Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Identity Formation In Adolescents Using Assemblage And Found Objects, Sahar Mozaffar

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore a gap in current research that reveals how art therapy, using assemblage with found objects, empowers adolescents to explore their identity by creating a personal narrative. Identity formation is a critical step in adolescence that involves the development of a coherent sense of self and identity (Erikson, 1968, as cited in Branje et al., 2021). For the adolescent to be successful in this stage, they must synthesize both their personal and social identities (Erikson, 1950, as cited in McLean & Syed, 2014). Using this understanding of adolescent identity, this study utilized a …

Parents With Low Mood And Their Child: Exploring The Effects Of Group Art Therapy, Allison M. Pierce-Gay

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

This qualitative study examines the effects of group art therapy on postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms, specifically focusing on reducing isolation and improving parent–child attachment. The participants included two parents with self-reported low mood and one child (aged 2–2.5 years), and insights from eight multidisciplinary experts (clinicians, educators, and parents) were also gathered. Interventions included a somatic body scan, collage-making, and dyadic handprint painting. The results indicated reduced isolation (Likert scores improved from 3.5 to 4.75) and enhanced attachment through nonverbal co-creation; however, structural barriers (e.g., time poverty) limited sustained impact. Expert interviews identified seven themes, including grief, systemic isolation, and …

Death, End-Of-Life Doulas, And Art:
Exploring Connections Between Death Competency And Art Making, Jill K. Hoefgen

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

Death in the United States is often viewed as a medical event rather than the natural course of life, which results in avoidance of planning for the inevitable. The emergence of Hospice in the 1970s, Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) laws in several states, and the positive death movement have demonstrated a shift in attitudes and priorities about death and dying. Since the early 2000s, end of life doulas (EOLDs) have emerged as practitioners who help people plan for and transition to death. Emotional and existential coping skills are components that emerge from death work, and these elements can be …

The Benefit Of Creative Arts-Based Interventions For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Marissa Patrick, Zeida Gutierrez

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that significantly affects emotional regulation, social communication, and executive functioning. Addressing emotional regulation in children with ASD is essential for enhancing mental health, quality of life, and functional independence in occupations such as social participation. Despite evidence supporting the use of creative arts-based interventions to improve mental health, limited research exists on their specific application for emotional regulation in this population.

This project aimed to implement and evaluate a creative arts-based intervention program designed to improve emotional regulation skills in children with ASD within occupational therapy (OT) practice. Conducted over five weeks …

Animation As Therapy For Mental Health Treatment Across Diverse Populations And Contexts, A Literature Review, Daneile Tabana

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Scientific research has explored and identified the beneficial relationship between health and creative expression, recognizing art therapy as a source of healing. Animation has been newly recognized as an art therapy medium with potential for therapeutic healing and increased psychological well-being. This review of the literature on animation therapy explores the history of the modality’s interaction with the population observed and the effects of animation on the cognitive processes, discusses current theoretical orientations and treatment options for treating a range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior with animation therapy, and considers culturally informed and client-centered practices alongside traditional …

The Neuroscience Of Mindfulness Based Art Therapy: A Literature Review, Elizabeth Strasser

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Art therapy and neuroscience are two fields which are currently growing and expanding with the development of new technology which allows for therapists and scientists to advance their understanding of how the brain and the body respond to the world around us. The interaction between the brain, body, and environment is complex, and for the sake of clarity for this thesis this interaction will be conceptualized through the lens of the body-mind model, polyvagal theory, neuroaesthetics, the flow state, mindfulness, sensory engagement, and art as therapy. Neuroscience in relation to psychology can be used to develop a deeper understanding of …

No Longer On Fire, Vikki M. Parker

Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture

Capturing the poetic, lyrical essence of the ethereal universe, the pencil portal births whispers of the self in these Sourcedoodle collections, beginning as intuitive drawings and revealing their deeper essence through digital wizardry, healing art comes through for remembering the soul's purpose. A journey to gently collect the fragmented parts of a broken self. Like little souls dancing, each image has a story, a capturing of energy, an anchoring of light intensity, a glorious weaving of fluidity and a playful curiosity. A permission to be whole & a celebration of source discovering embodiment underpins this spiritual quest for discovering existence …

Artistic Expression Of Medical Experiences Of Mothers Of Color: Perspectives Using Art Therapy, Lauren Barrett

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine perspectives of mothers of color living in the US and their experiences in the healthcare system through art therapy. The study aimed to further identify personal narrative experiences of mothers of color navigating the healthcare system, promote individual voices, and acknowledge disparities impacting those within marginalized communities. The participants in this study included a total of eight identified mothers of color (non-White) living in the US. Participants took part in four weeks of consecutive art therapy sessions either in 60-minute group or individual virtual meetings. One art therapy directive was provided …

