Therapy Techniques: Using the Creative Arts

The creative arts are a powerful tool for therapists who want to provide effective therapy experiences for their clients. The magic of the arts touches the spirit and promotes a level of communication that is different from everyday life. The person running these groups must play many roles: facilitator, teacher, artist and therapist. It is a journey of discovery and wonder. You will learn why the creative arts are an important element in therapy, what it means to be creative, what enhances creativity and what hinders it, how creative arts groups interact to promote discovery of self and others and how to run effective groups from the initial planning to closure for a group that is ending. The second part of the book describes the creative arts, giving you specific information about visual and tactile arts, drama therapy, theater games and improvisations, clowning, music, dance/movement, movement exploration, meditation and creative visualization. Along with the d! escriptions, there are over 240 activity ideas for you to use.

Ann Arge Nathan was a vibrant woman who lived her life fully for 47 years. In her short life she accomplished much, experiencing life to the fullest and leaving a mark on the lives of everyone she touched. A recreational therapist, educator, consultant and author, Ann received degrees from, and taught at both San Jose and San Francisco State Universities. She practiced at Langley Porter Neuropsychiatric Institute at the University of California, San Francisco, and other clinical settings.

Suzanne Mirviss has a Master's Degree in Recreation with emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from San Francisco State University. She has taught courses in the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department at both San Jose and San Francisco State Universities. For over twenty years she has worked with many groups and is currently employed at the San Francisco VA Medical Center as an Art Consultant in the Psychiatric Day Treatment Center.