Therapy groups that use the creative arts connect with clients in ways that go beyond cognitive engagement. The arts help clients find the deeper parts of themselves that must be reached for effective healing. In this practical and imaginative book, you will discover the elements of creativity, the roles of the therapist, how to involve each person in the group, and how to set up effective groups to serve a wide variety of clients. Efficacy information for each of the creative arts and connections to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health have been added for this second edition.

The first part of the book shows how a therapist can take on the roles of facilitator, teacher, artist, and therapist. You will also learn why the creative arts are an important element in therapy, what it means to be creative, what enhances creativity and what hinders it, how creative arts groups interact to promote discovery of self and others, and how to run effective groups from the initial planning to closure for a group that is ending.

The second part of the book describes the creative arts, giving you specific information about visual and tactile arts, masks, drama therapy, theater games and improvisation, laughter and clowning, music, dance and movement, writing and poetry, meditation and creative visualization, and puppetry. Along with the descriptions, details, and efficacy studies for each of these groups, there are over 290 activity ideas for you to use.