Digital Commons Network^™

How Does An Art Therapist Build Rapport With Socially Isolated Older Adults?, Elizabeth L. Levering

Expressive Therapies Theses

This study was done to explore the fundamental aspects that are woven into the report-building process and the therapeutic alliance with socially isolated older adults. Research has been done on the effects that social isolation and loneliness have on this underserved population, however report building is less researched and can be translated into the mental health field. Person-centered therapy, developmental stages of older adults, and the growing field of art therapy and its benefits are also well documented. This qualitative arts-based study takes the intersectionality of these topics by observing three sessions with two separate residents and analyzing the results. …

Neuroqueering Art Therapy: Bringing Neurodivergent Gender Diversity Into The Creative Arts Therapy Room: A Literature Review, Avital Eisen

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Recent research across disciplines has established the significance of the overlap between neurodivergence and gender diversity, a truth long espoused by the community. Acting on this research, some mental health disciplines have begun addressing neurodivergent transgender and gender diverse people as a unified population in their research, but the field of art therapy has not yet followed suit. Theoretical frameworks of intersectionality, queer theory, and disability justice highlight the importance of centering the unique experiences and needs of neurodivergent gender diversity. Using these frameworks, this literature review synthesizes community knowledge with art therapy research on both neurodivergence and gender diversity, …

Art Therapy Awareness: A Social Media Campaign, Hannah Barnes

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

A push towards advocating for mental health has made mental health services and care a primary focus. There are numerous ways to receive mental health care, art therapy being one option. This project seeks to provide information and resources on art therapy while also bringing awareness to the field and challenging misconceptions.

Art Bibliotherapy: An Integrative Approach To Art Therapy And Bibliotherapy, Haven Wright

Art Therapy Counseling Final Research Projects

Art Therapy and Bibliotherapy are both subfields in the creative/expressive arts world of therapeutic practice. Individually, art therapy and bibliotherapy have unique attributes that have the potential to improve a client’s overall therapeutic outcome. However, in pursuit of evidence-based practice, art therapy and bibliotherapy could benefit from further high-quality replicable studies. An exploration of the current research and emergent shared themes were undertaken. A single participant case study demonstrated Art Bibliotherapy in practice. Participant outcomes were increased emotional regulation, increased positive experience in therapy sessions, and increased positive self-esteem.

Building Social & Emotional Competence In Early Education Classrooms Through Art Therapy, Amber Bliss, Melissa Halici, Nadia Herman, Camille Jessie, Madeline Madison, Melissa Washington Cross, Gaea Ray, Melanie Zarrow

LMU Theses and Dissertations

This research project qualitatively explores how teachers address social-emotional learning and how educators understand and implement SEL and art therapy in early education. This research aimed to explore how art therapy theories can support teachers in their efforts to create socially and emotionally competent early education classrooms. Data collected included anonymous surveys from current kindergarten through third-grade teachers. Through data analysis, several findings suggest that art therapists, mental health practitioners, and teachers can benefit from collaboration in increasing access and training with SEL practices. These findings open new doors for further inquiry into art therapy and SEL.

Adolescents And Art Therapy: Exploring Safe Spaces Through Telehealth, Sarah Murphy

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis discusses an art therapy intervention in a virtual partial hospitalization program (PHP) with an adolescent population. Research involving the use of safe spaces in therapy, telehealth, adolescent group development, group dynamics, and digital technology in art therapy was explored. The intervention involved adolescent clients depicting a visual safe space using digital tools and exploring the concept of safety through telehealth. After the intervention, clients reported an increase in self-reported mood on average. Common themes found in the artwork include physical safety by holding boundaries and being around items or people they felt comfortable around. Personal artistic responses were …

Art Therapy Interventions For Fear Of Childbirth: A Model For Implementing Expressive Arts Interventions In Prenatal Populations, Cheyne West

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This capstone investigates fear of childbirth (FOC) and correlated prenatal anxiety and/or prenatal depression. This literature review examines the current research related to FOC in prenatal birthing populations and art therapy interventions. Careful considerations were taken in regard to language for this population. Gender neutral terminology is used to be inclusive of trans, non-binary, and queer pregnancies. FOC is common, affecting about 80% of birthing individuals (O’Connell et al., 2021). Symptoms and implications for FOC are vast, including anxiety, depression, preeclampsia, increased medical inventions, and possible long term mental health risks. The baby's wellbeing is also affected by FOC, including …

