life issues, children may be able to address overwhelming feelings which are difficult to verbalize. Therefore, a personal summary of the meaning of these findings indicates that fairy tales are a polyvalent tool in art therapy when working with children.         Sokil, Lisa Kazimea 1998     Living ritual: A Model of Drama Therapy for the Dying    A model of drama therapy is developed which uses concepts drawn from rites of passage and current drama therapy practice, to address the needs of a hospice population. Links are drawn between ritual, therapy and drama, with a focus on the liminal period of rites of passage, and its correspondences with the transformative and containing aspects of ritual drama therapy. Drama therapy and rites of passage are assessed in terms of how they address needs of the dying. The role of the therapist in such work is discussed. A model is formulated in four stages: the development of creative repertoire within a supportive group; the exploration of myths of transition; the reframing of lived ritual; and the creation of a personal rite of passage. Explicit attention is also paid in the model to the experience of ritual within the drama therapy context.         Sokil, Lisa Kazimea 1999    An Ethnography of Choice: Active Imagination in the Service of Self-Directed Change    This paper presents two techniques of active imagination, embodied psyche and Internal Family Systems Therapy, as they were used in a drama therapy context with people who had suffered non-death loss. The practical context of this work is described, and the Jungian framework from which it is derived is presented. Ethnographic research method and ethics were used in conducting this research, forming a bridge between the roles of therapist and researcher. The links between ethnography in self-initiated chance projects and therapy research are explored. Many verbatim transcripts from two case studies are used to illustrate embodied psyche and Internal Family Systems, and to discuss the application of these techniques in this context. The validity of the research is explored in terms of the ethnographic qualities of veracity, objectivity, and perspicacity. It is concluded that both active imagination techniques and the ethnographic approach to research are useful in creating structures and experiences supportive of personal responsibility and self-directed change.         Sokoloff, Mélissa 2008    Art-thérapie Auprès d'Adultes Inuits en Psychiatrie : Comment Apprendre par l'Expérience de l'Art     Les adultes en crise psychiatrique au Nunavik sont d'abord évalués et stabilisés localement puis transférés à Montréal lorsque l'hospitalisation est nécessaire. En plus de leurs problèmes en santé mentale, ces patients peuvent vivre un choc culturel. Cette étude de cas explore comment l'art-thérapie peut aider des adultes Inuits durant leur hospitalisation à Montréal, en examinant leur processus selon I'un des principes culturels Inuits, l'apprentissage expérientiel. La définition de ce principe dans le contexte de l'art-thérapie et de la culture est suivie d'un relevé des sources d'apprentissage expérientiel dans la littérature sur la psychothérapie et l'art-thérapie auprès d'Inuits et d'Autochtones, puis de psychotiques.   Le codage du processus thérapeutique a été utilisé dans deux vignettes d'adultes Inuits hospitalisés pour épisode psychotique dans un contexte d'abus de drogue et d'alcool. Ils ont reçu trois et cinq séances individuelles d'art-thérapie. L'analyse du contenu de l'apprentissage a permis de dégager des pistes à explorer pour les patients ainsi que des processus en jeu, comme l'agir dans l'art et le développement d'une narration symbolique. L'étude a permis d'identifier des conditions influençant l'apprentissage expérientiel, telles que la ritualisation de l'espace thérapeutique, la variation sensorielle des matériaux, l'écologie de l'atelier et une approche non directive. Les résultats de la recherche ne sont pas généralisables étant donné le petit nombre de cas, mais ils fournissent des pistes d'intervention en art-thérapie dans un contexte de diversité culturelle et de thérapie brève en milieu hospitalier.      Sokoloff, Mélissa 2008    Art Therapy with Inuit Adults in Psychiatry: How to Learn through the Art Experience    Adults in psychiatric crisis are first evaluated and stabilized locally, then transferred to Montreal when hospitalization is necessary. In addition to their mental health problems, these patients may live a cultural shock. This case study explores how art therapy may help Inuit adults during their hospitalization in Montreal, through one of the Inuit cultural principles, experiential learning. The definition of this principle in the context of art therapy and culture is followed by a review of experiential learning sources in the literature on psychotherapy and art therapy with Inuits and Aboriginals, as well as with psychotics. Coding of process notes has been used in two vignettes of adult Inuits hospitalized for psychotic episodes in a drug and alcohol abuse context. They have received three and five individual art therapy sessions. The analysis of what was learnt has revealed avenues of exploration for patients, in addition to processes, such as action in the art-making and the development of a symbolic narrative. The study has permitted to identify conditions influencing the experiential learning, such as ritualization of the therapeutic space, sensorial variation of materials, the ecology of the studio and a non-directive approach. The findings cannot be generalized due to the small number of cases, but they provide avenues for art therapy interventions in the context of cultural diversity and brief therapy in the hospital milieu.        