A Trauma-Informed Socially Just Approach To Working With Juvenile Justice-Involved Youth Utilizing Expressive Arts Therapy, Ciara Carr

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Youth involved with the juvenile justice system often have a history of trauma and oppression resulting from their positionality and circumstances. Most juvenile justice-involved youth are boys, youth of color, low-income, LGBTQIA2S+, disabled, and traumatized. This literature review explores the history of the juvenile justice system, issues with the present-day model, and trauma-informed and transformative justice approaches to practice. The implementation of socially just, trauma-informed expressive arts therapy programs is proposed as a more equitable practice to replace commonly used punitive practices across the United States. More research is needed to understand the impact of such programs on this population …

Colorful Conversations: Enhancing Communication In Nonspeaking Toddlers Through Art Therapy, Joy Wu

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The purpose of this study was to learn how art therapy helps non-speaking children ages two years old build up their communication with others. Although there are not many early publications on the benefit of art therapy to children ages two, the existing research suggests that art therapy can aid those children in speaking based on the experience of art making. During the art creation process, engaging with art materials and their potential power can enable the expression and conveyance of emotions as art serves as containment. Therefore, art therapy can assist nonspeaking toddlers to begin communicating verbally. This writer …

Art Therapy Meets Dungeons And Dragons: Supporting The Development Of Social Skills In High School Students, Ben Li

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This arts-based research explores the current literature on the clinical uses of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) using art and play therapies. Previous studies that intersect with D&D and expressive arts interventions have been traditionally focused on drama and play therapies while this study focused on open studio practices based on art therapy methodologies. D&D in clinical settings has been effective in developing social connection between peers and emotional regulation. A 10-week art therapy group was conducted in a school setting with adolescents with academic anxiety, socioemotional disabilities, and developmental disabilities. The author provided a space for participants to create art …

One Stitch At A Time: Examining The Self-Care Of Art Therapists And The Potential Of Fiber Arts For Wellbeing, Elaine Chippero

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The goal of this thesis was to understand why art therapists are particularly at risk for burnout, why it is essential for art therapists to engage artmaking for their own self-care, and why fiber crafts are particularly suited for self-care. The literature was collected and organized using reflective journaling and visual–tactile coding and then presented in the following review. The first two sections of the literature review include comprehensive definitions of burnout and self-care and how both concepts have been discussed in literature relating to the helping professions and specifically art therapists. The third section covers the historical context of …

Utilizing Flow Arts Movement As An Expressive Arts Therapy Tool To Treat Trauma: A Literature Review And Autoethnography, Shannon Mcgrail

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This expressive arts-based autoethnography research explores the effectiveness of using flow arts movement as a tool of expressive arts therapy to treat symptoms of trauma for individuals who experienced a traumatic event in their lifetime. While research on the use of flow arts movement to treat mental illness is in its early stage, much can be drawn from the literature on expressive arts therapy and dance/movement therapy research with a range of populations addressing trauma. Through exploration of trauma through neuroscience, mind, body, and integrated mindfulness through flow, this work aims to bring an understanding of using intermodal expressive arts …

Re-Member Selfhood A Drama Therapy Intervention, Option 1, Angelique Beauchêne

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Re-member Selfhood is a specific trauma-informed, drama therapy, intervention designed to meet the needs of adults with exposure to trauma and traumatic stress, who have pertinent adverse childhood experience scores and/or experience persistent trauma cycles over the lifespan concurrent with somatization. The aim of this thesis was to introduce an intervention which could function as indirect exposure and assist in the integration process taking the whole being of trauma sufferers into account, including body, mind, and soul. Additionally, the hope of this intervention is to decrease perceived physical pain, assist in the integration of the rejected aspect of self, and …

Playing With International Students From Asia: An Exploration Of Cultural Commonalities And Differences In Developmental Transformations (Dvt), Hazuki Okamoto

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Asian international students in the United States face a multitude of challenges such as language barriers, differences in cultural norms and behaviors, and identity confusion while navigating a foreign landscape. Developmental Transformations (DvT), a form of drama therapy, may apply to these challenges by enabling participants to explore different identities and express themselves creatively beyond the language barrier. This community engagement project was designed for Asian international students to be seen and heard by utilizing DvT. Within an in-person workshop, five participants played with their shared stories, and explored international and cultural roles in group DvT. Key takeaways from the …

How Can Art Therapy Help Individuals With Chronic Illnesses? A Literature Review, Emily Heidler

