The purpose of this research is to outline alternative therapeutic cures for individuals or patients with posttraumatic stress within a group setting. In particular, those suffering from post sexual abuse and non-psychotic mental health disorders in order to improve the mental well being of the individual. The research focuses on the impact group therapy has to help the patient to realize that those suffering are not alone and that other people are going through similar, if not the same, personal mental struggles. The research also shows that through group therapy, different therapeutic methods are used such as art therapy and musical therapy. Through these therapeutic methods, it may help to further acknowledge the thinking style of a patient, …show more content…
(Pfeifer, 2010). This alternative therapy was originally designed to help an individual to recover direct memories, increase self-esteem, and to help contain control over feelings of traumatic memories. (Crone, O’Connell, Tyson, Clark-Stone, Opher, James, 2013). Individuals with post trauma due to sexual abuse tend to feel intimidated by verbal expression of their personal experience. Art therapy is studied as a successful alternative therapy method of psychotherapy given the specific study group of post sexual abuse trauma. Studies have proven that art therapy helps to release tension and minimizes anxiety levels to bring out and find an act of external expression providing aide to deal with difficult and negative life experiences. Non-verbal communication is used as an emotional indicator between an individual and a group. (Pfeifer, 2010). Art therapy, therefore, not only eliminates tension through verbal communication but also helps work through issues leading to a greater understanding of the cognitive state of a suffering individual. Words go a long way but colors and figures on a canvas can scream a louder sense of
Childhood trauma appears to be a critical factor with association to serious disorders in childhood and adulthood. The DSM-V TR primarily categorizes most traumatic experiences under the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Knowledge about, the cause, development, and effects of, traumatic stress aids in the beginning steps of the assessment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the appropriate treatments for recovery. Art Therapy, used within the groundwork of Herman’s Three Stage Model for Recovery, can serve as an effective treatment method to aid the recovery of those who have suffered from PTSD.
The first time I personally experienced attending a group therapy was part of my course. Through this experience i can say that group therapy can be very powerful in healing a person emotionally and since the members were from the same class, where we all have similar goals. Group therapy helped all of us to establish meaningful and intimate relationship and we also recognised commanality of members needs and problems and to develop a sense of bonding and we became very close and we could also be there for each other during emotionally trying times.It also helped me to increase self-growth, self acceptance and self –confidence among oneself and group members. Group therapy is a powerful venue for growth and change. It also helped me in expressing my emotions in a healthy way.
Dunn, N.J., Rehm, L.P., Schillaci, J., Souchek, J., Mehta, P., Ashton, C.M., . . . Hamilton, J.D. (2007). A randomized trial of self-management and psychoeducational group therapies for comorbid chronic posttraumatic stress disorder and depressive disorder. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 20(3), 221-237.
My preferred theoretical orientation is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The main assumption of CBT is that events and situations in life do not cause emotional problems (e.g., guilt or depression); rather problems are due to irrational beliefs and perceptions about the situations (Corey, 2009). The goals of CBT focus on correcting the client’s automatic and self-defeating thoughts, which should ultimately help them to develop a more adaptive philosophy of life (Corey, 2009). I like that this approach focuses on challenging and changing the client’s cognitive distortions, core beliefs, automatic thoughts, and schemas. Another positive aspect is that this approach focuses on the cognitive triad,
Cathy Malchiodi observes the pattern for the use of art expression in helping individuals to express crisis and trauma through imagery. The therapeutic benefit of nonverbal communication
This study utilized three art therapist who have worked with clients who have experienced cumulative traumas. Within this framework they understand the importance and effectiveness of TF-CBT to address various symptoms and introduce pyschoeducation, trauma narrative, and relaxation techniques. Additionally, all three art therapist identified the importance of using humanistic and client-centered approaches. The art therapist identified having the clients assist in forming their personal goals. There were major themes derived from the three art therapist to ensure effective treatment outcomes. Unconditional positive regard, consistency, and an authentic connection with the client were all identified as vital aspects in ensure a positive
Art therapy is said to use “three levels of intervention.” These levels include engaging in the clients senses through the physical manipulation of art materials, using the client’s art as a “symbolic container of their traumatic memories, and “cognitive reflection” guided by the art therapist. The therapist helps to “guide” where the client’s focus lays in terms of their traumatic memories; the goal of the therapist is to help the client integrate elements of their experience, other than the extremely negative, into their
