Digital Commons Network^™

Fostering Creativity For Healing: A Literature Review On The Use Of Art Therapy And Mindfulness With Traumatized Adults, Kathryn Kost

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Art therapy and mindfulness have often been applied separately in the treatment of traumatized adults, and positive results in research studies and clinical practice have been reported. This thesis explores and evaluates empirical evidence of the effectiveness of both modalities for trauma treatment with adults, considering the effects of trauma and how to appropriately integrate art therapy and mindfulness into a trauma-informed practice. The critical review begins by surveying literature on the neurological impacts of trauma, identifying the stages of trauma treatment and how to utilize a client’s window of tolerance to improve functioning and increase acceptance of difficult emotions. …