A musical theatre company for people with psychiatric disabilities. The focus is on the recruitment and retention of cast members, the informational meeting, getting organized, the first production, expecting the unexpected and the crisis resolution, and the secrets to success utilizing patience, practice, and perseverance. Additionally, the book contains pertinent information on publicity and programs, costumes, sets and props, and theme shows. The appendix contains a wealth of supplementary information, including program guides and sample forms. This unique text will be a valuable resource to mental health practitioners, educators, students in mental health and related fields, and for those interested in starting a community musical theatre company for people with a serious mental illness and other disabilities. --Book Jacket.

This book was created for readers interested in expanding their knowledge on recovery programs for people with a serious mental illness. Drawing on current knowledge and her own extensive experience, the author provides a thorough overview of a recovery program that will: (1) provide the information and tools needed to implement a performing arts recovery program; (2) address the need for innovative programs promoting recovery; (3) provide a new recovery model for use in the arts therapies and related fields; and (4) offer activities that can be adapted for people with other disabilities. Divided into two parts. Part One is a brief history of the evolution of mental health practices; the history and development of the SEIR model; a description of the Recovery Wheel; and information on how a SEIR program can be utilized to reduce stress, develop resilience, reduce performance anxiety, build cognitive skills, and promote stigma reduction. Part Two is designed as a guide to implement a musical theatre company for people with psychiatric disabilities. The focus is on the recruitment and retention of cast members, the informational meeting, getting organized, the first production, expecting the unexpected and the crisis resolution, and the secrets to success utilizing patience, practice, and perseverance. Additionally, the book contains pertinent information on publicity and programs, costumes, sets and props, and theme shows. The appendix contains a wealth of supplementary information, including program guides and sample forms. This unique text will be a valuable resource to mental health practitioners, educators, students in mental health and related fields, and for those interested in starting a community musical theatre company for people with a serious mental illness and other disabilities.

Over the past two decades, there has been a major increase in research into the effects of the arts on health and well-being, alongside developments in practice and policy activities in different countries across the WHO European Region and further afield. This report synthesizes the global evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being, with a specific focus on the WHO European Region. Results from over 3000 studies identified a major role for the arts in the prevention of ill health, promotion of health, and management and treatment of illness across the lifespan. The reviewed evidence included study designs such as uncontrolled pilot studies, case studies, small-scale cross-sectional surveys, nationally representative longitudinal cohort studies, community-wide ethnographies and randomized controlled trials from diverse disciplines. The beneficial impact of the arts could be furthered through acknowledging and acting on the growing evidence base; promoting arts engagement at the individual, local and national levels; and supporting cross-sectoral collaboration.

Kristin Neff, Ph.D., says that it’s time to “stop beating yourself up and leave insecurity behind.” Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind offers expert advice on how to limit self-criticism and offset its negative effects, enabling you to achieve your highest potential and a more contented, fulfilled life. More and more, psychologists are turning away from an emphasis on self-esteem and moving toward self-compassion in the treatment of their patients—and Dr. Neff’s extraordinary book offers exercises and action plans for dealing with every emotionally debilitating struggle, be it parenting, weight loss, or any of the numerous trials of everyday living.

Offers those recovering from drug or alcohol abuse advice on improving self-esteem, gaining confidence in making decisions, overcoming destructive behavior, and making peace with the past