Creative therapy is a therapy form developed in the 1960’s and has its background in psychoanalysis. It was developed to create a therapy form for clients who had difficulties with the confrontational nature of psychoanalysis, or did not have the verbal capacity needed for this therapy.
Creative therapy is the name used for therapy forms that use media other than just verbal communication in their set up. The four recognized creative therapy mediums are: visual art, drama, music and dance.
Creative therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses creativity (drama, music, art) to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of individuals of all ages. Creative therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meet the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illness.
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| Benefits of Creative therapy |
- promote wellness
- manage stress
- alleviate pain
- express feelings
- enhance memory
- improve communication
- social skills
- growth
- closure of traumatic experiences
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| Creative therapy is effective with |
- behavioral difficulties
- loss and bereavement
- sexual and physical abuse
- developing self-awareness
- self-esteem / self worth
- bipolar disorder
- neuroses
- depression
- personal control
- aspergers / autism
- etc.
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In Europe and the US drama therapy is successfully used in the following settings:
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- rehabilitation centers,
- psychiatric hospitals,
- children’s hospitals,
- drug and alcohol abuse centers,
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- refugee centers,
- special schools,
- prisons,
- private practices,
- etc.
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