Art Therapy Commons^™

Marble Painting With Veterans To Help Symptoms Of Ptsd In The Mind And Body, Victoria Taylor

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This study is a neurologically-based art therapy treatment investigation to better understand if marble painting can help reduce the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Three marbling painting sessions were conducted over three weeks. The group focused on the main goals which included discovering a rhythm while using fast or slow movements, focusing on this rhythm and become aware of any emotion felt during the process. The participants were encouraged to make a series of marble paintings and to experiment with different colors. The observations found from this study suggest that marble painting should be used as an art therapy …

The 12 Steps Of Alcoholics Anonymous And Adults With Persistent Mental Illness: An Expressive Arts Therapy Method, Destini Kohnen

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The problem under investigation is the lack of structured spiritual expressive arts therapy (ExAT) interventions, addressed by use of the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) outside of the addictions community. The 12 steps assist recovery, and the expressive arts assist the 12 steps in that endeavor. A person is often the last to realize that they have a problem; they might lack insight into their mental illness. This is the first step of AA – to admit powerlessness, or in other words, develop some insight. In conjunction with an AA based program, expressive therapy groups help patients experience and …

Using Art Therapy Groups As A Treatment For Anxiety Symptoms In An Acute Partial Hospital Program, Jessica Visconti

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The present research project focuses on how art therapy groups can be used in short-term intensive treatment to manage anxiety symptoms. Mental health treatment has shifted into short-term groups, usually without more than ten sessions that can be intimidating for clients struggling with anxiety symptoms. Art therapy can be a way to manage and reduce symptoms of anxiety in a group setting and quickly develop connections within the group members. Art therapy offers a contained structure and format that can create safety quickly. A clay based art therapy based group was implemented in an acute partial hospital program with adults …

Mutual Vulnerability And Intergenerational Healing: Black Women Hbcu Students Writing Memoir, Zelda Lockhart

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

This qualitative phenomenological study sought to gain insight into the unique experiences of Black women students who were writing memoir toward the goal of self-definition in a Black feminist learning environment at a Historically Black College/University (HBCU). Two teaching methods included personal plot (an extension of expressive writing that offers writing prompts for emotional closure), and biblio-fusion (a combination of expressive writing and bibliotherapy) (Lockhart, 2017a; 2017b). Interviews were conducted with six Black women participants and triangulated against their personal essays and online journal responses. Personal plot, a form of narrative analysis was used to construct paragraphs on what each …

“I Am Not Deaf”: Art-Based Participatory Action Research With Refugee Women From Burma, Hillary Rubesin

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

There are currently over 65 million displaced people across the world. Refugee women present a unique subset of those displaced. These women often struggle with “triple trauma,” but these complex issues can go unvoiced and unaddressed as the women work to hold their families together in the midst of shifting landscapes and shifting gender roles and cultural norms. The following study demonstrates how the arts can offer refugee women an opportunity to express themselves and process complex issues in effective, creative, accessible, therapeutic, and cross-cultural ways. It details the process and explores the impact of an art-based participatory action research …

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 …

Open Ears, Open Mind, Open Heart: Active Listening, Mia Nguyen

Service-Learning | Student Scholarship

Active listening is the act of listening with all senses– the body, the mind, and the soul. It means empathizing with another person and finding that place within ourselves where we can listen beyond our initial judgements and personal feelings. It is listening beyond words and allowing our souls to understand, connect, and accept one another. Active listening sparks internal purity eliminating all types of judgement and allowing us to truly take in what another person has to offer. It is “an experience of language as a bodily felt process” in which we have a felt understanding rather than a …

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 …

An Art-Based Workbook For Adolescent Adoptees Within The Context Of Art Therapy, Kelly E. Gupta

EVMS School of Health Professions Master's Level Capstones, Projects and Papers

The aim of this paper is to elucidate the use of art therapy with adolescents experiencing adoption, culminating in the creation of an art-based workbook. Through the existing literature, the author explored research questions related to adjustment and attachment of adolescents in their adoptive family, necessary components of a workbook intended for an adolescent, important areas for adolescents to explore when transitioning to an adoptive home, who will be able to use the workbook, and how to make the workbook most accessible for the intended population. The method for the project included identifying common challenges of adolescent adoptees, indicating the …

