This ground-breaking book explores the theoretical, clinical and training application of integrating mindfulness with all of the arts therapies, and includes cutting-edge contributions from neuroscience. Written by pioneers and leaders in the arts therapies and psychology fields, the book includes 6 sections that examine mindfulness and the arts therapies from different perspectives: 1) the history and roots of mindfulness in relation to spirituality, psychotherapy and the arts therapies; 2) the role of the expressive arts in cultivating mindful awareness; 3) innovative approaches that add mindfulness to the arts therapies; 4) arts therapies approaches that are inherently mindfulness-based; 5) mindfulness in the training and education of arts therapists; and 6) the neuroscience underlying mindfulness and the arts therapies. Contributors describe their pioneering work with diverse applications: people with cancer, trauma, chronic pain, substance abuse, severe mental illness, clients in private practice, adolescents at camp, training dance and art therapists, and more. This rich resource will inspire and rejuvenate all clinicians and educators.

This step-by-step manual was created using empirically supported treatment methods, combined in a unique way and laid out in an easy-to-use fashion. Each three-hour session includes a mindfulness meditation, accompanying art activity, and sample discussion questions, which can be conducted individually, in a group, or in research settings.

Many children who have experienced serious trauma are withdrawn and closed off, making it difficult to engage with them in therapy effectively. This book offers a compendium of therapeutic activities that will help children who have endured painful abuse to open up, so that they can learn to express their feelings and therapy can be directed towards their individual needs. From useful techniques for bridging memory gaps to using masks for self-expression, the innovative activities use mindfulness, art and play to help children feel relaxed and responsive. The activities require very little preparation, and use only everyday items that are easy to access and can be used time and time again. Case studies throughout offer a helpful demonstration of how the activities work in practice. This is an ideal resource for use with children in therapeutic, home and school settings. It is appropriate to use with children aged 5-17 who have experienced trauma, physical abuse, sexual abuse, forced migration and severe neglect, as well as those with acute depression, anxiety and behavioural difficulties.

In Mindfulness-Based Art: The SPARKS Guide for Educators and Counselors, art therapist Margaret Jones Callahan offers step-by-step instructions on bringing Mindfulness into the art studio, counselor’s office, or classroom. Here, you discover the basic principles of Mindfulness and find lesson plans for seven art projects, with guidelines for creating a safe class culture and scripts for teaching Mindfulness. Through drawing, painting, expressive calligraphy, clay sculpture, photography, and more, students learn to be in the present moment, quiet their inner critics, and express themselves authentically. Whether you’re a teacher, an art therapist, a coach, a counselor, or simply someone who wants to use art for personal growth and spiritual development, SPARKS shows you how student-artists of any age can increase their confidence and learn to trust their expressive minds. “It’s interesting to do my art this way. I feel real and I like what I’ve done.” — Grade 11 student Expresssive Art project “The mindfulness really makes me slow down and be really thorough with how I see.” — Grade 10 student mindful drawing “These are my dark thoughts. I can see them here. I’m going to cover this part and do something new over here.” — Grade 12 Student Luggage project “The art room is the only place in the school where I really relax. I can be myself here and say what I want to say.” — Grade 12 photography student “She shows us how to do it and then helps us do it our way. I don’t get in trouble for not doing it her way.” — Grade 8 student coping with learning challenges speaking about her art teacher http://www.mindfulnessbasedart.com

"Intention is fundamental to any project, endeavor, or journey. Related to intention is the concept of mindfulness--the awareness that arises through intentionally attending to oneself and others in an open, accepting, and discerning way. Drawing from Buddhist teachings and psychological theory, authors Shapiro and Carlson explore why mindful awareness is integral to the therapeutic healing process. Their book integrates the art and science of mindfulness to inspire greater well-being in both clinicians and their patients. As such, mindfulness is understood as a universal human capacity that can help bridge the gap between therapist and patient, reminding us that we are all human beings aspiring to greater health, happiness, and freedom from suffering"--Publisher description.

A Mind-Body Approach to Healing If you have received a cancer diagnosis, you know that the hundreds of questions and concerns you have about what's to come can be as stressful as the cancer treatment itself. But research shows that if you mentally prepare yourself to handle cancer treatment by getting stress and anxiety under control, you can improve your quality of life and become an active participant in your own recovery. Created by leading psychologists specializing in oncology, the Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery program is based on mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a therapeutic combination of mindfulness meditation and gentle yoga now offered to cancer survivors and their loved ones in hundreds of medical centers, hospitals, and clinics worldwide. Let this book be your guide as you let go of fear and focus on getting well. With this eight-week program, you'll learn to: • Use proven MBSR skills during your treatment and recovery • Boost your immune function through meditation and healing yoga • Calm feelings of fear, uncertainty, and lack of control • Mindfully manage difficult symptoms and side effects • Discover your own capacity for healing and thriving after adversity