This book focuses on somatic art therapy for treating acute or chronic pain, especially resulting from physical and/or psychological trauma. It discusses the role of the psyche in physical healing and encourages combining of traditional medicine and holistic perspectives in treatment. Translated from the French text, this volume provides case studies and examples from the author’s art psychotherapy practice of 40 years, including the four-quadrants method. Chapters review the current treatments for chronic pain and PTSD and focus on art therapeutic methods to treat those conditions, such as art therapy protocols for PTSD. The book exposes the underlying rational of somatic art therapy, covering art therapy effectiveness, Levine’s somatic dissociation, van der Kolk’s somatic memory, and Scaer’s procedural memory concepts. Also featured are chapter contributions from art therapists Sophie Boudrias, Mylène Piché, and Dr. Patcharin Sughondhabirom. By providing a unique, clear and concise synthesis of available art therapy methods this text will appeal both to the general and professional public, including professional art therapists, psychotherapists, helping relation professionals, and medical practitioners.

Demonstrating the benefits of creative expression for patients living with acute or chronic illness, this volume provides a complete, practical introduction to medical art therapy. It presents evidence-based strategies for helping people of all ages -- from young children to older adults -- cope with physical and cognitive symptoms, reduce stress, and improve their quality of life. Detailed case material and approximately 100 drawings and other artwork illustrate ways to work with individuals and groups with specific health conditions and challenges, as well as their family members. Contributors are experienced art therapists who combine essential background knowledge with in-depth clinical guidance.

As the emotional components of physical illnesses become more recognised, there is a renewed interest in the potential of art therapy to help patients come to terms with injury, pain and terminal and life-long conditions. A wide range of experienced art therapists describe their work and its benefits to a variety of groups including those with cancer, debilitating conditions such as myalgic encephalopathy (M.E.) and ulcerative colitis. Physical conditions in combination with other factors such as homelessness or learning disabilities, and children with life-long and chronic conditions are also covered. The book includes discussion of spiritual and philosophical issues when mortality is faced, life change and adjustment issues, practical considerations and which models of practice art therapists find most helpful with various groups. This will be essential reading for arts therapists and students, as well as for professionals with an interest in psychological issues and wellbeing for patients with physical illness or long term conditions, such as psychotherapists and counsellors, complementary therapists, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Chronic pain is a multidimensional, phenomenological experience, shaped by physiological, psychological, and social factors. Thus integrative non-pharmacological adjunctive approaches are gaining recognition for addressing the interplay between these factors. Art therapy is one such approach. However, while art therapy and chronic pain research has shown promising results, it remains a nascent area of inquiry and needs to be expanded. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate and illustrate the effects of a multisite, 6 session, manualized art therapy intervention on client-participants’ (N=31) perceptions on chronic pain and psychosocial comorbidities. The study employed an embedded mixed-methods design. Primary importance was placed on quantitative pretest-posttest data. Results from t-test analysis showed significant decreases in pain interference, depression, stress, and anxiety after art therapy intervention. Results also indicated significant increases in self-efficacy following the intervention. Mean decreases in post-intervention pain severity were not significant. In addition, 66% of client-participants reported significant, favorable global impression of change after completing the intervention. Measures of manipulation fidelity were used to ensure consistency across multiple settings. Analysis of fidelity checklist data showed strong adherence to study directives, supporting internal validity and reliability of intervention. Qualitative data in the form of client-participant artwork and comments were gathered and analyzed to produce central themes that would serve to illustrate and enhance understanding of the client-participant experience. Interpretative phenomenological analysis of client-participant feedback produced 4 central themes: opportunity for visual expression of chronic pain, creating connections, relaxation and calming, and enjoyment in the artistic process. These themes confirm findings from the literature and illustrate the effects of specific art therapy approaches and techniques. Overall findings support art therapy as a useful adjunct to chronic-pain treatment regimens.--Abstract.

Authored by two leading researchers in the athletic training field, the Second Edition of Therapeutic Modalities: The Art and Science provides the knowledge needed to evaluate and select the most appropriate modalities to treat injuries. The authors use an informal, student-friendly writing style to hold students' interest and help them grasp difficult concepts. The unique approach of the text teaches aspiring clinicians both the how and the why of therapeutic modality use, training them to be decision-making professionals rather than simply technicians. The Second Edition is revised and expanded to include the latest research in therapeutic modalities. New material has been added on evidence-based practice, and other areas, such as pain treatment, are significantly expanded. It retains the successful format of providing the necessary background information on the modalities, followed by the authors' "5-Step Application Procedure." New photos, illustrations, and case studies have also been added.