Art Therapy Commons^™

Art And The Brain: Implications For Art Therapy, Katherine Lawrance

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The requirements for a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy and Counseling do not include education on neurology. This thesis explores how neurology that could be beneficial for art therapy education. To begin, basic understanding of brain regions, cell structure, memory storage, neurological equipment, and pathologies is explored. This information was used to further explore creativity in the brain, the neurology of viewing art, and psychological and neurological pathologies. This information is compared in relation to current research on art creation, and/or art therapy within healthy individuals or corresponding pathologies and compiled into organized tables. From the literature review, information was …

The Bridge Drawing With Path Art-Based Assessment: Measuring Meaningful Life Pathways In Higher Education Students, Olena Darewych

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationships among the Bridge Drawing with Path (BDP) art-based assessment and two positive psychology instruments: the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ; Steger et al., 2006) and the Adult State Hope Scale (ASHS; Snyder et al., 1996). All three assessments (BDP, MLQ and ASHS) are intended to test for an individual’s goal-related pursuits. Forty-four higher education students studying in Britain and Canada participated in the study. Results indicated that an association exists between BDP written associations and MLQ-presence of meaning sub-scores. Participants who scored high on MLQ – presence of meaning generated more sources of life …

創作無障礙 : 一個為讀寫障礙初中生而設的藝術倡導計劃, Suk Mun, Sophia Law

Research Expression through Art : Visual Studies Faculty

《創作無障礙》是一項兩年的藝術倡導計劃，由東華三院屯門綜合服務中心與嶺南大學視覺研究系合辦，為屯門區有讀寫障礙(dyslexia)的初中學生設計為期一學年共二十節的藝術創作倡導工作坊，目的是為他們提供一處無障礙的創作平台，透過愉悅的創作過程，以及完成作品賦與的滿足感，促進他們認識自己先天的限制與天賦，發掘自己的潛能，肯定自我，增加自信。計劃分兩輪進行，參與計劃的學校共三間，包括東華三院鄺錫坤伉儷中學、中華基督教會譚李麗芬紀念中學和鐘聲慈善社胡陳金枝中學。其中鄺錫坤伉儷中學參與了兩輪的計劃， 譚李麗芬紀念中學參與了第一年、胡陳金枝中學參與了第二年的計劃。兩學年度一共有四十五位(二十九男、十六女)學生完成計劃。

為了增進家長和老師對讀寫障礙的認識，計劃期間先後舉辦了三次有關「創作與讀寫障礙」的座談會，讓主辦機構、學者和藝術倡導者與參與計劃的學生家長和老師分享計劃的理念、過程和成果。三次座談會的氣氛相當熱烈，尤其是最後一次老師的參與和意見，對促進家長和主辦機構的溝通起了很大的作用。藝術倡導者在會上就個別同學在計劃中的表現與他們的家長交換意見， 有助他們了解同學在學習上面對的困難，明白同學的潛能。

兩輪計劃在完結時都籌辦一次展覽，展出計劃中學生創作的話劇表演和藝術作品，讓家長、老師、以至社會人士能夠看到讀寫障礙學生的創意和能力，並加以肯定，使得參與的學生在計劃過程中已經建立的自我和信心，在計劃完結後能夠得到家長和老師持續的鼓勵，日後在生活和學習上幫助他們發展長處，推動他們的動力去面對困難。

Spark : An Educator's Look At Connection In 21st Century American Schools, Melissa J. Berrada

Graduate Student Independent Studies

Connection, creativity in the classroom and miracles are possible, even in today's standardized climate. The author gives examples that prove damaged systems can be overcome and difficult situations surmounted. Her hope is that this integrative master's project will show a true exploration of what it means to have an inner voice, to find and free it, and eventually express it.

Art Therapy For Enhancing Academic Experience Of Male High School Freshmen, Kelvin Antonio Ramirez

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of group art therapy interventions in improving social and emotional issues for male high school freshmen. The Behavioral Assessment System for Children Second Edition (BASC-2) was used to measure academically tracked high school freshman (n = 80) receiving the 12 week intervention in a group setting in comparison to an academically matched control group (n=76). Independent sample t-tests compared participants in the Honor, Average and At Risk Tracks who received art therapy versus participants who did not. The findings indicate that for participants in the honors track, those receiving art …

Using A Healing Wheel In The Healing Journey, Rebecca Tadlock-Marlo

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Mindfulness can be most comprehensively defined as a multifaceted, present-moment awareness intervention that capitalizes on self-perceptions (Gehart & McCollum, 2007; Nanda, 2009). Native American practices can be easily translated into counseling mindfulness techniques to aide in the healing journey of multicultural clients (Burks & Robbins, 2011; Durtschi,Rybak & Decker-Fitts, 2009; Garrett et al., 2011; Turner & Pope, 2009). A Medicine Wheel, or Sacred Hoop, is just one of the many ways to help individuals heal through mindfulness practices. Through the use of creating and discussing a healing wheel with clients, counselors can promote a context for understanding, respecting, and valuing …

