Imagery and Visual Expression in Therapy

I. Levels and Components of Imagery and Expression.- 1. Imagery in Verbal Therapy and Art Therapy.- Components of Imagery and Modes of Representation of Thought.- Characteristics of Using Imagery in Therapy.- Characteristics of Using Visual Expression in Art Therapy.- Different Approaches to Art Therapy.- Art as Therapy.- Art Psychotherapy.- Levels of Expression.- Different Aspects of Creativity.- Creativity and Art Therapy.- Summary.- 2. Images and Information Processing.- Modalities of Imagery.- Vividness and Control of Imagery.- Cognitive Developmental Aspects of Imagery.- Types and Levels of Imagery.- Types of Imagery.- Cognitive Levels of Imagery.- Imagery Associated with Different States of Consciousness.- Hemispheric Differences and Psychophysiological Components of Imagery.- Imagery and Emotions.- Characteristics of Imagery on Different Levels.- Function of Imagery.- Enhancement of Imagery.- Summary.- 3. Levels and Functions of Symbolism.- Components and Developmental Aspects of Symbols.- Components Inherent in Symbols.- Developmental Aspects of Symbol Formation.- Conditions Contributing to the Emergence of Symbols.- Function and Meaning of Symbols.- Levels of Symbols.- Personal or Freudian Symbolism.- Jung’s Approach to Universal Symbolism.- Levels of Universal Symbols.- Symbolic Unfolding of the Psyche and the Neurotic Distortion of This Process.- Summary.- 4. Depicting and Integrating Images.- Line and Form.- Line.- Form.- Gestalts or Configurations.- Differentiation of Space.- Visual Syntax.- Color.- Multileveledness of Visual Expression.- Media Properties, Mediators, and Reflective Distance.- Expressive Styles.- Summary.- 5. Levels of Expression and Systems Approach to Therapy.- The Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC).- The Function of Imagery on Different Levels of the ETC.- Media Use at the Different Levels of the ETC.- Kinesthetic Level.- Sensory Level.- Perceptual Level.- Affective Level.- Cognitive Level.- Symbolic Level.- Creative Level.- Different Levels of Expression in Art Therapy.- Systems Approach to Imagery.- Systems Approach to Art Therapy.- Summary.- II. Function and Processes of Imagery and Visual Expression in Therapy.- 6. Connections and Disconnections between Levels of Representation and Expression.- Connection, Emergence, and Disconnection of Information Processing.- Connections.- Disconnections.- Interaction between Imagery and Emotions in Therapy.- Imagery and Resistances.- Enhancement of Connection and Emergent Function through Art Media.- Visual Expression of Resistances and Defenses.- Dealing with Resistances in Art Therapy.- Indications and Contraindications in Using Verbal vs. Visual Expressions of Imagery.- Summary.- 7. Active Imagination, Guided Daydreams, and Dreams.- The Flow of Imagery and Fantasy.- Consciousness and the Unconscious.- Active Imagination.- Guided Affective Imagery.- Therapeutic Use of Visual Expressions of Guided Imagery.- Structure and Function of Dreams.- Cognitive Development of Dreams.- Psychoanalytic and Cognitive Approaches to Dreams.- Jung’s Approach to Dreams.- Expression of Dreams in Art Therapy.- Summary.- 8. Daydreaming and Adolescent Depression.- Function of Daydreaming.- Patterns and Styles of Daydreaming.- Daydreaming Styles and Dreams.- Play as Antecedent of Daydreaming.- Daydreaming in Adolescence.- Depression in Adolescence.- Levels of Depression in Adolescents.- Depressive Fantasy Themes.- Depressive Dream Themes.- Depression and Daydreaming.- Daydreaming and Aggression.- Imagery Approaches to Depression.- Art Therapy Approaches to Depression.- Self-Esteem, Daydreaming, and Depression.- Summary.- 9. Images of Disintegration and Integration in Psychosis and Schizophrenia.- The Schizophrenic Experience of Perceptual and Cognitive Disturbances.- Visual Expressions of Schizophreniform Patients.- Representations of Body Image, Space, Movement, and Time by Schizophreniform Patients.- Art Therapy with Schizophreniform Patients.- Expressive Qualities and Psychopathology of Form in Schizophrenic Artwork.- The Comparative Approach to Schizophrenic Visual Expressions.- Representations of Body Image, Space, Movement, and Time by Schizophrenic Patients.- Art Therapy with Chronic Schizophrenics.- Summary.- 10. Imagery and Emotions in Healing.- Imagery and Emotions as Bridges to the Body.- Hypotheses of the Role of Imagery in Healing.- Components and Differentiation of Emotions.- Impairment and Regression in Emotional Processing.- Alexithymia.- Areas of Assessment in Using Imagery in Healing.- Assessment of Alexithymic Characteristics.- Imagery-Based Assessment of Disease and Immune System.- Progressive Steps in Using Imagery in Healing.- Information and Instruction.- Supportive Therapy.- Insight-Oriented Psychotherapy in Healing.- Summary.- Overview: A Systems View of Imagery and Visual Expression.- References.- Author Index.