The origin, application and prospect of the expressive therapy continuum (ETC)

Xiaohan Niu

doi:10.71113/JMSS.v2i1.185

Authors

Xiaohan Niu Graduate School of Social and Cultural Anthropology，Hanyang University ,Korea

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71113/JMSS.v2i1.185

Keywords:

expressive therapy continuum, art therapy, cultural adaptation, mental health, therapeutic intervention

Abstract

With the rapid urbanization and economic development in China, mental health problems are becoming increasingly serious, especially in urban areas, where work and life pressures are huge, while in rural areas, mental health problems are more serious due to the lack of resources. Existing interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have limitations in cultural adaptation and wide application, and it is difficult to fully meet the needs of the Chinese public. The expressive therapy continuum (ETC), as a multi-level art therapy model, helps patients release emotions, express feelings, and promote mental health through art activities at the levels of kinesthetic/sensory, perceptual/emotional, and cognitive/symbolic. The flexibility and creativity of ETC enable it to better adapt to different cultural backgrounds, especially in combining traditional Chinese art forms such as calligraphy and painting, to develop treatment methods that are more in line with local culture. In order to better promote ETC, it is necessary to strengthen professional training and public education, cultivate art therapists that meet international standards, and enhance the public's awareness and acceptance of ETC. Through these measures, ETC is expected to play an important role in China's mental health field, make up for the shortcomings of existing treatment methods, and comprehensively promote the mental health development of the Chinese public. This innovative art therapy method can not only adapt to China's actual background, but also effectively deal with the psychological problems of the masses.

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