Using A Healing Wheel In The Healing Journey, Rebecca L. Tadlock-Marlo

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Mindfulness can be most comprehensively defined as a multifaceted, present-moment awareness intervention that capitalizes on self-perceptions (Gehart & McCollum, 2007; Nanda, 2009). Native American practices can be easily translated into counseling mindfulness techniques to aide in the healing journey of multicultural clients (Burks & Robbins, 2011; Durtschi,Rybak & Decker-Fitts, 2009; Garrett et al., 2011; Turner & Pope, 2009). A Medicine Wheel, or Sacred Hoop, is just one of the many ways to help individuals heal through mindfulness practices. Through the use of creating and discussing a healing wheel with clients, counselors can promote a context for understanding, respecting, and valuing …

Examining Multicultural Competency Education In The Creative Arts Therapies, Donna C. Owens

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

In the changing landscape of the United States, the skills and competencies of helping professionals must continue to address the unique needs of its various populations. As a growing field, the creative arts therapies must adopt multicultural values and standards necessary to remain competitive and relevant.

This study addressed the issue of multicultural counseling competency training in the creative arts therapies from three perspectives: the governing association, the training institution, and the student/trainee. Throughout this study the term creative arts therapies includes art, dance/movement, drama, expressive arts, music, poetry, and psychodrama.

Information concerning the associations for each of the seven …

A Study Of The Use Of Art Therapy In Exploring Relationships Between Medical Students And Their Patients, Ursula M. Spont

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Communication difficulty between patients and medical professionals is an ongoing concern. A significant amount of research emphasizes the importance of medical students' involvement in the arts and humanities, as a way to come to terms with themselves and to better empathize with their patients. The facets of art therapy suggest that it may be helpful in addressing relationships between medical students and their patients. This pilot study aimed to gain understanding about medical student-patient communication and relationships through individually guided art therapy experientials. Third and fourth year students from one medical school were recruited. A modified open studio approach was …

An Art-Based Psychoeducational Group For Pregnant Teenagers, Lauren Burinsky

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

This thesis began as an art-based psychoeducational group for pregnant teenagers, and two out of ten sessions were completed. However, due to several limitations, the study had to be turned into a proposal for the group. The goal of the proposed group is to increase pregnant teenagers’ preparedness (as measured by both knowledge base and competence) for the rest of their pregnancy and for motherhood. Over the course of five weeks, six girls would participate in ten sessions. This group will be hosted at Healthy Families in Hampton, Virginia, and the participants will be members there. The first part of …

Creative Arts Therapies Students' Professional Development: Mixed Methods Longitudinal Research, Hod Orkibi

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

This mixed-methods longitudinal study sought to describe, understand, and explain the professional development (PD) of graduate students during art therapy (AT), dance movement therapy (DMT), and drama therapy (DT) training (N = 51).

Repeated measures of students’ scores in profession-related variables were performed. Quantitative theory testing probed the extent to which students confirm Rønnestad and Skovholt’s (2003) theory of counselors and therapists’ PD as representative of their pre-training and in-training experiences. Qualitative theory derivation generated data-driven concepts to modify and refine the extant theory. Data were collected using My Vocational Situation, Career Commitment Measurement, and questionnaires for each developmental phase. …

Reflective Visual Journaling During Art Therapy And Counseling Internships, Sarah P. Deaver

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Visual journaling is thought to promote students' critical reflection upon their previous learning, their current experiences, and their ongoing professional growth. Research supports the value of written journals as educational tools that encourage reflection, but the potential for visual journaling to facilitate reflection has not been explored through systematic inquiry until now.

This qualitative multiple case study explored four art therapy students' and four counseling students' responses to visual journaling during their internships. They maintained their journals throughout one 15-week academic semester, and were interviewed four times over the course of the study. Data consisted of transcribed interviews and photographs …

Graduate Art Therapy Experience Of Students Of Color, Keena Tarrant

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

This narrative inquiry explored the perspectives of three professional art therapists of color. This study explored the past experience of being a graduate art therapy student of color on several levels. It also explored the impact of cultural competency course in relation to the experience of being a student of color. This experience is important in terms of how being an ethnic minority can affect the learning environment in relation to graduate experience of students of color and how cultural competency is taught to all students. This study explored the art recommendations of therapy professionals of color for cultural competency …

A School Art Therapy Group: Helping Eighth Grade Students Decrease Disruptive Behaviors And Increase Coping Skills Before The Transition To High School, Erin Spier

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The transition to high school can be difficult for adolescents, especially those exhibiting disruptive behaviors and poor coping skills. This study was concerned with developing conducting a group art therapy intervention that would help increase coping skills and decrease disruptive behaviors in eighth grade students preparing for the transition to high school. Two girls and four boys from a private school in southeastern Virginia participated in the study after the start of their final semester in eighth grade. The study consisted of 8 sessions conducted on alternating days, twice a week for a four-week period.

