Introduction

In the rapidly evolving field of creative and expressive arts therapies, an integrative application involves combining diverse therapeutic approaches and artistic modalities to create holistic treatment plans tailored to individual needs. The 2025 summit presents the concept of integration in multiple dimensions:

· Creative and Expressive Arts Forms: Integrative application involves the use of all the various art forms—such as visual arts, music, dance, drama, intermodal and literary arts—in therapeutic practices. Each creative and expressive arts form brings unique benefits and can be tailored to suit different therapeutic goals.

· Disciplines and Techniques: Includes integrating techniques from different disciplines, such as psychology, social work, and education, science, medicine, and the creative and expressive arts, to create comprehensive therapeutic interventions. This multidisciplinary approach allows for a more well-rounded and effective treatment strategy.

· Body-Mind-Spirit Integration: A holistic approach to therapy that considers the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. This dimension emphasizes the importance of addressing all aspects of a person's well-being to achieve overall health and harmony.

· Global Collaboration: Encourages mutual learning and collaboration between different cultural perspectives and traditions. This includes East-West-North-South exchanges, where diverse cultural practices and healing traditions can be integrated to enrich the field of creative and expressive arts therapy. Such collaborations foster innovation and inclusivity, allowing for a broader understanding of therapeutic practices.

Event Highlights

· Keynote Speeches: Hear from renowned experts in the field of arts therapy who will share their insights on the integration of various art forms with contemporary therapeutic practices.

· Workshops & Panels: Participate in interactive workshops and panel discussions that delve into cutting-edge trends, methodologies and ways of addressing some important global issues in the field of creative and expressive arts therapy and human health.

· Presentations: Gain firsthand knowledge from Chinese practitioners and educators who are at the forefront of integrating creative and expressive arts therapy in diverse local settings.

Facilitating Global Dialogue

This summit also aims to facilitate a global dialogue on critical issues in the field of creative and expressive arts therapy, including:

· Indigenous Healing: Exploring how indigenous healing practices can be integrated into creative and expressive arts therapies to honor and utilize traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.

· Development of Creative and Expressive Arts Therapies in Developing Regions: Supporting the growth and development of creative and expressive arts therapy in developing countries and regions such as China, other Asian nations, Africa, and South America. This includes addressing the unique challenges and opportunities these regions face in implementing arts therapy practices.

Who Should Attend

· Creative and Expressive Arts Therapists and Practitioners

· Mental Health Professionals

· Educators and Researchers

· Students of Arts Therapy and Related Fields

· Cultural Arts Practitioners

· Anyone interested in the intersection of arts and health

Why Attend

· Expand Your Knowledge: Gain insights into the latest trends and frontiers in creative and expressive arts therapy, with a focus on integrative applications.

· Enhance Your Skills: Participate in hands-on virtual workshops and learn practical techniques that you can apply in your practice.

· Collaborate and Connect: Network with a diverse group of professionals and create meaningful connections that can lead to future collaborations.

· Celebrate Artistic Diversity: Experience the beauty and therapeutic potential of various art forms and learn how they can be leveraged in therapeutic settings.

· Engage in Global Conversations: Contribute to important discussions on indigenous healing and the development of arts therapy in developing regions.

Pre & Post Conference events: In January 2025, a pre-conference event titled Exploring the Use of the Arts in Times of Crisis, Conflict & War will be curated by an international research group and offered free to forum registrants. Following the summit in April 2025, which will focus on China, an International Symposium under the CAET World Forum will be organized in Europe in October 2025. This in-person event will feature a combination of symposium activities and a master retreat, providing a unique opportunity for deeper engagement, hands-on learning, professional development and further global dialogue.