Expressive Arts Therapy helps to process thoughts and emotions, that can't always be articulated in words, through creative self-expression and non-verbal behaviors.

At Happiness Studio, we use multi-art forms, such as art, music, drum, dance, and drama as expressive or non-talk based therapies. In facilitation of a trained therapist, clients are encouraged to play, create and perform in a non-judgemental environment, while granting the therapist insight into their thoughts, behavior and emotions. The process opens the door to catharsis (releasing emotional stress) in unique and liberal ways. Effects of mindfulness, like attention and cognitive changes, stress reduction, and clarity in thought and action are experienced that pave the way for emotional healing.

Clients, ranging from young children to the elderly, who have experienced high stress, emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction and other psychological issues can benefit from expressing themselves creatively, irrespective of artistic abilities. For some, the combination of Expressive Arts Therapy and Family/Relationship Therapy or Group Therapy is effective as it creates a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment that helps promote resiliency and coping, resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior and achieve insight.

We integrate the following types of Expressive Arts Therapy into an allied approach to treat a broad range of chronic mental health disorders.

Expressive Arts Therapy may incorporate:

ART THERAPY

Art Therapy is rooted in the idea that art and emotion are linked together. Creating art like painting a picture, shaping a piece of clay, or assembling a collage helps to express and communicate one's inner world of images, feelings, thoughts, and ideas. The focus is on using the artwork as a tool to self-discovery, learning self-compassion and empathy, and moving towards healing.

DANCE AND MOVEMENT THERAPY

Dance Movement Therapy is based on mind-body connection and involves use of dance and body movement to improve mental and emotional wellbeing. Movement becomes more than exercise - it not only enhances mobility and energy, but also elevates mood, reduces stress, builds self-confidence, and helps release emotional pain.

MUSIC THERAPY

Music Therapy is a form of therapy that uses music created specifically to stimulate brain waves, that in turn, alter bodily functions, such as breathing and heart rate, promoting relaxation and calmness, and a more positive and focused state of mind. The uplifting sound of music combined with positive or cathartic messages conveyed in the lyrics are profoundly effective in relieving deep emotional stress.

DRUM CIRCLE THERAPY

Drum Circle Therapy is an ancient approach that uses rhythmic drumming techniques to promote healing and self-expression. The physical act of drumming has therapeutic potential to synchronize brain activity, generate dynamic neuronal connections and induce altered states of consciousness that releases negative feelings, energy blockages, and emotional trauma.

DRAMA THERAPY

Drama Therapy takes an experiential approach to therapy by using theater techniques including role-playing and dramatic interactions, improvisation, using puppets and acting out stories. Drama therapy helps gain self-confidence, better handle stress and explores new problem-solving skills to cope effectively with behavioral and emotional problems.

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