Expressive artistic therapies as mind-body medicine

The somatic connection between mind and body well-being based on the anthroposophical medical model of a human being is outlined from the perspectives of Steiner (1994 Steiner, R. 1994. A psychology of body, soul and spirit, New York: Anthroposophical Press. ) and Pierrakos (1987 Pierrakos, J. 1987. Core energetic, California: Life rhythm. ), arguing that the body becomes a map of mind experiences as they are inextricably linked. The expressive artistic therapies, particularly gesture, sound, and colour, are presented as the mediators of mind–body experience because they provide languages to communicate this experience. These artistic therapies are also seen as providing the means to reconnect body–mind experience in therapy in a way that can provide for interventions that transform difficult mind–body energetic patterns into patterns that create mental and physical well-being. This is illustrated with detailed interventions for transforming grief and loss and working with shock and betrayal