This practical guide to Expressive Therapies tools – a multi-modal, emotion-focused application of creative arts therapies – explains how expressive, creative and collaborative counselling methods can be offered to young people who experience emotional, behavioural, cognitive or existential difficulties.

The authors share insights, principles and practical activities that they have developed, applied clinically and subsequently researched and taught for over 35 years. Chapters detail information on empowering young clients to learn mindful reflection and communicate their internal experiences using visual art, music, drama, movement, use of miniatures and language. An integrative theoretical framework is provided that offers wide activity choices, responding to client preferences. Expressive Therapies aims to foster a clients’ capacity for resilience, hope and optimism. The appetite for more experiential, multi-modal creative arts-based approaches has evolved due to a rapidly growing evidence base for effectiveness, as well as for providing multi-cultural support. This book fulfils that demand with over 70 age-appropriate creative arts therapeutic activities and a contemporary evidence base. Its consideration of multiple intelligence theory enhances client engagement and counsellor-client alliance, and boosts both therapist and client confidence.

With its combination of principles and theory and practical activities, this is an indispensable guide for mental health professionals including counsellors, social workers, creative arts therapists and psychologists. Occupational therapists and similar professionals will also benefit, as will lecturers and students of creative arts therapy approaches.

Mark Pearson, PhD, has been conducting courses in Expressive Therapies for over 35 years, was a counsellor for young clients for 28 years and lectured in counselling at four Australian universities for 20 years. He holds a PhD, a Master’s in Education – Behaviour Management – and a Diploma in Teaching.

Helen Wilson, PhD, has over 35 years’ experience as a counsellor and clinical supervisor and lectured in counselling at three Australian universities for 20 years. She holds a PhD, a Master's in Counselling and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management.