Expressive Therapies
Expressive Therapies are the use of creative arts therapies to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals. Expressive Therapies are differentiated from other creative arts professions because the focus of the creative activity is not simply on the artistic product. The primary focus of the creative activity is to help a person reach a therapeutic goal. Expressive therapies are conducted by professional trained in fields such as art therapy, music therapy, or other creative arts therapies. Some common goals of expressive therapies include:
- Coping with symptoms
- Increasing hope
- Managing emotions
- Increasing positive self-image
- Gaining insight
- Self-expression
- Reducing anxiety
Who can benefit from Expressive Therapies?
Credentials of Expressive Therapy Staff
Expressive Therapy services are carried out by staff who have completed nationally recognized training standards in the fields of art therapy and music therapy. Art and music therapist have knowledge and mental health training on types of creative processes that can help a person reach their goals. Art therapy training includes a master’s degree in art therapy and national registration as an art therapist. In the field of music therapy a clinician may have either bachelor’s degree or masters’ in music therapy and national board certification as a music therapist. Some art therapist and music therapist also hold additional credentials in other mental health fields.
Expressive Therapy Services
Art Psychotherapy
Art therapy techniques are used to provide counseling and psychotherapy services. Creative arts interventions focus on the treatment of mental health concerns and gaining insight into one’s thoughts and feeling to respond through healthy strategies. Individual or group based art psychotherapy are available. Most private insurances and KanCare cover this service.
Art or Music Rehabilitation
These services are available to individuals that have KanCare and meet eligibility criteria for additional rehabilitation services. Eligibility is determined by a standard evaluation to assess criteria for Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) or Psychiatric Rehabilitation Service eligible (PRE). Art therapy or music therapy are provided to help a person reach toward their treatment and recovery goals. This could include such things as developing coping strategies, learning about arts and music resources in the community, developing vocational skills in the arts, and empowering positive steps toward life goals. Individual meetings with an art therapist or music therapist are available as well as art and music psycho-social groups.
LOCATION
The Bryce Miller Building
2401 SW 6th Street
Topeka, KS 66606
CONTACT
For more information, call (785) 233-1730 between 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday-Friday