Finding a Middle Path: Using Expressive Arts Therapy to Engage Adolescents in Dialectical Behavior Therapy: A Literature Review

Author

Rebecca MillerFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-21-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Dr. E. Kellogg

Abstract

This critical literature review explores the limited research on integrating expressive arts therapy (ExTH) with dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT, an evidence-based, third-wave cognitive-behavioral intervention, has been adapted for use with adolescents struggling with emotional and behavioral dysregulation. Yet, the didactic and almost rigid nature of DBT can feel more like a school lesson and less like therapy, making it difficult for adolescents to engage with the treatment. This is problematic as DBT's effectiveness requires the client to be fully committed and willing to engage in the therapy. This paper explores the literature on combining ExTH with DBT and conceptual connections between DBT and ExTH, and compares the literature to the lived experience of increasing participation in DBT groups through adjunct skills-based arts groups.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Miller, Rebecca, "Finding a Middle Path: Using Expressive Arts Therapy to Engage Adolescents in Dialectical Behavior Therapy: A Literature Review" (2022). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 548.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/548