Creativity and change: The two-tiered creative arts therapy approach to co-dependency treatment

Journal/Book: Arts in Psychotherapy. 1992; 19: 19-27.

Abstract: Uses specific cases to illustrate a 2-tiered therapeutic approach to treating codependency. Tier 1 involves open-ended creative arts therapy groups with 10-15 participants beginning to explore codependency issues of self and relationships. Psychodynamic group process and creative self-exploration in the form of dance/movement work, crayons, paper projects, creative writings, and guided imagery sequences provide material for discussion. Self-awareness is enhanced, and a curiosity about the hidden self is stimulated. Tier 2 involves a smaller (8-person), concurrent group for more focused therapy work. Offering specific trauma work in Tier 2 communicates that (1) trauma has occurred, (2) strong discharge of feeling can and will be accommodated in a controlled setting with a known therapist, (3) safety, structure, and built-in emotional distance between sessions exists, and (4) there really is help for problems.

Note: two tiered approach to creative arts therapy; codependent group members

Keyword(s): Art therapy; codependency ; group psychotherapy; adulthood

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