Written works on the healing potential of EMDR and expressive arts therapy
Publications by Elizabeth Warson
Elizabeth Warson is a recognized leader in the integration of expressive arts therapies and cultural healing practices. Her diverse body of work explores the transformative potential of combining creative expression, mind-body awareness, and therapeutic approaches to foster personal growth, emotional intelligence, and community healing.
Her publications, spanning academic articles, book chapters, and practical guides, are influential resources for both clinicians and individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of holistic healing and therapeutic arts. The following is a selection of her key works:
Key Publications by Elizabeth Warson
Elizabeth Warson’s work provides vital contributions to the integration of therapeutic arts, mindfulness practices, and cultural healing methods. Her publications are an invaluable resource for professionals and individuals seeking to explore the profound healing potential of EMDR, equine therapy, and expressive arts. These works reflect her dedication to promoting holistic health, self-awareness, and community resilience across diverse populations.
For more about her work and to access her latest publications, visit the links provided or explore her book, E.Qi: Equine & Expressive Arts Inspired Qigong, which synthesizes her approach to mind-body-spirit integration.
"Embodied Visual Journaling"
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Warson, E. & Penston, S. (Jan. 9, 2025) Good Therapy.Warson and Penston discuss Embodied Visual Journaling as a powerful practice that integrates art-making with mindfulness, movement, and sensory awareness. This approach invites the whole body into the creative process, using visual expression to explore emotions, sensations, and presence. By moving beyond logical thinking, it helps access the body’s intuitive and sensory wisdom—fostering deeper self-awareness and connection.
- “Healing in Motion: Insights from Equine-Assisted EMDR with a Neurodivergent Youth”
Warson, E. (2025). EMDRIA Blog Post.
Equine-Assisted EMDR using EquiLateral™ supports profound healing for autistic children, blending body-based resourcing, attunement, and horses.
Read Article »
"Mind meets heart: Random Conversations on the Brain & Creativity"
Warson, E. & Warson J. (2024). Healing Pathways, LLC Publishing.
Mind Meets Heart: Random Conversations on the Brain and Creativity explores the intersection of brain science and creative expression through a father-daughter collaboration, blending neuroscience and art therapy to uncover the transformative power of bilateral movement and creativity.
"E.Qi: Equine & Expressive Arts Inspired Qigong"
Tilley, K. & Warson, E. (2024). Teahouse Publishing.
E.Qi, a holistic approach combining Qigong, equine therapy, and expressive arts. It provides a framework for self-awareness, emotional healing, and leadership through mind-body practices and animal-assisted healing.
"Arts-Informed EMDR: A Continuum of Resourcing Practices from Bilateral Artmaking to Visual Journaling"
Warson, E., Cowx, S., Curelo, J., Spier, E., & Sutrick, A. (2024). Go With That Magazine, 29(2), 22-35.
This article explores the integration of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with expressive arts techniques like bilateral artmaking and visual journaling to enhance trauma healing and emotional resilience.
" Sunkawakan WoLakota: Horse Balance"
Warson, E. & Tumlin, K. (2024). TCOM Conversations.
Warson and Tumlin explore the Lakota philosophy of Sunkawakan WoLakota (horse balance), examining how horses can play a significant role in emotional and spiritual healing.
"Bilateral Movement and Artmaking: Hemispheric Integration Across the Midline"
Warson, E. & Warson, J. (2023). Canadian Journal of Art Therapy, DOI: 10.1080/26907240.2023.2218727.
Warson and Warson explore how bilateral artmaking techniques can foster hemispheric integration in the brain, supporting cognitive and emotional healing by engaging both sides of the brain.
"Visual Journaling: Health Promotion Through Art and Drawing"
Warson, E. (2022, Feb. 28). Good Therapy.
Warson discusses the therapeutic benefits of visual journaling as a tool for health promotion, emphasizing how creative expression through drawing can enhance mental and emotional well-being.
"Dibaajimowin (Stories): Health Promotion Through Digitized Oral Stories"
Fuller-Johnson, D. & Warson, E. (2018). In C. Malchiodi (Ed.), The Handbook of Art Therapy and Digital Technology. London: Jessica Kingsley.
This chapter co-authored with D. Fuller-Johnson explores the role of digitized oral storytelling in health promotion, with a focus on Native American cultural narratives as healing tools.
Available on Google Books.
