Core Processes & Specific Factors

IEATA 2023 Conference (Group Lead Presentation)

Exploring the Depths of Expressive Arts Therapy: Processes and Practices

Expressive arts therapy (ExAT) inhabits the space of the beyond—a realm where healing, self-discovery, and connection flourish through the integration of multiple art forms. By its very nature, ExAT is interdisciplinary, drawing upon various modalities to reach dimensions of the human experience that often go unexplored. In a recent play-shop at Lesley University, I joined fellow students in exploring the core processes and therapeutic factors that make ExAT unique. Through this exploration, we sought to define how ExAT works, why it works, and how theory and practice can be woven together to create transformative experiences.

Moving Between Modalities: The Creative Connection

A key aspect of expressive arts therapy is the fluidity between different art forms, a process known as moving between modalities. Natalie Rogers, a pioneering figure in this field, coined the term Creative Connection to describe how engaging with multiple art forms opens up deeper layers of self-awareness. By beginning with movement and music, for example, clients access the body’s stored sensations—memories, emotions, and experiences that live in the body. Transitioning from movement into word play or visual art invites the cognitive mind back in, but in a way that feels organic and freeing, rather than rigid or constraining. This seamless shift between modalities allows the individual to bypass the limitations of the rational mind and engage with the experiential self on a profound level.

When all the senses are engaged, we discover parts of ourselves that often remain hidden in day-to-day life. These transitions between artistic forms create a flow that enables clients to unlock creative potential and access memories or emotions that may have been suppressed. By not allowing one modality to dominate, the therapeutic process remains fluid, encouraging a richer exploration of the self.

Centering and De-Centering: Gaining New Perspectives

Another core therapeutic process in ExAT is the practice of centering and de-centering. When clients distance themselves from their artistic expression—whether through physically stepping away from a visual art piece, having another person read a poem they’ve written, or observing their own movements from a third-person perspective—they gain fresh insights into their experiences. This act of stepping back is known as de-centering, and it allows for a shift in perspective that can be both revealing and empowering.

De-centering encourages clients to see their creations as separate from themselves, providing an opportunity to reflect on their experiences from a new vantage point. For example, when a client listens to someone else read their poem aloud or watches a movement they created performed by another person, they are given the space to observe their work in a way that may bring unrecognized feelings or thoughts to light. This creates room for growth and transformation as clients gain clarity on parts of themselves that may have been previously obscured.

In ExAT, this distancing process not only fosters new understanding but also cultivates safety. By creating space between themselves and their art, clients can engage with difficult emotions or memories without feeling overwhelmed. This distance provides a buffer, allowing them to explore their experiences with curiosity rather than fear.

The Intermodal Space: Facilitating Multimodal Exploration

One of the most powerful aspects of expressive arts therapy is its intentional creation of an intermodal space—a therapeutic environment where clients are encouraged to explore multiple art forms. This process goes beyond Natalie Rogers’ concept of a “facilitative environment” (1993) and involves the therapist actively setting up instruments, visual art supplies, and spaces for movement, dance, and drama. The act of preparing the space becomes a ritual filled with intention, as the therapist ensures that each modality is accessible and available to participants.

The intermodal space is a cornerstone of expressive arts therapy, as it encourages clients to experiment with different forms of artistic expression. Whether through music, painting, drama, or movement, clients are invited to engage with the modality that resonates most with them in that moment, creating a dynamic therapeutic process. This freedom to move between art forms mirrors the flexibility of the human experience and allows for the holistic integration of mind, body, and spirit.

Rituals and invitations further enrich this intermodal space, encouraging clients to experiment, play, and connect with their creative selves. By creating an environment where all modalities are available, the therapist opens the door to boundless possibilities for self-expression and healing. The act of setting up this space is as much a part of the therapeutic process as the art itself, demonstrating the therapist’s attunement to the needs of their clients and their commitment to fostering an atmosphere of creativity and discovery.

Conclusion: The Power of Expressive Arts Therapy

Expressive arts therapy, with its emphasis on moving between modalities, de-centering, and creating intermodal spaces, offers a unique and powerful approach to healing. By engaging multiple senses and allowing clients to explore their inner world through various art forms, ExAT fosters self-awareness, emotional release, and personal growth. The interdisciplinary nature of this therapy enables individuals to discover parts of themselves that may have been buried, while the safety of the therapeutic space allows them to explore these parts with openness and curiosity.

As we continue to integrate theory and practice in expressive arts therapy, it becomes clear that this approach taps into the full potential of human creativity, offering a pathway to deeper understanding and healing. Through movement, music, art, drama, and poetry, ExAT allows individuals to find their voice, transform their experiences, and connect with others in a shared journey of discovery.

REFERENCES:

Halprin, D. (2003). The expressive body in life, art and therapy: working with movement, metaphor and meaning. Jessica Kingsley.

Knill, P., Levine, E., Levine, S. (2005). Principles and Practice of Expressive Arts Therapy: Toward a Therapeutic Aesthetics. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Levine, S. K. (2013). Expecting the unexpected: Improvisation in art-based research. Journal of Applied Arts & Health, 4(1), 22–23. https://doi.org/10.1386/jaah.4.1.21_1

Malchiodi, C. (2019). A 2020 vision for Expressive Arts Therapy: It’s time to see expressive arts therapy with 20/20 clarity. Psychology Today.

Moreno, J. L. (2011). Autobiography of J.L. Moreno M.D. North-West Psychodrama Association.

Rogers, N. (1993). The Creative Connection: Expressive Arts as Healing. Science and Behavior Books, Inc.