My name is Heather Skiba and I am a Psychology major at The College of New Jersey.
I am interested in pursuing a career in Dance and Movement Therapy.

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SUMMARY:

HIV Disease/AIDS is a serious and complicated epidemic that has taken the lives of many. Living with AIDS can be very stressful to all individuals involved. In fact, we are all people living with AIDS. AIDS is a disease that we all are not only aware of, but many are scared and ignorant of the symptoms, issues, and feelings associated with the epidemic.

In addition to the obvious effects of the disease on the body itself (low immune system functioning, many opportunistic diseases), there are other effects on the mind and spirit. Many AIDS patients often have low self-esteem, a low sense of self-worth, and/or problems coping with such a life threatening disease. There are many ways to deal with such issues that can be stimulating, invigorating, and pleasing to those who have to cope with the everyday life associated with HIV disease/AIDS.

Creative arts therapies are relatively new in the treatment process of psychological problems. In general, this type of therapy allows the creative aspect of a person to express feelings, emotions, and attitudes in different ways. Very often, people dealing with stressful issues have difficulties discussing their problems. However, in creative arts therapy, the patients can use many different mediums to express themselves, including many non-verbal methods.

Two examples of creative arts therapy are dance therapy and art therapy. Dance therapy incorporates the use of the body to express oneself. As the body moves through the space, one can feel free, uplifted, and confident. Art therapy utilizes expression through different art projects, such as drawing, crafts, or painting.

By including creative arts therapies as a treatment for HIV disease/AIDS patients, perhaps there will be an increase in self-esteem and self-pride. AIDS patients have many psychosocial issues to deal with, including the many stigma that are attached to this disease. Creative arts therapy can provide an outlet for these patients by allowing them to express themselves through the many different mediums available. In addition, these types of therapy will give the patient confidence and a sense of accomplishment when they perceive their finished product.

FACTOIDS:

Creative arts therapies are significant in the treatment of AIDS patients. They allow for many opportunities and are involved with aesthetics that sooth the distressed person. Whether it is dance therapy, music therapy, art therapy, drama therapy, or poetry therapy, these therapies have enriched the quality of life for many AIDS patients.
Aldridge, D. (1993). Hope, meaning, and the creative arts therapies in the treatment of aids. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 20, 285-297.

HIV/AIDS affects the body physically, due to a compromised immune system, and also psychologically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The creative arts therapies are effective in gaining self-esteem, relieving patients of feelings of isolation, providing a partner within the context of a creative process, and arousing the patient emotionally and physically.
Aldridge, D. (1993). Hope, meaning, and the creative arts therapies in the treatment of aids. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 20, 285-297.

An expressive therapist should focus on the psychosocial needs of the patient. Because HIV Disease/AIDS has psychosocial implications, creative arts therapists are important in supporting patients and creatively exploring options. Creativity is the most important element in this type of therapy. Many of the mediums used can either be combined or used alone to provide comfort, expression, and relationships.
Feldman, E. (1993). HIV-dementia and counter transference: A case study. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 20, 317-323.

Creative arts therapies have been known to help in the rehabilitation of patients with mental disorders. Because HIV Disease/AIDS can have a strong affect on a patient mentally, it is assumed that this type of therapy might be beneficial. Creative arts therapies soothe, stimulate, reassure, and make connections for patients.
Henderson, D. A. & Gladding, S. T. (1998). The creative arts in counseling: A multicultural perspective. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 25, 183-187.

"The creative arts promote positive feelings and affect within people that can be tapped when celebrating and coping with life's highs and lows." AIDS patients are constantly dealing with ups and downs in their lives and certain creative arts therapies could increase positive outlooks on life.
Henderson, D. A. & Gladding, S. T. (1998). The creative arts in counseling: A multicultural perspective. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 25, 183-187.

"The creative arts engender hope, confidence, and insight into persons who have never realized their potential for living life to the fullest." Many AIDS patients seem to feel that they no longer have an outlet to a positive and fulfilling life. Therefore, perhaps creative arts therapists can show these patients that there is a reason to continue living happily.
Henderson, D. A. & Gladding, S. T. (1998). The creative arts in counseling: A multicultural perspective. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 25, 183-187.

Creative arts therapies can allow for the expression of unconscious or vague feelings. An example of this is through the work of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Patients, friends, and family of those with AIDS remember their loved ones by creating a banner. This therapeutic task allows for feelings and emotions to surface non-verbally which in some cases, is easier for people to do.
Kerewsky, S. D. (1997). The AIDS memorial quilt: Personal and therapeutic uses. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 24, 431-438.

