Definitions of the various disciplines:
Art Therapy
Art Therapy is the therapeutic use of art making within a
professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma, or
challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development. Through
creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can
increase awareness of self and others, cope with symptoms, stress and traumatic
experiences, enhance cognitive abilities and enjoy the life affirming pleasures
of making art.
Music therapy
Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of
music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic
relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music
therapy program.
Poetry Therapy
The terms poetry therapy, applied poetry facilitation,
journal therapy, bibliotherapy, biblio/poetry therapy, and poetry/journal
therapy reflect the interactive use of literature and/or writing to promote
personal growth and emotional healing. In addition to poetry, poetry therapy
applies all forms or written and spoken language including story, myth, folk and
fairy tale and other genres of poetic expression as well as journal, memoir, and
narrative. The poetry therapy process integrates discussion of published
literature and reflective or creative writing for expression and communication
of thoughts and feelings to facilitate participants' emotional well-being. The
field of poetry therapy encompasses all of these modalities, though only a duly
trained and licensed clinical practitioner can be credentialed as CPT or PTR.
Dance Therapy
Dance/Movement therapy is the psychotherapeutic use of
movement as a process which furthers the emotional, cognitive, social and
physical integration of the individual. Dance/Movement therapists work with
individuals who have social, emotional, cognitive and/or physical problems.They
are employed in psychiatric hospitals, clinics, day care, community mental
health centers, developmental centers, correctional facilities, special schools
and rehabilitation facilities. They work with people of all ages in both groups
and individually. They act as consultants and engage in research.