Abstract
Arts such as painting, dance, drama or music have been part of Indian culture since ancient times. The use of creative arts in therapy (CAT) is a modern profession, still in a fledgling stage in India, with few trained individuals. A qualitative study to explore experiences of ten therapists using CAT (art, dance, drama, music and intermodal) for mental health in Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru, was carried out. The healing aspects of CAT included alternate expression, body mind connect and creativity. Therapists highlighted the unique features of the therapeutic processes such as use of physical space and arts materials, use of metaphors and symbols, use of art work for expression, assessment and intervention and use of rituals.
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Notes
- 1.
Kolam refers to decorative patterns drawn with rice flour or white chalk powder drawn at the threshold of the house, by women. They are intended to bring prosperity to the household. There can be many motifs and designs in the kolam, representing creativity.
- 2.
Anthroposophy is a spiritual philosophy that addresses the spiritual questions of humanity, the artistic needs, the need to relate to the world, and develop a relationship with it. It is based on the philosophy of freedom.
- 3.
The words ‘patient’ and ‘prescribe’ were words used by the respondent.
- 4.
Body mapping is a creative arts technique that allows a client to explore and creatively communicate the stories lived in the body. It involves drawing a life-size representation of the body, and using symbols, images, and words to indicate parts of the body that hold pain, pleasure, hope, etc. The process helps draw links between the parts of the body represented and the personal power to heal oneself (Schwalbe 2014).
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Afshan Mariam, Aparna Joshi (2016). Exploring Expressions: Therapists’ Use of the Creative Arts in Therapy. In: Sriram, S. (eds) Counselling in India. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-0584-8_8
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