September Book Group

We are excited to invite you to our new monthly drop-in book group this fall, hosted by Christine Brooks, Ph.D., Chair of the Expressive Arts Coaching & Community Building M.A. program.

September Book Selection

Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross

What to Expect

This series is open to those who are interested in, have applied to, or have already been accepted into the Expressive Arts Coaching & Community Building program. Students and faculty from the Expressive Arts Therapy program are also warmly welcome!

Together, we’ll read and discuss books that explore creativity, culture, relationships, and the transformative power of the arts, nature and spirituality. Each month, we’ll gather for connection, conversation, and inspiration.

Whether you’ve read the entire book, a few chapters, or simply want to listen in, you are welcome to join. Come as you are, bring your curiosity, and be part of our growing community of expressive arts practitioners and future coaches.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Reserve your Spot

Meet the Host

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Christine Brooks, Ph.D., is the chair of the new M.A. in Expressive Arts Coaching & Community Building and a core faculty member in the M.A. in Counseling Psychology concentration in Expressive Arts Therapy. She received her BFA in acting from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Along with masters's work in gender studies and religious studies, Christine received a M.A. in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. Christine went on to serve as professor and chair of the M.A. and Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology programs for seven years.

Prior to her teaching life, Christine worked as a book editor and in the film industry and also helped to run an early start-up company utilizing artificial intelligence to replicate expert advice. These experiences afforded her rich opportunities to work with artists, authors, and entrepreneurs and these relationships continue to influence her current private practice as a professional and personal development coach. Areas of scholarly and professional interest include the intersections of transpersonal psychology with feminist and queer theories and psychologies, postmodern and post-structural theories such as: social constructionism and advocacy/participatory worldviews; diversity and multiculturalism in psychology; queer spirituality; qualitative research methods, and adult identity development. Her interests also include the use of the Enneagram as a developmental model. She has published several articles and book chapters on transpersonal psychology and qualitative research methods and coaching including "Narrative EXA Coaching: Approaches to Transformation & Change," and the upcoming "I Don't Know But Together We Do! Narrative Expressive Arts in Coaching, Consulting & Community Vibrance." She enjoys participating in "artivism" events such as V-Day performances of The Vagina Monologues and supporting the work of local performance artists through participation or production support.