Coping With Cancer: An Art Therapy Approach, Elizabeth Dumke

EVMS School of Health Professions Master's Level Capstones, Projects and Papers

This capstone project proposed an art therapy case study to explore the impact of art therapy on coping with physical and psychological effects of cancer treatment on a young adult cancer survivor. A review of the literature identified a gap in research exploring art therapy among young adult cancer survivors. Art therapy and other interventions such as wellness-based psychotherapy, yoga, and music therapy have been explored among individuals going through cancer, but there is lack of research exploring cancer survivorship among individuals in the specific age range of 18-39. This proposed project outlined eight individual art therapy sessions with a …

Exploring Art Therapy Student Professional Identity Through Eco Art Making, Alana N. Chandler

EVMS School of Health Professions Master's Level Capstones, Projects and Papers

This self-study was organized using Moustakas Heuristic Model, and focused on the exploration of my art therapy student professional identity through eco art making. A gap in the existing literature was identified and is addressed through this self- exploration of professional identity through eco art making during full time graduate education. The following research questions were studied: what themes emerge in my eco art making and reflections, does eco art making in nature and using natural materials affect my approach to clients, and how does eco art making express my exploration of boundaries, countertransference, transference, work and life balance, self-care, …

Unconventional Processes And Materials In Art Making: Implications For Art Therapy Practice, Alyssa Hayes

EVMS School of Health Professions Master's Level Capstones, Projects and Papers

Using Moustakas’ heuristic self-study methodology, this research explored the use of unconventional art processes and materials in artmaking. Due to a lack of literature on processes and material in art therapy practices, this self-study aimed to answer the following: how does the use of unconventional materials affect the creative experience; what is the influence of the maker and what is the influence of the material in the creation; what themes, if any, emerge within the artwork and the art making process when using unconventional materials; and what are some implications for using unconventional materials and processes in art therapy? Themes, …

Examining Relational Dynamics In Couples Through An Art-Making Experience: A Replication Study, Kuangheng Hwang, Anna Mcnerney, Grace Palenik, Kathleen Scheppe

LMU Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research looked at the relational dynamics and attachment styles of research participants through individual and dyadic art-making tasks. This research is a replication study of Snir & Wiseman’s (2010) research on Attachment in Romantic Couples and Perceptions of a Joint Drawing Session. In this particular research, three couples completed a demographic questionnaire, the ECR-S, the DAS, an individual art-making task, and a joint nonverbal drawing task with their partner, followed by a verbal reflection facilitated by researchers. Researchers found patterns suggesting attachment style may be correlated with an individual’s cultural background, relationship satisfaction, past relationship experience, and the …

The Fear Of Aging And The Self: A Heuristicaly Influenced Study, Leia R. Steingart

LMU Theses and Dissertations

This research paper is an art-based heuristic influenced study on the fear of aging and the self using an art-based modality of exploration. The researcher sought to study three questions. First, to explore the relationship between aging, beauty, youth, and social pressures. Second, to explore the fears related to aging, (losing appearances, finance, health, and death). Thirdly, to considering the implications of findings to the clinical realm. The art based methodology offered a form of investigation which, informed by heuristic steps of inquiry, augmented both personal meaning and growth. Data consisted of art made over a three-month period as well …

An Existential Art Therapy Approach: Early Stage Alzheimer’S Disease, Leah Damour

EVMS School of Health Professions Master's Level Capstones, Projects and Papers

This capstone proposed an existential art therapy approach to improve coping for an individual with Early Stage Alzheimer’s disease. A review of the available literature emphasized the differences between memory loss due to neurocognitive decline and symptoms of normal aging, as well as a gap in research relating existential art therapy to treatment options for people with the disease. A variety of treatment options were highlighted despite treatment options, no medical cure is currently available, stressing the need for more research in the area of treatment options for symptoms of distress. The project proposed nine individual art therapy sessions with …

Implications For Art Therapy: An Art Based Self Study Of Female-To-Male Transition, Sam Ezra Scheidler

EVMS School of Health Professions Master's Level Capstones, Projects and Papers

This study was conducted to examine the impact of gender transition during the course of study in a graduate art therapy program, and to provide possible implications for the art therapy profession in relation to work with and education about transgender people. The existing literature on the transgender population and their needs was summarized, as was literature about gender-affirming care and competencies within the mental health fields. A heuristic art-based self-study was conducted over the course of one semester, and the data (artworks and writing) was analyzed by a research team. The major themes found were: family response to transition, …

Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Addressing Anxiety Through Art Therapy, Ashley M. Ruggerio

EVMS School of Health Professions Master's Level Capstones, Projects and Papers

This project attempted to investigate the impact of art therapy interventions with women diagnosed with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) in response to the lack of mental health interventions available to younger women experiencing POI. Literature indicates there are numerous psychosocial and group interventions available to women diagnosed with POI, however there is a lack of research available for younger women diagnosed with POI. Women are finding out at much younger ages they are experiencing POI, which may cause significant psychological distress. Art therapy has proven to be an effective intervention with those suffering from the psychological effects of various illnesses. …

Art Therapy For Military Families Experiencing Deployment: Building Resiliency In The Studio, Kimberly J. Markovitz

EVMS School of Health Professions Master's Level Capstones, Projects and Papers

This qualitative phenomenological multiple family art therapy research study was designed to explore family experiences during deployment and their perceptions of participating in a multiple-family art therapy group. The multiple-family art therapy approach addresses the psychological impact of deployment cycles on the family lifestyle, and focuses on those who are currently experiencing the deployment of a family member. These sessions were created to provide military communities an opportunity to participate in directed art-making tasks using specific art therapy processes and materials to develop and strengthen psychological resilience at both a family level and community level. However, due to a lack …

Art Therapy Open Studio With Refugees, Ellen V. Hanley

EVMS School of Health Professions Master's Level Capstones, Projects and Papers

This paper illustrates the need and a proposal for an Open Art Therapy Studio for Refugees, particularly in the Hampton Roads area of Norfolk, VA. Refugees experience extreme distress and anxiety, and many experience trauma, language barriers, and cultural difficulties. Art therapy as an outreach program has been a growing approach to addressing the psychological needs of refugees across the world for several years. The benefits and limitations of such programs have been explored in this literature review, which provides the backbone for a proposed open-studio, group art therapy program in the Hampton Roads area of Norfolk, Virginia. This study …

Dancing, Mindfulness, And Our Emotions: Embracing The Mind, Body, And Sole, Alisha M. Collins

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This capstone project examines dance, as an intervention and mindfulness practice that assists with managing our emotions. There is a need for dance therapy in social institutions such as, healthcare facilities, schools, and community centers. Dance therapy has the potential to reduce negative emotions, create mindfulness, improve self-expression, and promote a healthy well-being. I am proposing that dance therapy is applied as a regular practice in social institutions to develop mindfulness and promote emotional stability.

In this study, I argue that dance therapy can contribute to our well-being long term. In addition to this written thesis, a visual component of …

Expressive Arts Group Therapy With Children And Adolescents Who Have Experienced Trauma, Shade Alfred

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Experiencing traumatic situations is an inevitable part of life that many have struggled to understand and have difficulty working through its effects. This results in persons seeking therapy to better cope and heal from the impact of the traumatic experience. Children and adolescents who are considered vulnerable require more assistance to help them when they have encountered a traumatic experience. Research has highlighted that Expressive Arts Therapies is a favorable treatment option used with traumatized children and adolescents. Hence, this paper reflects research that has been conducted on group expressive arts therapy with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. …

Flow, Creativity And Autism Spectrum Disorder: Creatively Supporting Development And Pro-Social Behavior In Children With Asd, Mehdi Raoufi

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review is an analysis of the literature exploring the use of expressive arts modalities with children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with a focus on emotional regulation and behavior modification. Historically, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has been the standard in terms of behavior modification for this population, but current research and qualitative inquiries suggested that members of this population need more support in emotional regulation and communication than ABA is able to provide. Using an intermodal arts-based method developmentally promotes social and communication abilities in children with ASD. Further, channeling stereotypic behaviors into creative flow can regulate, …

A Spectrum Of Experience: A Community Art Project To Build Empathy Through Identity Sharing In A Suburban High School, Allison Stansfield

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Having empathy for others is an important aspect of living within a healthy community. However, teaching empathy can be difficult. High school is a natural setting for learning and developing many social skills. If adolescents can learn to develop empathy at this age, they can carry it with them into their future communities. Research shows that story-telling and shared experiences have the potential to foster empathy. This paper describes a community-based art project within a suburban high school that was designed to use personal narrative and art-making as a way of developing a sense of empathy in adolescent-aged students. Students …