Sorge, Bernice 1997    An Exploration of Repetition as a Factor in Healing in Art Psychotherapy: Is Hope a Feature of this Healing?   Case Illustration: A Man with Bipolar Affective Disorder     Part one of this paper is a literature review and analysis of the principle of repetition in healing. This includes an overview of archaic healing practices, including the cosmogonic myth, healing practices in some indigenous cultures, as well as, an analysis of some healing techniques used in psychology. The literature shows that there is a history of healing practices from archaic beginnings to present day psychology that is based on the principle of repetition. Various theoretical perspectives are part of the discussion.   Part one concludes that the process of art therapy, as well as, the structure of the art therapy session are based on the principle of repetition. The art therapy session is compared to the cosmogonic myth as a healing device. The three main components of the art therapy session are analyzed: the art, the narrative, and the transference. Part two of this research paper illustrates some of the concepts of Part One using a case study. The art and the narrative of the case study are presented as concrete examples of the principles explored. More specifically, the principle of repetition, using the Navaho ceremony as a theoretical model, was concretized through discussions supported by the use of imagery and narrative.         St-Amand, Carole 1996    Active Imagination within an Art-Therapy Process    In this paper, we approach active imagination as a method. Rediscovered by Jung, validated by studies in alchemy which, during a period of disorientation, helped him reconnect with himself through play. From this, we examine the links between Winnicott's transitional space, active imagination and symbolism, while demystifying the relationship between them. By reviewing Jung's methodology according to the model of the psyche (concepts of anima, animus, shadow, persona, ego and self), the conjunction of opposites, the unconsciouses, both personal and collective (archetypes and myths), we further our understanding of Jung's typology. Thus broadening our view on what is active imagination, what are its goals and how it interacts with the psyche, this being mainly to bring about a transformation of the personality toward individuation. Then, after describing active imagination, we draw a parallel with art therapy so as to demonstrate how both these methods may enable us to explore the unconscious. In a way, this calls on the human being to discover and rebuild the self with the ultimate goal of becoming self- conscious. In time, a transformation of the personality occurs through the process of individuation. This paper ends with a proposal to apply active imagination as an auxiliary within an art therapy process, as needed by the patient during a particular session.         St-Amand, Carole 1996     L'imagination active dans un processus d'art-thérapie     Dans ce travail, nous aborderons la méthode de l'imagination active redécouverte par Jung, validée par ses études alchimiques et qui, dans une période de désorientation, l'aida à reprendre contact avec lui-même et ce, par le retour au jeu. En cela, nous étudierons les corrélations entre l'espace transitionnel de Winnicott et l'imagination active, ainsi que le symbolisme. Nous démystifierons aussi la relation entre ces deux phénomènes. En révisant la méthodologie de Jung selon le modèle de la psyché (concepts d'anima et d'animus, l'ombre, la persona, le Moi et le Soi), la conjonction des opposés, l'inconscient personnel et l'inconscient collectif (archétypes et mythes), nous arriverons à comprendre sa typologie pour mieux saisir comment l'imagination active établit un contact avec la psyché, en quoi consiste cette technique et quel en est son but. C'est-à-dire, la transformation de la personnalité vers le processus d'individuation. Après avoir présenté ce qu'est l'imagination active, nous établirons un parallèle avec l'art thérapie en vue de démontrer qu'elles sont toutes deux des méthodes d'exploration de l'inconscient en amenant l'être humain à se reconstruire et découvrir le Soi, ceci dans le but ultime de devenir conscient de soi-même. Et d'atteindre avec le temps, la transformation de la personnalité, le processus d'individuation. Nous terminerons ce travail, en proposant une nouvelle perspective d'avenir en art thérapie avec l'application de l'imagination active comme auxiliaire, selon les besoins immédiats du patient.         