ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the reflections of people who have ‘made the crossing’ through both temporal process and liminal space, recounting the journeys of a group of graduates from the BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapies (CET), and Dramatherapy master of arts (MA) courses at the University of Derby. It utilizes the term ‘therapeutic arts’ to cover both the BA (Hons) CET and MA Dramatherapy courses, naming the specific course when differentiation is important. The chapter identifies the attraction and benefits of therapeutic arts courses, and the attributes of creativity in teaching and learning, particularly the benefits of self-expression through the arts. Experiential learning is central to the concept of andragogy; as C. Nerantzi and A. James observe, playfulness is far from mainstream practice in higher education. S. Jansen and M. Burton argue for the intentional incorporation of personal development in education, given the essential link to professional development and achieving a sufficient level of competence to enter and continue practice.
