Creative Arts Therapy
The creative therapies can be very helpful in the process of recovery from addiction. They can provide time to get in touch with the inner self and with the higher power and can provide a form of expression for feelings that cannot be easily identified or put into words. Through helping the addict connect with his/her more authentic self, the expressive therapies can help raise self-esteem and provide an opportunity to create new experiences beyond habitual and painful emotional patterns. The creative arts foster a renewed ability to relax without drugs or alcohol.
GENERAL
American Art Therapy Association (AATA) (arttherapy.org)
Describes the therapeutic process of art therapy, posts research articles on its use, and in the Members section provides links to Chapter web sites throughout the U.S. to locate practitioners who are AATA members.
Creative Guide through the 12 Steps (creative12steps.com)
This blog page offers specific instructions for using creative arts projects as a supplement to working the 12 steps. It suggests activities and projects for both groups and individuals that address the meaning of various steps in the 12-step program.
Creative Source (creativesourcesf.com)
Adriana Marchione, MA, CHT, specializes in working with recovery
from all forms of addiction. Her work offers creative healing
opportunities that complement psychotherapy and twelve-step
programs. Her approach draws from a movement-based expressive
arts therapy model and Depth Hypnosis - a method of hypnotherapy
that utilizes hypnosis, meditation and shamanic techniques.
Through individual and group sessions this therapeutic approach
employs a variety of methods to support emotional and physical
health, creative growth and a deeper connection to life. Recovery
groups and retreats are also available that offer the opportunity
for participants to express their stories in words, images
and movement both in the studio and in natural surroundings.
National
Coalition of Arts Therapies Associations (nccata.org)
Founded in 1979, this coalition brings together the professional
associations dedicated to the advancement of six creative
arts therapies. Their web site provides basic information
on these approaches: art, dance/movement, drama, music, psychodrama
and poetry. Each modality uses the creative process to support
health, communication, self-expression, and positive change.
DANCE
American
Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) (adta.org)
Provides information on the field of dance therapy including
its philosophy, training and credentials, and research. The
Contacts page lists members who serve as contacts for various
regions in the U.S. and the Information page contains a form
to purchase the ADTA membership directory ($10.00) in order
to locate a dance therapy practitioner.
DRAMA
National
Association for Drama Therapy (NADT) (nadt.org)
Describes the process of drama therapy, educational qualifications
for therapists, and provides contact information for regional
representatives in order to locate member practitioners by
geographic area.
MUSIC
American
Music Therapy Association (AMTA) (musictherapy.org)
Explains the practice and applications of music therapy and
provides information on how to find a music therapist through
calling the AMTA National Office or e-mailing indMT@musictherapy.org.
Drumming
(www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Drumming can be a simple yet powerful way to enhance recovery.
New medical research shows that it can slow down brain wave
cycles, enhancing theta-wave production and brain wave synchronization.
This is important as addicts often have brain wave abnormalities
as explained in our section on brain wave biofeedback.
POETRY
National
Association for Poetry Therapy (NAPT) (poetrytherapy.org)
Poetry therapy is the intentional use of the written and spoken
word for healing and personal growth. Their web site provides
links to poetry sites and training and education information.
A Mentor list posted on their web site under Training and
Education can be used to locate a poetry therapy practitioner
in various geographical locations in the U.S.
