SCHOOL of Expressive Therapy
Vision Statement of the School of Expressive Therapy
At the School of Expressive Therapy, our vision is to cultivate a community where creativity and healing harmoniously intertwine, inspired by the teachings of the Bible. We aspire to empower individuals to find solace, strength, and self-expression through therapeutic arts, guided by the compassionate principles of love, hope, and restoration as exemplified in the Scriptures.
Drawing from the wisdom of Proverbs 16:24, "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones," we believe that expressive therapy can provide profound emotional and spiritual healing. Our commitment is to foster an environment where every individual feels valued and heard, embracing the transformative power of art, music, dance, and drama as conduits for personal and communal growth.
Guided by the promise of Isaiah 61:3, "To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair," we envision a future where the School of Expressive Therapy stands as a beacon of hope and renewal. Through our programs, we seek to instill a sense of purpose and joy, enabling individuals to rise above life's challenges and contribute positively to the world around them.
Goals for the School of Expressive Therapy
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Promote Healing and Wholeness through Creativity
The primary goal of the School of Expressive Therapy is to facilitate healing and wholeness through various forms of creative expression such as art, music, dance, and drama. This aligns with the biblical principle found in Psalm 147:3, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." By providing students with tools and techniques to express and process their emotions, we aim to contribute to their overall well-being and spiritual growth. -
Cultivate Compassion and Empathy in Students
Another core objective is to nurture compassion and empathy in our students, enabling them to better understand and support others in their therapeutic practice. This goal is inspired by Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Through experiential learning and reflective practices, students will develop a deeper sense of empathy, which is essential for effective therapeutic relationships. -
Foster a Community of Support and Encouragement
Creating a supportive and encouraging community is essential for the growth and development of our students. This objective is rooted in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." The school aims to build a nurturing environment where students feel valued and supported, encouraging them to share their creative works and personal journeys openly.
By embedding these goals within the framework of biblical principles, the School of Expressive Therapy strives to equip students with both the professional skills and spiritual grounding necessary for effective and compassionate therapeutic practice.
FAITH BASED
F.A.I.T.H. Based Therapeutic Strategies Using Expressive Therapy
F - Find Peace through Expression (Philippians 4:6-7)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Expressive therapy encourages individuals to find peace through creative expression, which can be in the form of art, music, or writing. This aligns with the Biblical principle of seeking peace through prayer and thanksgiving.
A - Acknowledge Emotions Honestly (Psalm 34:17-18)
"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
A key component of expressive therapy is acknowledging and expressing emotions honestly. This ties in with the Bible verse that emphasizes God's closeness to those who are honest about their brokenness and emotions.
I - Inspire Hope through Creativity (Jeremiah 29:11)
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Expressive therapy aims to inspire hope and a sense of future possibilities through creative practices. God's promise of hope and a bright future can be a profound source of inspiration during therapeutic sessions.
T - Transform Pain into Purpose (Romans 8:28)
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
This principle focuses on transforming personal pain and struggles into a sense of purpose and growth, much like how God works all things for the good of those who love Him.
H - Heal through Artistic Expression (Isaiah 61:1-3)
"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners... to comfort all who mourn... to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes."
Healing through artistic expression is a cornerstone of expressive therapy. This verse speaks to the transformative power of God's presence in bringing beauty, comfort, and healing to those who are mourning or in pain.
By integrating these principles, the acronym F.A.I.T.H. serves as a holistic approach to healing that combines therapeutic strategies with the timeless wisdom of the Bible.