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review examines the influence of art therapy on the self-esteem of individuals who suffer from chronic pain. The research question was: How can art therapy help individuals with chronic illnesses? Through an exploration of the topics of art therapy, chronic pain, parenting style, and self-esteem, it was noted that there is a gap in literature about art therapy’s influence on self-esteem resulting from chronic pain. However, an analysis of the literature reveals that art therapy can influence the self-esteem of individuals who suffer from chronic pain. Art therapy can influence this population by providing a sense of belonging, …

Expressive Therapies And Resiliency – Resistance In Mental Health: A Literature Review, Gabrielle Lopez

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This review evaluates the current literature on psychological resistance amongst human service professionals experiencing burnout and the effect of Expressive Arts interventions on resiliency. Concepts include identifying the main symptoms, risk factors, causes, and treatments for burnout in education faculty, medical staff, and clinicians. Qualitative, quantitative, and meta-analysis studies are included to identify the most prevalent intervention frameworks for reducing stress including Arts-Based and Mindfulness-compassion based techniques. The effectiveness of Arts-based tools on strengthening identity, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and meaning-making in combating burnout is presented. Based on analysis of the literature, the author proposes a three-step intervention framework for utilizing …

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, …

Method Acting As A Therapeutic Intervention For Trauma Recovery, Remi Moses

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

While considered controversial by some, Method acting as popularized by Lee Strasberg is a technique that elicits powerful and authentic results on stage and screen. The foundational Method acting techniques, the Relaxation Exercise (RE) and the Sense Memory Exercise (SME), share similarities to bottom-up therapeutic processes like Somatic Experiencing and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. By implementing a trauma-informed drama therapy framework with these two exercises, the RE and SME were restructured as a therapeutic intervention for people in trauma recovery. The author implemented a study of three consecutive group therapy sessions for people healing from trauma where clients participated …

Molding The Self: Understanding Adoptees' Identity Formation, A Literature Review, Carolyn Brazil

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The topic under investigation focuses on the complex process of identity formation in adoptees, particularly those in transracial and international adoption scenarios. Grounding this topic in theory, the author draws from psychological and sociological perspectives. The literature illustrates key factors in adoptees' identity formation, and it emphasizes the importance of family involvement and cultural connections in integrating identities, as well as the role of cultural ties in understanding racial identities. The conclusion from this study reveals the complexities and clinical considerations of adoptee identity formation, showing their challenges in combining birth and adoptive cultures. It underscores the value of art …

Zine-Making As An Expressive Arts Therapy Method In An Adult Psychiatric Inpatient Hospital, Lauren Classe

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Zines are handmade versions of magazines with themes embracing art, music, politics, and social issues, offering individuals a platform to reclaim their narratives and connect with others. This paper explores zine-making as an expressive arts therapy method and its potential to foster individual and community expression within the inpatient psychiatric setting. The psychiatric care system is an often chaotic and even oppressive environment for the patients it serves, with a history of stigmatization that drives underfunding, understaffing, and an over-reliance on the biomedical model. By engaging in therapeutic zine-making, individuals in psychiatric care have the opportunity to explore their emotions, …

The Role Of Acculturation In The Professional Identity Of Art Therapy And Counseling International Students, Ana Marcela Tobar Chavez

Art Therapy Counseling Final Research Projects

In a country of immigrants, the concept of acculturation needs to be familiar to almost any professional in the mental health field and it is a reality for immigrants and international students. As international and immigrant students continue to join the Art Therapy Counseling profession, it is important to understand how acculturation plays a role in the development of their counseling professional identity. Unlike most master’s students in the art therapy counseling profession, international and immigrant students go through unique experiences such as being born and raised in a different country with difference in cultures, languages, and immigration statuses that …

The Relationship Between Eating Disorders, Attachment Styles And The Uses Of Art Materials, Tsai-Yu Chen

Art Therapy Counseling Final Research Projects

Previous studies showed that both eating disorder (ED) behaviors and attachment styles (ASs) could reflect on individuals’ uses of art materials. This mixed methods study aimed to explore the correlation between ED diagnoses and ASs, investigate clients’ selection of and familiarity with art materials, as well as understand how clients’ self-reports of media interactions match clinical observations. Participants were adults receiving residential care in an ED facility in Midwestern United States. Data were collected through surveys, chart reviews, and discussions with the participants’ therapist. The results of this study found a high prevalence (85%) of insecure attachment in the population. …

Art Therapists’ Familiarity With And Beliefs About Twelve-Step Addiction Recovery Groups, David Brickhouse