Dance movement therapy is another outlet for patients coping with difficult situations. It allows for unlimited expression through the body because dance is endless, patterned, and free. There are many different ways to incorporate dance and/or movement into a therapy session. Each situation is different, thus requiring a different tool. Some major guidelines in dance therapy are to educate the body to move freely, release tension, rechannel energy, increase self-awareness and self-confidence, and to have interactions with others of a similar nature. As one can see, dance/movement therapy can be very beneficial to AIDS patients.
Heber, L. (1993). Dance movement: A therapeutic program for psychiatric clients. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 29, 22-29.

It was found that dance/movement therapy can help patients who have low self-esteem, anxiety, tension, and/or depression. HIV/AIDS patients often display these qualities and thus dance therapy can be useful.
Heber, L. (1993). Dance movement: A therapeutic program for psychiatric clients. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 29, 22-29.

Some define dance therapy as, " the use of movement as a process which furthers physical and emotional integration of an individual." Thus dance can be used as a therapeutic way to rid the body of emotional or mental problems (which AIDS patients often experience), especially if the person can not express themselves verbally.
Ritter, M. & Low, K. G. (1996). Effects of dance/movement therapy: A meta-analysis. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 23, 249-290.

In studies testing the effectiveness of dance therapy, categories involved body awareness, movement analysis, and psychological change. Specifically, motor skills, coordination, endurance, balance, spatial awareness, anxiety, and depression were examined. Authors found that dance movement therapy is in fact an effective coping mechanism in adults with certain disorders.
Ritter, M. & Low, K. G. (1996). Effects of dance/movement therapy: A meta-analysis. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 23, 249-290.

REFERENCES:

Aldridge, D. (1993). Hope, meaning, and the creative arts therapies in the treatment of aids. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 20, 285-297.

Feldman, E. (1993). HIV-dementia and counter transference: A case study. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 20, 317-323.

Heber, L. (1993). Dance movement: A therapeutic program for psychiatric clients. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 29, 22-29.

Henderson, D. A. & Gladding, S. T. (1998). The creative arts in counseling: A multicultural perspective. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 25, 183-187.

Huston, R. & Berridge, M. (1997). A positive life: Portraits of women living with HIV. Philadelphia: Running Press.

Johnson, D. R. (1998). On the therapeutic action of the creative arts therapies: The psychodynamic model. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 25, 85-99.

Kerewsky, S. D. (1997). The AIDS memorial quilt: Personal and therapeutic uses. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 24, 431-438.

Ritter, M. & Low, K. G. (1996). Effects of dance/movement therapy: A meta-analysis. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 23, 249-290.

MY SPIN:

As educated students on the topic of HIV Disease/AIDS, we have a responsibility to others to inform them of the intense outcomes of risky behaviors. Risky behaviors are what essentially lead to most HIV/AIDS cases. Therefore it is extremely important that we all learn about the prevention and spread of this disease.

I think one of the most important issues regarding this topic is ignorance. Many college students live by the saying "It can't happen to me." News flash...it can! And it will if one does not educate oneself. Thus, learning about the disease from knowledgeable people is important. In fact, I think that it should be a requirement for all undergraduate students. If each student studied the psychology of HIV Disease/AIDS, I truly believe they will not only gain an enormous amount of information, but they will reduce their risky behavior.

In addition to simple yet intense education about the disease, I think students need to learn more about themselves, their friends, and their partners. Many do not see themselves as vulnerable, yet they act in unsafe ways without realizing it. Peer pressure is still a pertinent issue. More importantly, many trust their partners without learning about their pasts.

It is imperative for students (and all of society) to open their eyes to reality, be aware of who they are and what they want, and to learn to talk openly about certain issues. I realize that many people are timid or "innocent" and do not think they can talk about sex. Yet to live a healthy and happy life, it is necessary for these individuals to "come out of their shell." Of course, disclosing personal information is hard, and perhaps no one's business but one's own, but it may help.

HIV Disease/AIDS is a very controversial topic. I really think that many are just not educated about it and thus they are the ones stereotyping and ridiculing. Obviously education is needed, but of course that is easier said than done! We must provide society with knowledge of prevention techniques (condoms, clean syringes, etc.) to reduce the spread of disease. I believe that the more people know and the more people internalize that information, the more careful they will be.