Psychotherapy, Literature and the Visual and Performing Arts

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xix

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2. Introduction: Psychotherapy and the Arts—A Practitioner’s Guide

   • Bruce Kirkcaldy

   Pages 1-17

3. Literature and Narrative Therapy

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 19-19

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   2. Edvard Munch as Psychotherapist: “The Horse Cure”

      • Arnold Weinstein

      Pages 21-42

   3. Langerian Mindfulness and Its Psychotherapeutic Implications: Recomposing/Decomposing Mindlessly Constructed Life Stories

      • Sayyed Mohsen Fatemi, Ellen J. Langer

      Pages 43-52

   4. Film, Mental Health and Therapy

      • Gurvinder Kalra, Dinesh Bhugra, Antonio Ventriglio

      Pages 53-68

   5. The Power of the Performing Arts in Healthcare

      • Bruce Kirkcaldy, Ahmed Hankir

      Pages 69-91

4. Theater and Dance Perspectives

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 93-93

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   2. Theater and Psychology: A Symbiotic Relationship

      • Jeff Zinn

      Pages 95-111

   3. The Dance of Presence: Mindfulness and Movement

      • Sarah de Sousa, Shauna Shapiro

      Pages 113-129

   4. Benefits of Theatrical Improvisation in the Training of Psychotherapists

      • Daniel J. Wiener

      Pages 131-150

5. Visual Arts, Music and Drama

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 151-151

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   2. The Development of a Contemplative Art Program for Adolescents and Adults: Challenges and Unexpected Benefits

      • Christine Korol, Kimberly Sogge

      Pages 153-172

   3. Psychological Oddities Among Performing Artists

      • Vincent Egan, Anthony Beech, Laurence Burrow

      Pages 173-190

   4. Soothing the Savage Breast: Therapeutic Applications of Music

      • Glenn D. Wilson

      Pages 191-202

   5. Therapeutic Applications of Drama Therapy Among Immigrant Drug Abusers

      • Alexander-Stamatios Antoniou, Marina Dalla

      Pages 203-218

   6. Emotional Intelligence, Personality Disorders and the Performing Arts

      • Adrian Furnham

      Pages 219-235

6. Back Matter

   Pages 237-243

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This book explores the relevance of literature and the performing and visual arts for effective clinical psychotherapy. There is a growing interest in the use of the arts in psychotherapy, in part due to an increasing awareness of the limitations in verbal communication and scepticism towards traditional forms of medical treatment. Gathering together perspectives from international practitioners this volume embraces the value of a range of mediums to psychotherapy, from film and photo-therapy to literature and narrative therapy. Based on theoretical studies, clinical expertise and experiential learning, authors offer detailed guidelines on the value of various art forms in practice. 

• visual and performing arts
• clinical guidelines
• music therapy
• drama therapy
• dance movement psychotherapy
• art therapy
• mental health practice
• psychological intervention
• healthcare practitioner
• emotional intelligence
• personality disorcer
• creativity and mental health

“Each essay is written by professionals in psychology or medicine who are also active participants in the visual or performing arts. Each chapter includes a historical review of the topic as well as a comprehensive review of the research literature. … This is a unique, wide ranging resource that will benefit clinicians wishing to expand their skills, interdisciplinary graduate programs, and researchers. Summing Up: Recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty and professionals.” (D. L. Loers, Choice, Vol. 56 (5), January, 2019)​

• International Centre for the Study of Occupational and Mental Health, Düsseldorf, Germany

  Bruce Kirkcaldy

Bruce Kirkcaldy is Director of the International Centre for the Study of Occupational and Mental Health and has published over 230 articles including 11 books.

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