Arts Therapies in the Treatment of Depression

"This inspiring and comprehensive volume written by esteemed experts in the fields of art, music, dance/movement, drama, and phototherapies successfully navigates the topic of the global crisis of depression. Through current research, evidence-based practice, case studies and clinical vignettes this book richly weaves together how creative arts disciplines address the challenge of working with a variety of populations with depression across the lifespan and across cultures. With the goal of demonstrating proof of effectiveness with this challenging crisis of depression, the authors present an engaging compilation of studies using a myriad of creative and diverse clinical approaches, research designs and methods, and perspectives. The study designs are well-suited to the arts therapies and clients and chapters provide both breadth as well as depth. Authors are self-reflective and culturally aware presenting a variety of work with individuals, groups, and short-term and long term treatment. The book as a whole is well organized, balanced, readable and well grounded in research. I anticipate that the impact of this book will be far-reaching and appreciated by arts therapy clinicians and researchers and anyone who works with individuals with depression."

Susan Loman, MA, BC-DMT, NCC, Certified KMP analyst, professor emerita, adjunct faculty was director of the Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling Program, Department of Applied Psychology, Antioch University New England.

"The arts therapies have a specific and significant role to play in the prevention, treatment and recovery for people with depression and this volume goes a long way to providing much needed evidence and firm foundations for further robust research in the field. I can agree with the basic tenet of the editors that more rigorous evaluation of day-to-day practice and robust creative, relevant research are required if the arts therapies are going to make the important contribution it can to this area of mental health and wellbeing.

In capturing the fragmented arts therapies research on depression from around the world the editors state the book hopes ‘this research to be more visible, accessible and inspirational for arts therapists, trainees, other health practitioners, researchers and those shaping health provision’ (Zubala & Karkou: 6). In my view they have certainly done this emphasising research and practice, application and benefit, and role of the arts therapies."

Professor Helen Payne, PhD; Reg. ADMP UK: UKCP Reg. University of Hertfordshire, UK.

"As exploration of how arts activities can help alleviate the symptoms of depression this book is a tour de force of multidisciplinary practice and I wholeheartedly recommend it for anybody interested in Arts Therapies. It brings together leading international experts to present new and innovative perspectives on treating depression via engagement in creative activities. The book clearly and concisely presents state of the art clinical practices within arts therapy in an accessible, informative and thoroughly engaging style."

Prof Raymond MacDonald, Chair of Music Psychology and Improvisation, University of Edinburgh.

"This volume, co-edited by a dance therapist and arts therapist clinician researcher, provides a valuable overview of the contribution of arts therapies treatment to the global burden of depression. It brings together worldwide experts from art, drama, dance and music therapy, using different research methodologies to provide an arts therapies evidence base for depression at different stages of life. Research collaborators across the arts therapies can use this volume as a stepping stone for further research in their own modality and for cross modal research. Practitioners and students will find it a valuable basis for the formulation of treatment plans."

Dr Ditty Dokter qualified as a dramatherapist in 1982 and is an HCPC registered dramatherapist, UKCP registered groupanalytic psychotherapist and ADMPUK registered dance movement psychotherapist.