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The creative arts therapies as “real therapies”

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Abstract

Elements of a standard definition of psychotherapy are used to support the argument that the creative arts therapies should not be characterized as adjunctive therapies, or discredited as not being “real therapies.” Two concepts widely acknowledged as important in the application of the creative arts therapies are discussed: first, that the nonverbal media employed by creative arts therapists tap emotional rather than cognitive processes and evoke responses more directly and immediately than traditional verbal therapies, and, second, that creative arts therapies are reality-based and provide a more immediate and real link to a patient's experience than something he can portray only verbally.

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Reference Notes

  1. L. E. Hinsie and R. J. Campbell,Psychiatric Dictionary, 4th edition, Oxford University Press, New York City, 1970.

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  2. S. Arieti,Creativity: The Magic Synthesis, Basic Books, New York City, 1976.

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  3. R. Arnheim,Art and Visual Perception, University of California Press, Berkeley, 1954.

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  4. D. S. Schubert, “Creativity and the Ability to Cope,”Creative Psychiatry, No. 5, Geigy Pharmaceuticals, 1975.

  5. H. Belmont, “Art Therapy: An Outsider's View,”Forum, Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital, Vol. 4, Autumn-Winter 1974–75.

  6. O. S. English, editor,Strategy and Structure in Psychotherapy, Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, Philadelphia, 1965.

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Authors
  1. Israel Zwerling M.D., Ph.D.
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Additional information

Reprinted by permission fromHospital and Community Psychiatry, December, 1979.

Dr. Zwerling's address at Hahnemann is 17th Floor, New College Building, 230 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102. This paper is based on a presentation at the Conference on Creative Arts Therapies, held June 28–30, 1979, in Washington, D. C.

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Zwerling, I. The creative arts therapies as “real therapies”. Am J Dance Ther 11, 19–26 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00844263

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00844263

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