This conversation will focus on the therapeutic role that artistic expression plays in communicating individual experiences and emotions that arise from trauma, such as military conflict.
• In the video provided in this module, Art Therapy: Healing Trauma From: Art Therapy: A Universal Language for Healing.[OR1]
[Video File] [5 min 34 sec], Ikuko Acosta of New York University refers to art therapy as “a universal language.” Drawing from this video, the module reading, and two additional academic sources from the Library, discuss this idea in relation to the arts (drawing, painting, sculpture, and/or music) and provide an example of any program for adults that employs such therapy.
• What do you think Acosta means when she says art therapy is a “universal language”? Can you find any research that speaks to the effectiveness of art therapy? What are some of the rationales for art therapy programs?