Using Art Therapy With Grieving Adolescents Through Telehealth: A Critical Review Of The Literature, Brenna Cole

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Grief is an inevitable part of the human experience. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, art therapists across the world were abruptly forced to adapt their services to an online model, most with little to no training on how to do so. Adolescents experienced death of loves ones and trauma at colossal rates. Legal and ethical issues arose as art therapists blindly began navigating this new terrain all while maintaining client caseloads. This literature review examines the strengths and limitations of the rising use of art therapy through telehealth with grieving adolescents. A search for literature on using art …

Putting The Pieces Back Together: Using A Kintsugi-Influenced Directive To Promote Self-Forgiveness And Resiliency In Young Adults With Shame And Guilt, Marieev Krista Princer

Art Therapy | Theses and Dissertations

Kintsugi is the ancient Japanese art form of repairing broken pieces with lacquer. It is highly regarded as an art form that represents the beauty of scars and life after destruction. Currently, the field of art therapy has little literature on how destruction of art can be used in the field to aid clients. This study was dedicated to researching a new art directive based on the kintsugi form of art making and its philosophies. To assess the therapeutic value of the destruction of art, the chosen population was millennials, an age group that is misunderstood. This study aims to …

Life Narrative Examination Through Art Therapy With Psychotic Disorders, Anna Farrell

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Though there is some research regarding the use of art therapy with those who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, there is less research on utilizing it with those who have other psychotic disorders or using it with this population within an inpatient setting. Research largely suggests that art therapy is beneficial to this population in reducing and managing negative symptoms, increasing self-awareness, understanding one’s narrative, and as a coping technique. However, there are few specific interventions suggested and researched. Therefore, a directive was developed and utilized in group art therapy on a mood and psychotic disorders inpatient unit. The group …

Benefits Of Creative Therapies With Adoption And Complex Trauma: A Literature Review, Rosellen Boucher

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review explores the history of modern adoption and the effects on the adopted from a developmental, emotional, and behavioral standpoint. The review aims at addressing these specific needs through the use of art therapy. To become better acquainted with the concept, the history of modern adoption, as it pertains to the United States, is summarized with three subcategories as a focus points: domestic, international, and the foster care system. Building off of the history is a reflection on the past research surrounding adoption by considering adverse childhood experiences, complex trauma, attachment, and identity formation as it relates. Legislation …

Bringing The Body Into Art Therapy: The Use Of Touch And Body Awareness In Creative Healing, Janna Corsetti

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The focus on the use of healing touch and body awareness in art therapy is critically lacking. Despite the research supporting the use of body-oriented techniques in clinical therapy, there is little research related to this use specifically in art therapy. Research reveals that healing touch and body awareness can be instrumental in healing trauma, if done with the proper training and boundaries in place. The first form of attachment and comfort for children is that of touch. Therefore, it is imperative to acknowledge the power of touch and body awareness when healing from traumatic experiences. The purpose of this …

Promoting Secure Attachment In Parent-Child Dyads: A Head Start Approach, Summer Annette Bradley

Art Therapy Counseling Final Research Projects

This grant proposal focuses on a partnership with SIUE Head Start centers in providing educational child-rearing resources, community building and parent-child dyad work to promote a more secure attachment in parent-child relationships. This proposed art therapy program will serve up to fourteen parent and child dyads within an academic year period at the estimated cost of $91,005. This program utilizes the existing Head Start staff members and enrolled families who have already expressed the need for attachment-based work.

SIUE Head Start currently serves 1,181 students who are 3-5 years of age under the curriculum and program outline of the National …

Examining The Creative Therapies As A Strategy For Addressing The Trauma Of Intimate Partner Violence: A Literature Review, Gina Cestaro

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Thirty percent of all women worldwide will experience intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime (WHO, 2019). IPV is damaging to the body and mind, and impacts every area of a woman’s life, and frequently results in trauma (Murray, et al., 2017). The seriousness and prevalence of intimate partner violence clearly warrants research into effective treatments. Consequently, this literature review examines existing arts-based interventions that address the symptomology of trauma and how those interventions could specifically benefit victim-survivors of IPV. Research in neuroscience has shown that memories of a traumatic experience are often stored as disconnected fragments and overwhelming bodily …

