History
Expressive Therapy was used successfully in psychiatric institutions during the 1940s. Pioneers such as Shaun McNiff and Paolo Knill developed the concept with a collection of works including Art As Medicine (McNiff) and Principles and Practice of Expressive Arts Therapy (Knill). It has since become a widespread and very popular form of alternative therapy.
Approach
Expressive Therapy possesses elements of Humanistic, Psychodynamic and Attachment theory. Practitioners believe that the approach enables individuals to fully express themselves, and that verbalisation isn't necessarily enough for effective self-expression.
How can it help?
Expressive Therapy is thought to be useful for people who have difficulty in expressing their emotions, feelings and past experiences. This may be due to abuse, violence or other traumatic events that a person may have trouble in coming to terms with. Areas that expressive therapy are used include medical illness, bereavement, criminal behaviour and behaviour problems.
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