St-Amand, Carole 1999     Active Imagination within an Art-Therapy Process: A Case Study    This paper studies active imagination as discovered by Jung, deriving from alchemy, who, during a period of disorientation, began to reconnect with himself through a return to play. I will thus apply active imagination to a case study and will draw a parallel between fantasy, myth and the client. The aim of my paper is to broaden our view of active imagination, its goals and how it interacts with the psyche. This will enable us to gain a better understanding of the client, the process by which the active imagination enters into contact with the psyche, as well as its aims and advantages within art therapy. More specifically, I will address the process of individuation. As a precursor, 1 will make reference to the major ideas in my previous research paper. Then, I will demonstrate how active imagination and art therapy are both methods by which an exploration of the unconscious is made possible. Both techniques allow for self-discovery and reparation, but more importantly promote self-awareness. This study brings forth a new perspective to art therapy, through the application of active imagination as an auxiliary, depending on the immediate needs of the client.         Steinfort, Teresa 2005    Drama Therapy is a Valuable Asset in Career Aspiration Setting: A Multiple-Angle Investigation    The objective of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a drama therapy approach in career aspiration. The author used group comparison quantitative methods based on pre- and post-test data collected from two separate workshops. The control group (CG) received dialectical methods and the experimental group, the Drama Therapy group (DTG), experienced an action method. The overall statistical results appeared to favour the assumption that an action-oriented drama therapy approach in career aspiration was beneficial to workshop participants. Statistical findings also shed light on the value of a time-limited intensive creative process-oriented workshop.  Thematically, the author compared and contrasted the workshop evaluation between the CG and the DTG. Both groups requested to spending more time on each activity. The CG found the length of the workshop to be exhausting. On the contrary, the workshop process energized the DTG. Three months later, the author conducted an email follow-up. The responding rate was 20% from the CG vs. 70% from the DTG. Most DTG participants reported that they either took concrete steps in their career move or developed new perspective towards their career choices.  In addition, the author conducted two interviews to support the statistical results. Th first one was on the effectiveness of drama therapy in a career aspiration workshop. The other was about the therapeutic value of a time-limited creative process workshop. Taken together, findings in this study demonstrate that drama therapy is a valuable asset in career aspiration work. Likewise, results suggest that drama therapy can be a contribution to other psychoeducational settings.        Sweeney, Monica 2006     Playing to Strengths: A study examining drama therapy within the context of positive psychology     This study examines and compares two emerging areas in the field of mental health: positive psychology and drama therapy. The positive psychology movement emerged out of the desire to balance research in the mental health field to include the study of human strength and positive functioning along with the study of mental illness, and to apply this knowledge in clinical practice. The creative processes used in drama therapy, which are inspired by theatrical tradition, can effectively promote positive mental health, as they facilitate the potential for skill-building and deeper personal discovery within the safety of a therapeutic environment.     Supporters of positive psychology are also working towards building a strong body of research focusing on human strengths and potential. Research collaborations with positive psychologists could benefit drama therapy as a profession, by communicating this modality's therapeutic effectiveness to a wider community.         Sweetman, Suzanne 2000     A Soul Approach to Art Therapy Self-Inquiry     In this research paper I use my own process to assist in the discovery and evolution of a personal approach to art therapy, which I call a "Soul Approach to Art Therapy Self-Inquiry". The impetus for this project arose out of a painful initiation to the Master's program in art therapy, and what I perceived to be an incomprehensible gap between my personal experience of art therapy, which welcomed and affirmed one's soul yearnings, and the demanding program's seeming heedlessness of such needs due to pressures to meet academic and professional criteria. Discovery of the heuristic research method granted me the necessary creative freedom to track soul's movements in the way I desired. This approach, elaborated by Moustakas (1990) in his book Heuristic. Inquiry, recognizes personal experience and intuition as valid ways of knowing. Through research inquiry parallels emerged between the stages of heuristic research, creative process, and soul processes. The result is an extensive documentation of my soul process, as expressed through journal writing, intuitive readings, and personal artwork, out of which I was able to outline some essential features of a soul approach to art therapy self-inquiry. While the basic principles revealed through my heuristic process, such as the key dynamic of the transcendent function, have been articulated elsewhere, in particular in Jungian psychology, the strength of this research paper lie's in its unintentional, experiential demonstration of these dynamic processes creating an embodied theory. It has also provided me with a personalized blend of theoretical orientations and selected therapeutic modalities, which comprise a soul approach to art therapy self-inquiry.