The Expressive Therapies Continuum

Passion in Expressive Arts Therapy: A Journey of Healing and Connection

The dictionary defines passion as a strong, barely controllable emotion, but for me, it’s more than just enthusiasm or excitement—it drives my ambition and keeps me grounded in my purpose. As I continue on my academic journey, I often remind myself of why I started: my passion for working in the expressive arts therapy field, serving diverse communities, and finding purpose through personal motivation. Expressive arts therapy (ExAT) offers a diverse range of tools to help those in need, using modalities like dance, visual art, literature, drama, and music to promote healing.

However, the path in ExAT can often be met with skepticism, especially within the medical community. People may ask, What is expressive arts therapy? Can the arts really heal? How is this practice used? Let’s explore the foundation of expressive arts therapy and how it plays a crucial role in therapeutic practice.

The Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC): The Framework of ExAT

A foundational concept in expressive arts therapy is the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC), which serves as a guide for understanding how different forms of art engage various aspects of the human psyche. The ETC is like a roadmap, helping therapists decide where to begin with their clients—much like a painter facing a blank canvas or a dancer hearing music for the first time. It helps us understand how different modalities tap into different parts of the brain, leading to therapeutic growth and transformation.

The ETC is structured to mirror the brain’s hemispheres: the left side focuses on kinesthetic processes, while the right emphasizes sensory experience. At the base level, children, for example, instinctively engage with their environment through touch and sensation, reflecting this kinesthetic-sensory dynamic. As clients move up the continuum, they enter the perceptual and affective realms, where emotions and interpretations of feelings become central. The cognitive and symbolic levels at the top of the ETC represent the highest level of processing, where clients engage with abstract thoughts and metaphors.

In my work, particularly with adolescents, I find the cognitive and symbolic levels to be especially useful. Teens and young adults often resonate with metaphors and abstract concepts, allowing them to engage in deeper dialogue about their experiences. The ETC allows for a flexible, integrative approach, meeting clients where they are while providing a pathway to deeper self-awareness and healing.

Bringing the ETC to Life: Therapeutic Practice at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC)

In my work at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, I apply the principles of the ETC to create tailored, dynamic interventions that meet the specific needs of the adolescent population. Working with teens between the ages of 13 and 17, I use a range of modalities—music, visual art, poetry, dance, and drama—to evoke storytelling and self-expression. I begin each session with warm-up activities designed to foster engagement and creativity, often choosing exercises that allow each participant to find their voice in a supportive community setting.

One of my favorite warm-up activities, Let the Beat Build, is a perfect example of this approach. Starting with a simple rhythm, I invite participants to add their own elements—whether through claps, taps, or vocal sounds—building a collective rhythm that mirrors the idea of co-creation. This exercise not only helps participants find their individual voices but also fosters a sense of community and belonging. From here, we transition into other modalities, encouraging intermodal transfer as participants express their experiences through visual art, movement, or writing.

The flexibility of the ETC allows for constant shifts between modalities. For instance, a participant may begin with a kinesthetic experience, but as they create, they may move into the symbolic or cognitive realm, interpreting their work and its deeper meaning. This creative fluidity is at the heart of expressive arts therapy and is what makes it so effective. The arts serve as a vehicle for moving between different parts of the brain, allowing clients to explore their inner world in ways that traditional talk therapy may not reach.

Passion Through Practice: A Lifelong Journey in the Arts

My passion for expressive arts therapy began long before my formal education. At the age of 15, I was already using the arts to share my story and empower others in my community. Growing up in Boston, I participated in countless events and initiatives that showcased the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and heal. From community organizations to museums, conferences, and non-profits, I witnessed firsthand how art can touch lives in both performative and therapeutic settings.

This early experience laid the foundation for my academic and professional journey. Today, I have the privilege of working in clinical settings, using expressive arts to help others find their voice and tell their stories. I am passionate about the potential of expressive arts therapy to create change—not just in individuals, but in communities as well. The arts provide a platform for people to explore their emotions, confront their challenges, and discover new ways of being.

Conclusion: Living a Passion for Arts and Healing

Expressive arts therapy has allowed me to live my passion—to use the arts not only as a form of personal expression but as a tool for healing and empowerment. Whether through visual art, music, dance, drama, or poetry, the modalities of expressive arts therapy provide infinite possibilities for creative exploration and personal growth. As a practitioner, my goal is to guide clients in discovering their own path, helping them navigate the continuum of creative expression to find healing, meaning, and connection.

In the words I often return to: “Remember to get out of your head and remain in your heart, because that is where the passion lies.” ~ Joselyn M.C.