Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy

19

Preface

As we launch this book into the world, we do so with a blessing
inspired by the poet Rainer Maria Rilke (2005):

May you come to know the knots

Of your own making

Your power for reshaping

May you surrender

To the intelligence of Earth

And rise up rooted like trees.

The practice of expressive arts therapy, an integrative and arts-based
form of psychotherapy, is emerging in different forms around the
world. Two centers for current thinking and practice in expressive
arts work are Appalachian State University (Appalachian) in North
Carolina and the European Graduate School (EGS) in Switzerland.
The environmental settings where these programs flourish have
shaped an undeniable awareness of, and appreciation for, the natural
world. Since the beginning of expressive arts at Appalachian, the
program has been strongly nature-oriented because of the beauty
and power of the landscape of the old and gentle mountains of the
Blue Ridge. The summer school of EGS is held in the alpine village
of Saas Fee, situated in the midst of the strong and commanding
presence of the Swiss Alps. Both of the authors teach in the expressive
arts programs in both of these schools. This book is born of years
of teaching, practice and conversations with each other and with