This thesis delves into the pivotal role of "A-ha moments" in facilitating enduring and positive transformations within the frameworks of Expressive Arts Therapy complemented by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The primary objective is to illuminate the unique elements that contribute to profound changes in clients' lives within each therapeutic domain. The subsequent exploration aims to discern how the strengths of both Expressive Arts Therapy and CBT can be synergistically interwoven, creating a comprehensive and life-changing therapeutic process for the ultimate benefit of the client. It is a participatory qualitative research, which focuses on the meaning making process of the participants and the way perceive and process their experiences (Smith, J. A., & Osborn, M., 2015) The research begins with a detailed examination of the distinctive elements inherent in each therapeutic approach that foster transformational changes. Drawing on the principles and techniques of Expressive Arts Therapy and CBT, my work seeks to identify key factors contributing to breakthrough moments and positive shifts in clients' internal and external realities. The subsequent phase involves an exploration of the potential integration of the most effective elements from both therapeutic modalities. By understanding and leveraging the strengths of Expressive Arts Therapy and CBT, the aim is to create a holistic and dynamic therapeutic approach that maximizes positive outcomes for clients, as well as a much more extensive recognition and usage in the world.

The dissertation touches on a wide range of issues at the intersection of consciousness research, cultural research, and art research, including psychosemiotic research, visual semiotics, psycholinguistics, and cross-cultural studies of consciousness. It considers languages of consciousness, culture, and art to describe the language of expressive arts that unites and considers the languages mentioned above. This dissertation combines theoretical, auto-ethnographic art-based autobiographical, and cross-cultural expressive art-based research, as well as phenomenological microanalysis of therapeutic sessions conducted using intermodal expressive arts therapy. The process of intermodal expressive arts therapy is explained from the point of view of L. S.Vygotsky's cultural-historical psychology and studies of consciousness. The figurative and polymodal language of consciousness is congruent to the language of art. Levels of aesthetic analysis of the art form (P.Knill, S.Levine) are explained as a journey through the poles of the psychosemiotic tetrahedron of the image of consciousness (F.E.Vasilyuk). The process of giving birth to meaning in the territory of expressive arts is seen as an illustration of a mottos of expressive arts practitioners: «making art-making meanings». This dissertation classifies and describes the criteria necessary for successful expressive arts therapy. I draw parallels between the substitution model (P.Knill) and the idea of cultural mediation (L.S.Vygotsky), in which manipulations of art forms become substitute actions that allow you to get closer to solving problems, breaking deadlocks, using the Other as an intermediary. The paper examines the role of the Other in the concept of resonances and introduces the concepts of “aesthetic resonance.” The paper develops and describes methodological and theoretical foundations for identifying a new branch of expressive art therapy, which can be called “a culture-oriented expressive arts therapy” as a modern anthropological practice. This leads to the introduction of culture-related questions into the theory and practice of expressive arts. Several new concepts, such as the “culture of the work of consciousness” and “the culture of image” are introduced. In culture-oriented expressive arts, any art form belonging to traditional or modern culture is understood as a means of the attunement of consciousness and as a connector, bridge, and encounter which contributes to “expanding the play range“ (P.Knill) while providing a frame, becoming a kind of a “decentering process“ when it comes into contact with a different culture and a means of both strengthening identity and searching for it when it comes to native culture. This understanding has a wide range of applications. I address some of them by describing examples of my work with multicultural groups and the use of art forms from various traditional and modern cultures in working with Russian participants. Using cultural phenomenological approach the paper examines and describes “Meeting Point”, a cross-cultural, expressive art-based research study with participation of Russian expressive arts students and students from India, Hong Kong, Peru, Finland, the USA, Japan, and other countries. The study became an act of peacemaking, establishing bridges through the language of the expressive arts using traditional art forms (traditional music) and multidialog between people, and tracing the play of consciousness as an experience of unity and diversity.

This thesis explores the use of expressive art therapy (EXA) to promote well-being among adolescents in Hong Kong. EXA combines different art forms such as visual art, dance, drama, and music to help people express emotions and enhance healing. The study involved providing art therapy sessions for a group of Hong Kong adolescents aged 15 to 19. The aim was to provide a safe space for self-exploration and discovery through engaging with various art modalities. The art therapy process encouraged self-reflection, self-acceptance, letting go of perfectionism, and developing a positive self-image. While the researcher expected EXA to foster gratitude, resilience, and optimism as forms of well-being, the research findings revealed that adolescents valued self-acceptance the most as a foundation for well-being. Through the process of creating and reflecting on their artwork, adolescents learned to be kinder to themselves and accept perceived flaws. The EXA experience highlighted the need for adolescents to develop authenticity and body-mind awareness as crucial aspects of well-being.

This thesis examines how Expressive Arts Therapy can be a way of creating clarity for High Sensitive Persons. Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), a term coined by Dr Elaine Aron in the mid-1990s, referring to approximately 20% of the population, is more affected by stimuli in the environment which could make them overwhelmed easily and more confused of own needs at times. As a HSP myself, I arrived at this topic through a re-discovery of my high sensitivity and the experience of this innate trait being honored as a valuable resource to create clarity in my learning of Expressive Arts Therapy. The methodology of art-based research on my own healing journey and case studies of two highly sensitive clients in the framework of Expressive Arts Therapy were adopted. Research results suggest that Expressive Arts Therapy facilitated the intrapersonal communication of myself and the two clients and provided a non-judgmental safe space from stimuli for the clients and made their high sensitivity a big resource, together with their rich imagination and their ability to make connections across themes, to create clarity. In the containment of Expressive Arts Therapy, the two clients embody the idea that their innate trait can be a gem instead of a hindrance in everyday life. The results encourage further research on more HSPs including factors such as gender, age and cultural background for a bigger picture of the connection between Expressive Arts Therapy and Highly Sensitive Persons.