The development in thinking and practice of neuroscience is exciting for a number of reasons, not the least because of its impact on the arts therapies. This book contains a treasure trove of writing encompassing the work of a variety of creative arts practitioners and is inspiring and uplifting. Music, art, movement and drama are combined in this unique text exploring the benefits of creative therapeutic work for a wide range of clients. The book also provides an opportunity to hear different voices from the global practices of these creative therapists, adding much to the discourse and practice development for colleagues in a variety of fields as well as students and those with lived-experience of the life-issues presented here.
Dr Elizabeth Coombes FHEA FAMI. Therapydd Cerdd/Music Therapist, Uwch Ddarlithydd/Senior Lecturer, Arweinydd Rhaglen MA mewn Therapi Cerdd/Programme Leader MA Music Therapy, Rhoelwr Academaidd/Academic Manager, Prifysgol De Cymru/University of South Wales
The arts therapies are uniquely positioned to contribute significantly to the practical and experiential applications of recent developments in neuroscience to mental health. Arts therapists have long practiced with a deep understanding of the connection between mind and body. This volume is an eloquent contribution to this field and ensures that the experience and understanding of the arts therapists is heard and included. It is especially exciting to hear the stories and experiences of arts therapists who bring their experience from beyond the global north.
Paula Kingwill, Dramatherapist, HPCSA reg. South Africa
An extraordinary culmination of innovative and captivating practice and insights from a diverse cross-section of international arts therapies practitioners and contexts. Each chapter sensitively considers the complexities of neuroscience, how emerging research is stimulating engagement with the arts and creativity across the lifespan, and how these implications are impacting informed practice. Those receiving arts therapies services remain the focal point and it is their engagement with the creative processes that breathe life into the discourse. Caroline Miller has again contributed a critical and sophisticated text that interweaves theory, research and neuroscience that is sure to ignite your imagination and progress the arts therapies in important ways.
Ronald P.M.H. Lay, MA, AThR, ATR-BC, registered and credentialed art therapist, consultant, supervisor and program leader of the Masters in Art Therapy Program at LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore
This very readable, enriching and enlightening book contains chapters from Arts Therapists who practice in a range of continents, with a wide variety of clients. Each writer provides an engaging case study to illustrate how a synthesis of theories from the arts, science and psychotherapy combined with humanity informs their approaches to therapy.
Madeline Andersen-Warren, author, researcher and recently retired Dramatherapist, UK.
Many people imagine that the arts have a profound effect on the body, mind and psyche. The authors in this book argue that these benefits can be explained through better understanding of neuroscience. From drama to dance and music, through arts and the imagination, multiple stories unfold here to pique the reader's curiosity and help them envisage the relationship between the arts and neurological change.
Prof Katrina Skewes McFerran, The University of Melbourne, Australia
