The Creative Connection: Expressive Arts as Healing

by Natalie Rogers

Dr. Natalie Rogers has developed a process called the Creative Connection RM that interweaves all the expressive arts -- movement, sound, drawing, painting, writing, and guided imagery -- to tap into the deep wellspring of creativity within each of us. The aim is to reclaim ourselves and then help others reclaim themselves as actively playful, spirited, and conscious individuals. Rogers emphasizes the importance of psychological safety and freedom while using the creative arts. This reflects her extensive work with her father, Carl Rogers, and a deep belief in his person-centered approach to counseling.Photos and art help demystify this process, and various exercises range from the simple to the complex. Natalie's practical suggestions aid counselors who want to add expressive arts to their regular sessions.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Art, Counselling

262 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 1993

Reviews

[Samara Serotkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this book. Loving it! Written by Natalie Rogers (Carl Rogers' daughter) it's all about person-centered expressive arts. My dissertation is all about his subject and I'm actually working with Natalie on it. :-) The book flows well and has lots of great ideas for self-growth work, as well as work to do with clients.

[Becca Vichi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread this book last week for a client and it’s just as amazing as the first time and even more impactful because I can actually apply it this time. Love!

[Jocelyn]

This is a beautiful book so far, it has put on paper what I have felt in my heart for some time now.

[Kshitija Ghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone rooted in Person-Centered Therapy and currently training in expressive arts, this book was a perfect find. It gave me clarity on integrating the arts into my practice, especially through journaling- something I already value. I did miss the presence of drama as a modality, but Rogers acknowledges this gap, which felt thoughtful. Her use of “she/her” throughout also added a subtle but meaningful touch. A warm, insightful read for any mental health professional exploring the creative path.

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful and inspiring voice Natalie Rogers had. Manages to explain how and why to do expressive arts therapy, which is such an active and embodied pursuit, in words. Only complaint is a sense of repetitiveness in rhetoric as the chapters progress.

[Nik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my introduction to EXA and I could not have asked for a better one. This book lays out the spirit of EXA in a warm and inviting way while still giving you actionable ideas and nudgeing your practice towards social action. Loved it.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning. Almost everyone could get something out of this book. It speaks to the medicine we need to soothe the ravages of our culture.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book if you are beginning to explore the expressive arts. The way she writes is so easy to read and the art examples are incredible.

[Jordyn ♡ Lynsey {{Reads}} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with very relevant content given the book is close to 30 years old. My only critique is that at times it’s redundant.

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Emily Jones]

Read for class (presentation)