Search

Current theoretical models of emotional processing rely mainly on detecting emotional processing through verbal, conscious, and cognitive processes. However, artmaking can potentially reveal embodied and implicit processes that may otherwise remain hidden in verbal expression. This paper attempts to close the scholarly gap by introducing a novel art-based emotional processing model that integrates emotional processing and art therapy literature, incorporating emotional meaning-making, awareness, acceptance, and memory consolidation. The art-based EP model explains the processes through which art creation may benefit emotional processing. It also elucidates the ways in which art therapy can be used to enhance therapeutic outcomes., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

This paper describes a program informed by art therapy and Photovoice approaches and techniques aimed at helping new immigrant and refugee teens to navigate personal and cultural identities by reflecting on their experiences as new residents in the US. Photovoice is a photography and social action method that encourages participants to photograph aspects of their daily lives, reflect on their meaning and significance and galvanize necessary changes. The program began in February 2020 at the Arab-American National Museum (AANM), but was adapted for an online format and re-framed towards a reflection on the COVID-19 pandemic. Broad questions teens explored included: What is good? What is challenging? What is sustaining during challenging times? What needs to change? and What about your culture and background are you proud of and wish to share with other US residents? Highlights of the sessions demonstrate how art therapy interventions paralleled photography-assigned themes of self, home, and community and encouraged group interaction and mutual support. A virtual museum exhibition culminated the program and reached community leaders. Self-reports from select participants highlight changes in posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and somatic symptoms over the course of programming., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest None.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the operation of choirs around the world due to the high-risk nature of group singing for disease transmission. These risks are even greater for people living with health conditions. This paper presents the results of an international, cross-sectional survey that asked health-focused choir facilitators if and how they adapted their choir to due to COVID-19 restrictions and the high-risk of transmission during group singing. Participants were recruited through searches of choir and music therapy networks, social media, and snowballing sampling methods. The anonymous online survey consisted of 17 multiple choice and 7 short answer questions. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Sixty-five surveys were commenced (50 completed). Many respondents (63 %) took their choirs online, and neurological conditions were the most common populations served. Format and methods of online choirs are described, as are benefits and challenges of online choirs. Several respondents indicated they would continue online post-COVID-19 restrictions. Online choirs were seen as feasible and beneficial, despite challenges. Recommendations regarding facilitator skills, technology set up, accessibility and session structure for online facilitation of health-focused choirs are provided., Competing Interests: None., (© 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This paper introduces the Bodymind model of Art Therapy and delineates the processes through which it has salutary effects on individuals coping with a variety of health related challenges. The goal of this model is to articulate how activation, reorganization, growth and reintegration of the self can emerge from bodymind processes activated by art therapy. It provides a framework for the conduct of research that will test the key theoretical mechanisms through which art therapy benefits clients. We expect this model to be a spring board for discussion, debate and development of the profession of art therapy. Furthermore, we hope readers can use this model to conduct sound mechanistic studies. This paper can inform social scientists and medical professionals on the manner in which art making can contribute to health.