ABSTRACT
This chapter traces the historical development of creative therapy, beginning with Bradford Keeney’s early career in family therapy, up through his collaboration with Hillary Keeney. Creative therapy is historically rooted to three unique lineages: the science of cybernetics, the performing arts, and the ecstatic healing traditions. The Keeneys originally cast aside all therapy models to limit their foundational construct to the idea of cybernetic circularity where a changing therapist is required to change a client. To more effectively evoke change, the wider spectrum of expression offered by the performing arts was next drawn upon to bring more performance chops to therapeutic action seeking change. Finally, creative therapy tapped into the vaster wisdom of diverse ecstatic healing traditions the Keeneys explored throughout the world. Here the missing key to transformation was found and made primary—the existential expansion and creative life force required for a session to come vibrantly alive.