Creating A Space To Externalize: Mindfulness Based Art Therapy For Childhood Trauma, A Literature Review, Emily Jaworski

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Experiencing trauma in childhood can result in complex symptoms that impact the development as well as the mental, emotional, and physiological health of the child, resonating throughout their lifespan. Various forms of treatments are used to address the behavioral and emotional symptoms in children who experienced trauma such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, and Pharmacotherapy, however the vast majority of them do not incorporate a holistic framework when supporting children to process their traumatic experiences, therefore they do not attend to trauma as a catalyst for changes in the mind and body. This literature review aims to examine the …

Effectiveness Of Digital Response Art, Anya Kavanaugh

LMU Theses and Dissertations

This study looks at the effectiveness of digital media to create response art and deepen attunement with adolescent clients as well as develop self-awareness in the therapist. An arts- based qualitative heuristic self-study was used to analyze data gathered over a six-week period. The subject was the researcher/therapist and the data was gathered during the second-year practicum while working with adolescents at a non-public school. Data was gathered through a process of creating two post-session response artworks using video, animation, or digital drawing and a written reflection for each artwork. Nine artworks and eight written reflections were created in total. …

Art Therapy In The Time Of Covid-19, Mallory Braus, Brenda Morton

Faculty Publications - College of Education

We are fighting two invisible enemies: COVID-19 and mental health challenges due to unmitigated stress and trauma as we follow directions to avoid the spread of the virus. To address the mental health challenges, art therapy is offered as a tool to support individuals during periods of isolation. Art therapy is a wonderful self-care activity that can benefit individuals throughout the life span.

Art Therapy For Trauma Survivors, Mercedes Ter Maat

Faculty Proceedings, Presentations, Speeches and Lectures

Interested in incorporating art-making into your clinical practice with trauma survivors? This presentation addresses the power of art in recalling the traumatic event and accessing trauma-related emotions in a non-threatening way. Learn how art assists trauma survivors in identifying, expressing, and containing emotions by engaging in a process that creates a safe distance from painful feelings while providing a concrete vehicle to explore potentially volatile emotions. Artwork will be shown to illustrate this process.

Finding My Superpowers: Developing A Coping Skills Method Using Art Therapy As An Intervention For Children And Adolescents With Mood Disorders, Maria Williams

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Children begin developing types of coping skills as early as age two. Children and adolescents use both positive and negative coping skills each day in order to navigate life’s experiences. Negative coping skills that develop at a young age can affect the child or adolescent later in adulthood. The development of positive coping mechanisms will allow children to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. When it comes to children with mood disorders, natural skills for coping and resiliency may not come as easy. Children and adolescents experiencing acute mental health treatment in an inpatient facility often come in already in …

The Study Of Neurological Response In Art Therapy And Trauma: A Literature Review, Kristin Weber

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This review will focus on neurological research and art therapy practice to consider benefits of the integration of science and the creative therapies. These topics will be addressed through a trauma informed theoretical lens, focusing on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury diagnoses in the US military veteran population. Arts-based, qualitative, and quantitative research were correlated within this review to discover links between neurology and art therapy’s unique impact on trauma, and the outcome of combining these practices. The conclusions found that, with limited research connecting these two fields, there is a possibility for enhanced trauma treatment through the …

Use Of The Creative Arts Therapies And Creative Interventions With Lgbtq Individuals: Speaking Out From Silence A Literature Review, Tracy Huerta

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community is an at-risk population in dire need of competent treatment. This thesis explores sixteen published articles that investigate the use of the expressive therapies and expressive arts with LGBTQ individuals. The silencing of the LGBTQ community by an oppressive heterosexist and transphobic society causes negative impacts to LGBTQ individuals’ wellbeing, physical health, and self-expression. Research suggests that because of their stigmatized identity the LGTBQ community has special therapeutic concerns such as, internalized self-hatred, social rejection, gender or sexual orientation confusion, and safety needs. Multicultural and feminist theories of psychology propose that …

Using Trauma And Attachment-Informed Art Therapy To Promote Healing In Children In The Welfare System: A Literature Review, Jessica Q. Mctavish

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Children who have are placed in the child welfare system have often been exposed to a multitude of stressors and traumatic experiences, including: exposure to domestic abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, neglect, in-utero substance abuse, and abandonment. In result, a child’s development and overall functioning may be severely impaired, to include an inability to regulate emotions and manage arousal, attentional difficulties, chronic elevation of cortisol levels, and low impulse control. Such children may also experience deficits in working memory, executive functioning, academic skills, and social-emotional functioning. Their ability to form healthy attachments may be impaired, and they are …