Art Therapy Counseling Final Research Projects

This research proposed to study what art therapists know and believe about twelve-step addiction recovery groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Cocaine Anonymous (CA). The aim was to better understand the field’s familiarity with 12-step recovery, identify misconceptions about 12-step groups, and assess the comfortability of incorporating 12-step philosophy into clinical practice. Findings include that art therapists integrate 12-step into art making, are likely to refer clients to 12-step groups, and that higher familiarity with 12-step was associated with more positive perceptions and greater integration with clinical practice. The study participants also agreed that accessibility was …

Communication Beyond Words, Anna Brough

Art Therapy Counseling Final Research Projects

This research explores the definition and use of nonverbal communication within the therapeutic setting and the treatment of selective mutism by clinical providers. A phenomenological research method was used to interview three art therapists and two therapists without art therapy training. These interviews were used to explore their understanding and awareness of nonverbal communication within the context of providing treatment to clients with selective mutism. The analysis of participants’ discussions of their experiences of treating those with selective mutism revealed four major themes: Nonverbal Communication, Therapeutic Presence and Alliance, Art Materials and Interventions, and Culture and Society. Findings suggest no …

Understanding Clay And Its Media Properties Through The Expressive Therapies Continuum, Anne Geisz

Art Therapy Counseling Final Research Projects

For centuries, clay has been used by civilizations to hold food, memories, and records of history. To this day, it is used by engineers, hobbyists, artists, art therapists and many more. This art based, heuristic study explores clay through the researcher’s ongoing practice with the material, within the framework of the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) and examines how its unique media properties make it such a versatile material for both ceramic artists and art therapists. Results exhibit these unique media properties and clay’s ability to reach all levels of the ETC through collected data of images, journals, critiques, and notes. …

Melting Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder/ Premenstrual Exacerbation Symptoms With Metalsmithing: A Group Process, Maureen Bella Russo

Art Therapy Counseling Final Research Projects

People experiencing Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder/Premenstrual Exacerbation, PMDD/PME, frequently live with debilitating symptoms that can arrest their daily life functions (Barker-Smith, 2020). Finding art to process and transform painful emotions that align with PMDD/PME hormonal depression/anxiety, may assist in supporting people to keep choosing life, especially when these art practices involve group settings and community artmaking (Phillips & Rosal, 1989; Robb, 2022). Metalsmithing requires significant cognitive awareness and promotes mind/body connections in its elemental art form (Carlson, 2015). This proposal outlines a group process involving 8-12 people who will receive a beginner’s metalsmithing, 12-week studio art program at Hyde Park Arts …

Utilizing Art Therapy To Address Perfectionism In Patients Suffering From Eating Disorders: The Need To Diversify Treatment Approaches, Zara Goldberg

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Perfectionistic behaviors are highly common in people with eating disorders. This study investigates the relationship between perfectionism, shame, and the ways in which art therapy can be utilized as a primary tool in eating disorder treatment. Based on the research below and the results of this study, integrating art therapy protocols in combination with talk based theoretical work around perfectionism can improve recovery and decrease struggles with perfectionism in persons with eating disorders. Patients at a residential eating disorder center participated in four consecutive weekly group therapy sessions that integrated art therapy protocols into a preexisting talk therapy based group …

Protocols For Enhancing The Role And Value Of Spiritual Care Resources In The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Garrett Harper

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This thesis addresses the assessment of innovative practices in police chaplaincy. The purpose of the project intervention is to develop protocols that can guide police chaplains through an assessment process. The intervention relies on practical theology as exemplified through the ministry of chaplaincy. This ministry comprises police chaplains offering spiritual comfort to persons encountering critical incidents involving violence, accident, or other trauma-intensive events and situations. Adoption of innovations can allow police chaplains to be more effective in fulfilling many outward-focused tasks such as delivery of death notifications. I conclude that: (1) police chaplaincy is amenable to use of protocols to …

Developing An Ebook For First Responders: Exploring Arts-Based Interventions To Counter Burnout And Build Resilience, Taysia De Mesa, Baylor Duncan, Emmanuelle Evans, Ashley Herbinger, Hannah Kent, Olivia Waldorf

LMU Theses and Dissertations

The researchers in this project studied the prevalence and impact of burnout among first responders, after which they produced CRISP (Creative Resilience Initiatives for Service Providers), a groundbreaking art therapy-based program published in an electronic book format aimed at addressing burnout and fostering resilience among first responders. Our program aims to foster resilience by integrating art therapy's Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) model with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and anti-racism strategies. The ETC model aligns with inclusive and diverse practices as it emphasizes a system-focused approach in using creativity, self-reflection, and cultivation of effective body-mind empathy. The CRISP eBook features 18 …