Dr. Alice Flaherty is a neurologist and professor at Harvard Medical School, who treats patients with movement, mood and psychogenic disorders. In this talk, she explores the impact of mental illness on creativity through a look at both visual and literary artists, as well as through her own experience with trauma and mental illness. Dr. Flaherty notes the origins of the concept of empathy as a term in the arts as well as in connection with illness and health. Through her own clinical vignettes as well as references to contemporary art, she examines the interaction between empathy and art. She helps the listener to understand the role of empathy in promoting mental health, as well as the ways in which it can interfere with psychological well being.

This video was formerly included in the Expressive Media Arts Therapies Films Collection distributed by Expressive Media Inc.