The program intends to take a “Creative Art and Mindfulness Therapy” (CAMT) Approach. CAMT was designed by combining two evidence-based practices, which are creative art and mindfulness. Creative art is an effective tool to help trauma survivors in narrating their stories because it can partially replace verbalization that is sometimes too difficult to be expressed orally. Narrative telling is included to help clients embrace non- avoidance behavior, a practice that is believed in Western culture to start the healing journey. The mindfulness approach is incorporated in this modality to increase coping skills during trauma reactivation and to encourage the survivors to remain in their here- and-now experience instead of dwelling on painful
The use of art therapy after a disaster is an emerging approach to dealing with trauma. Disaster can result from natural events, manmade events, personal events, or a combination of any of these. Adults, families, and communities go through considerable suffering during disaster and deal with many trauma related symptoms and issues. Children experience trauma in dissimilar ways and are usually helped the least. Adult treatment procedures, in some respects, are similar to those for children. However, they have distinctions. Group therapy has been found beneficial for all survivors. Art therapy for adults,
There are very effective treatments to help patients with PTSD such as art therapy provided by the Army’s MWR program. Art can help people express themselves and take their minds off negative energy. It is also a helpful way to relieve someone from depression, stress and anxiety by creating a calm, stress-free for victims of the disorder. There are programs such as the Exceptional Family Member Program, MEDCOM, and the American Art Therapy Program that provide these services.
What is leadership development? Chief Learning Officer Magazine states that leadership development expands the capacity of individuals to perform in leadership roles within organizations. Leadership roles are those that facilitate execution of a company’s strategy through building alignment, winning mindshare and growing the capabilities of others. Leadership roles may be formal with the corresponding authority to make decisions and take responsibility. Or they may be informal roles with little official authority a member of a team who influences team engagement, purpose and direction; a lateral peer who must listen and negotiate through influence.
Depression in late life is very common, particularly in older adults who are moving in to a different phase of their lives. They may experience a loss of a job, death of a spouse, empty nest, or a move that has taken them away from their social network. Geriatric depression is expensive for everyone involved, from the seniors who suffer not only mentally but physically from its effects to the increased use of health services such as emergency room visits. Suicide is also a consequence of depression in seniors. Sometimes depression is not diagnosed properly because its physical symptoms can mimic other illnesses. Many women, ages 55 and up, experience feelings of loneliness, isolation and do not know what to do now that they are in this new stage in their life; not working etc. Is the women’s group effective in helping members overcome feelings of depression and isolation?
The American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) represents a multi-disciplinary membership organization established to advance research, knowledge, and training in group psychotherapy and other interventions related to the group setting. The National Registry for Certified Group Psychotherapists certifies group psychotherapists. The AGPA members and those included in the National Registry are required to practice in accordance with standards of ethical practice defined by state licensing boards and national professional organization.
Expressive arts therapy is the use of art modalities, creative process, and aesthetic experience in a therapeutic context. It is a therapy of the imagination (McNiff, 1992). Effective communication is an essential element in therapeutic relationships and, although verbal language is the most conventional means of conveying information, other forms can convey just as much as words. The arts are an alternative form of communication that has recently received recognition for their value in therapeutic settings. There is a long well-established connection between the arts and psychology. Expressive arts therapy builds on a natural, complimentary relationship between the two disciplines. As a formal therapy, this form is relatively new with its
However, art therapy is typically the most in psychiatric wards, either individually or in groups. It is currently emerging is family art therapy, and used a lot in the education system, focusing on children who are learning disabled, mentally challenged, emotionally disturbed, socially disadvantaged. According to the AATA, art therapy is practiced in mental health, rehabilitation, medical, educational, forensic, wellness, private practice and community settings. Within these settings, art therapy can be applied to an extremely diverse client population in individual, couples, family, and group therapy formats. Art therapy is an effective treatment for people experiencing developmental, medical, educational, and social or psychological impairment. Other individuals who benefit from art therapy include those who have survived trauma resulting from combat, abuse, and natural disaster, along with individuals who have adverse physical health conditions such as cancer, traumatic brain injury, and other health disability, and finally individuals with autism, dementia, depression, and other disorders. Art therapy helps people resolve conflicts, improve interpersonal skills, manage maladaptive behaviors, reduce negative stress, and achieve personal insight. (AATA, 2013) No matter how it is used, all good art therapy leads to both education and growth. It can be beneficial