- “Using Art Therapy Techniques for Team Building in Distance Education Doctor of Nursing Practice Student Cohorts”
Sheingold, B.H., Warson, E., Lunsford, B., & Pintz, C. (2014). Journal of Interprofessional Healthcare, 1(1) Article 4.
This study, co-authored with Sheingold, Lunsford, and Pintz, examines how art therapy techniques can promote team-building and stress management in distance learning cohorts, especially for nursing students.
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- “Healing Pathways: American Indian Medicine and Art Therapy”
Warson, E., Taukchiray, W., & Barbour, S. (2013). The Canadian Association for Art Therapy Journal, 26(2), 33-38.
This article discusses how American Indian healing practices can be integrated with art therapy, offering a culturally relevant approach to healing.
"Physiological Measures in Art Therapy Evidence-Based Research"
Warson, E. & Lorance, J. (2012). In C. Malchiodi (Ed.), Art Therapy and Health Care. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Co-authored with J. Lorance, this book chapter provides evidence-based research on the physiological effects of art therapy, particularly in healthcare settings.
"Healing Across Cultures: Arts in Healthcare with American Indian and Alaska Native Cancer Survivors"
Warson, E. (2012). In C. Malchiodi (Ed.), Art Therapy and Health Care. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Warson explores how art therapy can support American Indian and Alaska Native cancer survivors, integrating traditional healing practices with modern therapeutic techniques.
- “Healing Pathways: Art Therapy for American Indian Cancer Survivors”
Warson, E. (2012). Journal of Cancer Education, 27(1), DOI: 10.1007/s13187-012-0324-5.
This article addresses how art therapy can support American Indian cancer survivors, emphasizing culturally relevant healing strategies.
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- “Exploring American Indian Adolescents’ Needs Through a Community-Driven Study”
Basto, E., Warson, E., & Barbour, S. (2012). The Arts in Psychotherapy, 39, 134-142.
This article, co-authored with Basto and Barbour, explores the emotional and cultural needs of American Indian adolescents, using art therapy as a tool for healing and empowerment.
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- “Visual Journaling: An Intervention to Influence Stress, Anxiety, and Affect Levels in Medical Students”
Mercer, P., Warson, E., & Zao, J. (2010). The Arts in Psychotherapy, 37(2), 143-148.
This study, co-authored with P. Mercer and J. Zao, demonstrates the effectiveness of visual journaling in reducing stress and anxiety in medical students.
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- “Art-Based Narrative Inquiry with Native American Breast Cancer Survivors”
Warson, E. (2009). Doctoral Dissertation, Colorado State University. Dissertation International Abstract Section A: Humanities and Social Sciences, 70(2-A), 2009, 487.
- “The House is Blue, but the Old Lady Ain’t: Reflections on the Life of Alice L. Moseley”
Warson, E. & Warson Purser, A. (2006). from Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association 23(4), 197-199.
"A Parents’ and Teachers’ Handbook on Identifying and Preventing Child Abuse"
Warson, E. & Stovall, K. (2005). from Art Therapy. In J. A. Monteleone (Ed.) St. Louis: G. W. Medical Publishing.
- “From Foster Care to Indian Boarding School: Empowering Native Youth”
Warson, E. (2003). In D. Betts (Ed.), Creative Arts Therapies Approaches in Adoption and Foster Care: Contemporary Strategies for Working with Children and Families. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.
Warson explores the use of art therapy to empower Native American youth facing the challenges of foster care and boarding schools, emphasizing healing and self-expression.
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- “Using Art as a Therapeutic Tool”
Warson, E. (2002). The Forum: Association for Death Education and Counseling, 28(5), 10.
Warson discusses the therapeutic power of art in addressing issues of grief and loss, offering insights into the value of creative expression in coping with emotional pain.
- “Finding My Way.”
Warson, E. (2002). from Journal of the American Art Therapy Association 19(2), 85-87.
"364 Mind States"
Warson, E. (2001). In B. L. Moon (Ed.), Working with Images: The Art of Art Therapists. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.
- “Edith Kramer: The Artist.”
Warson, E. (1999). The American Journal of Art Therapy, 37, 99-100.
- “Feature: Art Therapists Who Are Artists”
Warson, E. (1998). The American Journal of Art Therapy, 37, 66-68.
Meet
Elizabeth Warson
A therapist, teacher, and consultant who specializes in EMDR, Equine & Expressive Arts therapy in Northern Colorado.
For more information, please contact Dr. Warson directly.