Art Therapy And The Recovery Process: A Literature Review, Michelle Sharp

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Addiction to drugs and alcohol is a multi-faceted disease that has physical, mental, and financial consequences for the individual and for society at large. The global burden of disease related to substance use disorder is 5.4 percent worldwide according to World Health Organization (2014). There is a need to expand knowledge of the illness as well as create a more effective treatment method. The demand for addiction-based treatment is rising. There is a need to explore and strengthen research on therapeutic approaches to help individuals to combat substance use disorder and aide in the recovery process. Art therapy, according to …

Mind In Hand, Anna Olson

Bachelor of Fine Arts Senior Papers

This thesis explores the intersection of art and psychology as it manifests in my art practice, particularly in the medium of weaving. The contemporary frameworks of memory and archive provide the basis of this discussion, as well as findings from the field of Art Therapy. Difficult emotions like loss and grief often show up in my work, and I will discuss how artists like Felix Gonzalez-Torres and Sophie Calle also utilize these concepts. In weaving, I capture my internal mental states, memories, and perceptions of the future in a variety of found and gifted objects. Guided by the precedents set …

Art Therapy And Art History Theories, An Inquiry, Hannah L. Masters

LMU Theses and Dissertations

This research uses critical theory inquiry with interviews and arts-based research to explore biases about art making in clinical art therapy practice. The literature review establishes an historical link between theoretical tenets in fields of art therapy and art history. Participants are chosen from experts in the fields of art therapy and art history. Interviews explore what art making means to each participant, utilizing both verbal and arts-based processing. The data is condensed through coding and arts-based reflection, and seven emergent themes are identified. The themes are checked with the participants for accuracy. The findings of the paper integrate the …

The Use Of Art Therapy With The Blind To Impact A Sense Of Capability, Deanna Digiulio

Undergraduate Honors College Theses 2016-

This study looked at the ways in which the practice of art therapy could potentially help blind individuals cope with the loss of sight, and feel more capable in accomplishment through the use of tactile art materials. While art is primarily considered a visual tool, the physical nature of some materials can provide relief and autonomy for those without sight. The research was conducted by looking at the psychosocial aspects of dealing with blindness, researching the therapeutic benefits of art therapy, and conveying examples of successful case studies that used tactile materials in different ways. Based on several findings and …

Supporting Non-Verbal Visual Communication In Online Group Art Therapy, Brennan Jones, Kate Collie, Sara Prins Hankinson, Anthony Tang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Art therapy provides therapeutic benefit to people suffering from chronic pain, and recent work has explored supporting art therapy through online tools such as chat forums and discussion boards. These tools give people the benefit of engaging in art therapy without the burden of having to leave one’s home (when transportation may be a challenge), and allowing people to reveal their identities through dialogue and activity rather than through one’s appearance. However, these tools also do not provide much opportunity for collaboration and shared art making. Because group members are not aware of each other’s actions and non-verbal cues in …

Art Therapy Treatment With Incarcerated Women, Bonnie Erickson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effectiveness of art therapy in decreasing symptoms of trauma and psychological distress in women who were incarcerated in county jails in the Southeastern United States. In order to protect the integrity of the study, control subjects were in different dormitories from the treatment subjects. While the dormitories were randomly assigned to treatment or control, the subjects were not. The dependent measures were paper and pencil tests, the Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-45.2) and the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI) given at pretest and posttest. A demographic questionnaire was completed in the first session to better characterize the participants. In …

A Therapeutic Program To Improve The Body Image Of Pre-Puberty Exceptional Education Girls, Linda Jo Pfeiffer

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum focused upon the design and implementation of a body Image improvement program for severely emotionally disturbed (SED), latency-aged girls. Seven latency-aged girls In a self-contained, SED program participated one time per week In Individual art therapy and group sessions. The program Incorporated therapeutic art activities with verbal Interactions and utilized human growth films, cooperative learning techniques, and child care personnel from outside agencies.

The writer developed a therapeutic program designed to address concerns and problems encountered by latency-aged girls and especially those whose developmental progress has been hampered by both abuse and emotional handicapping conditions. Major Issues addressed …