During the group art therapy …

College Athletes’ Human Figure Drawings, Kaitlin Taggart

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The demands of both lean and non-lean sports upon male athletes can lead to body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders. This study explored whether the Human Figure Drawing (HFD) is a valid method for assessing male college athletes’ body image. A total of 86 male athletes who were competitive on a lean (cross-country or wrestling) or non-lean (football or ice hockey) sport participated in the study. The score recorded on the Male Body Attitude Scale (MBAS) (Tylka, Bergeron, & Schwartz, 2005), a 24-question survey administered to each participant, focused specifically on assessing muscularity, body fat, and height attitudes of these …

A Program Evaluation Research Study On The Implementation Of The Mentors In Violence Prevention Program In A Public High School: A Dissertation, Nancy G. Beardall

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

The Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) Program is the subject of this research study. MVP is a high school leadership and mentoring program that focuses on promoting gender respect and preventing harassment, sexual harassment and teen dating abuse in middle schools and high schools. This program evaluation study of the MVP program utilizes both quantitative and qualitative data. The findings suggest the MVP training supports the mentors in their ability to become active bystanders and leaders in this work, not only in the short term and while they are in the program, but over the long term, when they are …

Characteristics Of Human Figure Drawings Created By Students With Learning Disabilities, Monika L. Isip

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Previous research concerning the artistic indicators of learning disabilities has yielded inconsistent results. Children with learning disabilities comprise a heterogeneous population, with diverse strengths and challenges. There has been a lack of research on the graphic indicators of learning disabilities, which takes this diversity into account. This study aimed at exploring the characteristics of Human Figure Drawings (HFDs) created by students with learning disabilities.

The study examined the HFDs of 2 Virginia Beach Public School 2nd graders who were identified by their parents as having learning disabilities; one child’s disability was described as being a decoding deficit and the other …

Second Graders' Favorite Weather Drawings, Ashley L. Sherman

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The Favorite Weather Drawing has been used extensively as an art therapy assessment tool. It has been theorized to contain certain variables that relate to a child’s underlying mood or perception of his or her environment. Since neither the Favorite Weather Drawing nor the similar Favorite Kind of Day Drawing have been researched extensively or standardized with normative populations, there has been a lack of research that could provide a much-needed foundation for such a popular assessment technique. This study explored regional and gender differences in the Favorite Weather Drawing of 2nd grade students as a way to provide groundwork …

Student Impressions Of Undergraduate Art Therapy Education: A Survey, Shana Baird

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

In addressing art therapy education, Taylor (1991) suggested that undergraduate art therapy education is controversial in that professional entry into the field is at the masters' level. Undergraduate programs offering degrees in art therapy range from providing a combination of psychology and studio art courses, offering art therapy courses and fieldwork experience, in addition to psychology and studio art, with variances in program curricula and requirements between the two extremes.

Therefore, graduates of undergraduate art therapy programs who further study art therapy at the graduate level enter with diverse levels of introduction to the field, preparation, and experience. Because differences …

Neuroscience: Its Relevance To Art Therapy And Art Therapy Education, Patrick Oates

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The development of contemporary neuroscience techniques has provided professionals in mental health fields with insight into the human brain and its functions. Literature searches revealed that there is very little research being conducted or existing literature that discusses the physiological response in the brain to the art therapy process. A more comprehensive understanding of the brain’s response to making art could enhance art therapists’ capacity to provide the most suitable treatment to meet the clients’ needs. This study was designed to explore the significance of neuroscience in art therapy, and art therapy education.

A questionnaire was emailed to 49 program …

Exploring Visual Journaling In A Graduate Art Therapy Program, Kathryn E. Dunn

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

This study explored visual journaling in the Graduate Art Therapy Program at Eastern Virginia Medical School, using a Participatory Action Research model. Eight students, from the art therapy class of 2004, and four faculty members volunteered and participated. Two complete cycles of inquiry were completed and changes were implemented within the program based on researcher collaboration with student and faculty stakeholders. Data consisted of questionnaires, magazine collages, and discussion material. Questionnaire and discussion data were analyzed by the researcher using direct question analysis. Themes of the artwork were pulled from stakeholders’ verbal and written comments. Results from the first cycle …

The Use Of Art Therapy In Counseling Children, Laura Longo

Graduate Research Papers

Art is being used more and more by counselors working with children, particularly within the school setting because it allows for children to communicate nonverbally in a timely manner. "Art therapy in a school setting can offer children the opportunity to work through obstacles that are impeding their educational progress. It can facilitate appropriate social behaviors and promote healthy affective development" (Bush, 1997, p. 16).

The purpose of this paper is to explore how art is used in counseling children and examine specific techniques. Also, the author will focus on the stages of artistic development of children, the use of …

The Utilization Of Music Therapy Strategies For Increasing Prosocial Skills In Students With Behavioral Disorders, Marlene Lennia Anunson

All Graduate Projects

A representative sample of music therapy strategies was developed for use by general music teachers in elementary schools. A literature search was conducted in effective social skills training methods and music therapy techniques. The strageties developed can be used by elementary general music teachers to help improve prosocial skills in students with behavioral disorders.