*29-JAN-2012 * *PUNE* : In the coming years, playing the drum or dancing in groups, will play an increased role in newer therapies being worked out by clinical psychologists.
Integration of art-based therapies with treatment methodologies offered by clinical psychologists is working well and needs to be explored further, according to experts at the 38th National Annual Conference of the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists, organized in the city by the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Sahyadri Hospitals. The three-day conference is now on at Yashada and is aimed at exploring all aspects of clinical psychology. Experts feel that these therapies would have a greater role in the coming years. At the conference, two interesting case studies were presented. Varun Venkit, who is researching on integrating science and research methodology with art, presented a study on changes during and after a ‘Group Drumming Programme’ for about 70 rehabilitated Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs) in Mumbai who participated in eight sessions across two months. According to him, on most occasions, psychological conditions of these CSWs is not taken into account the way it should be, creating a hurdle in rehabilitation. For the group study, a specially designed group drumming programme using Arthur Hull’s group drumming techniques and based on Psychology and Neurolinguisitic Processing principles was introduced. Pre- and post-programme interviews, observation checklists and drumming experience feedback forms were created and used to collect data. The results of the study were found to have brought a progressive and positive changes on the group level, especially on parameters of relaxation, stress reduction, group cohesiveness, confidence, motivation and attention, Venkit said. In the second case study Maithily Bhupatkar, a Bharatnatyam dancer by profession who currently leads the Hrishikesh Centre of Contemporary Dance community project — Dance for Parkinson's Disease — initiated in collaboration with the Sancheti Hospital, Pune, presented systematic use of dance therapy for Parkinson’s patients. Inspired by the work of Mark Morris Dance Group, New York, which has been offering it to Parkinson’s patients in the US since 2001, Maithili started the project in 2010 and today has over 18 patients registered with her, for the dance therapy. Mental trauma Parkinson’s patients undergo decreases confidence levels, particular after they cross the age of 50, she said. Sequential movements in smaller dance steps are primarily used during the therapy. Collaboration with Sancheti Hospital is helping them in proper evaluation and documentation of the project. http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/drumming-dancing-to-play-a-role-in-treatment-by-clinical-psychologists/905065/ -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Mental Health Advocacy (News 'N Views) India" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/MhaNewsViewsIndia?hl=en ------------- Affiliated Groups : MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY INDIA [email protected] Discussions on mental health law / policy / plan monitoring / human rights etc [email protected] India-specific news and views related to mental health [email protected] Information and support to carers of people with mental health issues [email protected] Mutual support and sharing of experiential knowledge, skills and social learning amongst peers
