VFTS 2021 4. Imagination, Creativity & Spirituality in Therapy | Dr. Leanne Domash

Leanne Domash, PhD is a psychologist/psychoanalyst, playwright and Embodied Imagination practitioner. She has had a life-long interest in the creative process and has written and/or presented nationally and internationally on art, architecture, writing, wit and humor, theater, and spirituality as they intersect with the psychotherapeutic process.

The aim of her recent book -- Imagination, Creativity and Spirituality in Psychotherapy: Welcome to Wonderland -- is to awaken creative desire and expand the imagination of the clinician and in turn, his or her patient. However, the book can be read by anyone wanting to solve problems --whether artistic, scientific or relational -- in more open and original ways. Dr. Domash brings the reader into a transitional space, an in-between reality, that allows deep exploration and access to new ideas. She illuminates the use of Embodied Imagination, a dreamwork technique that helps the individual break dysfunctional patterns and view his or her life with new perspective. The destructive effect of trauma on the imagination is explored and strategies given to address this. Using interdisciplinary exploration – from Kabbala and bible stories to biology and neuroscience -- Dr. Domash helps the reader view the world through a metaphorical lens as he or she continues to grow, expand, dare, take risks, and even, leap into the unknown.

Dr. Domash is Clinical Consultant, New York University Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis; Voluntary Psychologist, Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center, NY, NY; and Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, NY.

In this episode, we discussed concepts and their applications in psychotherapy from her recent book. Dr. Domash along with Jarred Sharer, will be presenting at the upcoming Expressive Therapies Summit on the topic of Spirituality, Creativity & Dreamwork in Psychotherapy.

RESOURCES:
Imagination, Creativity & Spirituality in Psychotherapy: Welcome to Wonderland
Shrink Rap with David Van Nuys
Magical Mystery Tour with Tonio Epstein
Seeker to Seeker
Expressive Therapies Summit

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