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The rationale for an inter-modal approach to arts therapy

The inter-modal method integrates the body, mind, and emotions in order to heighten sensory and emotional engagement. Jones’ (2021) core processes and Rogers' creative connection provide weight to this view. The Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) supports the multimodal character of this method, since the utilisation of diverse media enables the client's total integration (Lusebrink, 2016). The intermodal approach to AT is informed by both the core processes and ETC.

Creative connection is a concept created by Rogers (1993) to explain the process by which one type of art inspires and nurtures the evolution of expressiveness in other kinds of art. In her expressive arts therapy technique, Rogers (1993) advocated a comprehensive approach via expressive arts involvement in order to dig into affective dimensions via the integrated arts approach. Rogers (1993) proposed that revelation via an interaction of many types of creative expression offers a holistic narrative of experience that encompasses perceptions, feelings, tactile senses, and cognitive reasoning linked with embodiment. Rogers (1993) held that the arts are used to reveal and liberate feelings; the greatest therapeutic benefit is derived from participation in the creative process directly. Similarly, by engaging with art materials and one's own subconscious, crystallisation theory encourages introspection and the development of therapeutic insights (Knill et al., 2005).


All forms of arts therapy, whether they include drama modalities, music, dance/movement, music, or visual arts (sculpture, collage, painting etc.), share distinct underlying core processes, as stated by Jones (2021). Therapeutic transformation may occur via artistic projection, the triangular relationship, using play and playful space, the nonverbal experience, embodiment, and, perspective/distance and active witnessing (Jones, 2021). These processes are interdependent and often overlap (Jones, 2021). Below is a table that summarises the eight core processes and the unique manner in which therapeutic transformation emerges spontaneously as a result of each.


The afore-mentioned creative connection complements the ETC. The ETC is system that is organised, hierarchical, and grounded in neuroscience (Lusebrink, 2016). Utilising the ETC facilitates the development of treatment goals and plans of action (Hinz, 2009). Intermodal transfers (between modalities) must be individualised, however it is salient to remember the ETC does not present a recipe method to evaluation or intervention (Hinz, 2009; Little, 2021).




The ETC promotes whole-person development by giving its customers a chance to use their full mental potential as certain modalities aligns with particular levels of the ETC (i.e collaging elicits cognitive response, sculpture elicits kinaesthetic levels etc.) Therefore the client experiences Jones’ (2021) core processes whilst moving between different levels of ETC because to the multimodal nature of the artistic process. The art forms enable one to give form to their thoughts and feelings; music may help them tune in to themselves and others, and drama/movement provide them a way to physically process their emotions (Little, 2021). Stimulating the whole brain has been shown to have positive effects on learning, memory, and other facets of cognition and behaviour (Little, 2021). There are unique qualities and subtleties to each modality that emerge from the creative process (McNiff, 2004).


Example of the ETC in action: The use of controlled tools (paintbrush) integrated the cognitive level of ETC. The fluid quality of acrylic paint integrated the affective level of the ETC.


References:


Hinz, L. (2009). Expressive Therapies Continuum: A Framework for Using Art in Therapy. Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.


Jones, P. (2021). The arts therapies: A revolution in healthcare (2nd ed.). Brunner-Routledge.

Knill, P. J., Levine, E. G., & Levine, S. K. (2005). Principles and practice of expressive arts therapy: Toward a therapeutic aesthetics. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.


Little, E.M.L. (2021) How the Expressive Therapies Continuum Informs Intermodal Transfers. Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 508. https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/508.


Lusebrink, V. B. (2016). Chapter 6: Expressive Therapies Continuum. In D. E. Gussak & M. L. Rosal (Eds.) The Wiley handbook of art therapy. John Wiley & Sons.


McNiff, S. (2004). Art heals: How creativity cures the soul. Shambhala.


Rogers, N. (1993). The creative connection: Expressive arts as healing. Science & Behavior Books.



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