The Button Method: A Model of Collaboration with Creative Arts Therapies

ABSTRACT

The authors discuss a creative clinical intervention that derived from collaborative treatment facilitated by art and dance/movement therapist counselors. This interdisciplinary method, called “the button method,” expanded into a learning tool in graduate education and professional development trainings. As the method evolved, music therapy was integrated to enhance both the workshop and classroom experiences. The authors describe a five-step model for collaboration using the button method. Examples and considerations are offered as illustrations for clinicians across mental health disciplines interested in exploring collaborative work with creative arts therapists.

KEYWORDS:

• Interprofessional
• creative interventions
• creativity in counseling
• collaboration
• creative arts therapies
• counseling

Declarations of interest

None.