The Parallels Between Art Therapy And Christianity: Integrating Identities As A Christian And An Art Therapist, Kendal Hansen

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Therapists knowledge of their personal beliefs is extremely beneficial to individual’s working in the field of art therapy. Therapists are better able to serve their clients when they have a clear understanding of themselves and their biases. The writer of this thesis identifies strongly as an art therapist and as a Christian. To better understand how the two strongest parts of her identity integrated, this thesis explored the parallels between Christianity and art therapy by reviewing the literature and facilitating an arts-based qualitative study. The literature suggested that art therapy can be effective with various populations within the Christian category. …

The Predictors Of Juvenile Recidivism: Testimonies Of Adult Students 18 Years And Older Exiting From Alternative Education, La Toshia Palmer

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this descriptive, qualitative study was to identify and describe the importance of the predictors of juvenile recidivism and the effectiveness of efforts to prevent/avoid juvenile recidivism as perceived by previously detained, arrested, convicted, and/or incarcerated adult students 18 years of age and older exiting from alternative education in Northern California. A second purpose was to explore the types of support provided by alternative schools and the perceived importance of the support to avoid recidivism according to adult students 18 years of age and older exiting from alternative education.

Methodology: This qualitative, descriptive research design identified …

Exploring An Expressive Arts Protocol In The Recovery Of Substance Use Disorders In An Intensive Outpatient Program, Joie De Bostock

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Approaches in treatment of chemical dependency have focused primarily on psychoeducation in group therapy, with limited research involving expressive therapies. Literature has shown benefit in the use of expressive arts for those in mental health treatment, with a limited amount of research on expressive arts in the treatment of substance abuse disorders (SUDs), though it is uncommon for individuals in chemical dependency treatment to receive therapy in any expressive modality. This may be due to several factors, such as resources for supplies or limitations in funding, however, an outlet of expression could benefit this population and contribute to successful recovery …

Rhythmic Movements And Feeling States, Melanie Johnson

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

This study was conducted to test the validity of a theoretical framework in developmental psychology of body movement analysis, the Kestenberg Movement Profile (KMP). Motor patterns associated with needs and foundations for affect expression, the tension flow rhythms (TFRs), were examined. Recent research examined the validity of the TFRs in nonclinical adults and found preliminary support for some of the KMP’s assumptions associating smooth (indulging) rhythms with indulgent affects and sharp (fighting) movements with assertive or aggressive affects. This study aimed to test the TFRs associated with the first two years of development—the sucking, biting, twisting, and strain/release rhythms. The …

A Qualitative Study Of Asylum Seekers Experience As Mentees With The Welcoming The Stranger Program, Deborah H. W. Hamilton

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Asylum seekers are foreign nationals who enter the United States legally fleeing danger in their home country. Over 26,000 individuals were granted asylum in 2015, with 3.4% of the State of Maine’s population identifying as immigrants. Portland Maine’s General Assistance (GA) office reports nearly 40% of GA recipients were visa holders seeking asylum during fiscal year 2016. Asylum seekers arrive with psychological and physical burdens and then face hurdles trying to gain legal status while attempting to get their basic needs met in the social service systems. Organizations have been created on a grassroots level to provide support and bypass …

Exploring The Relevance Of Art Therapy In Public Education, Brandy A. Jarrell

Masters Theses

This thesis will explore art education as a therapeutic tool in a public education system. This topic will serve as a continuation of research that I conducted previously but will bring more focus upon bringing a certified art therapist into public school districts in West Virginia. Data will be collected through student surveys, interviews of professional art therapists, and administrative officials. Data will also be collected through a review of the literature surrounding the benefits of art therapy to children and adolescents. Through these sources I will explore the attitudes, beliefs, and practices of educational professionals, art therapists, administrators and …

A Qualitative Study Of Adult Perspectives Of Loyola Marymount’S Summer Arts Workshop, Colleen Stafford

LMU Theses and Dissertations

This research is a qualitative exploration of the impacts of Loyola Marymount’s Summer Arts Workshop from the perspective of the youth participant’s teachers and caregivers. The intention of this research was to compare findings in the literature of similar youth arts programs to LMU’s through examination of a previously unexplored perspective. Data was collected through an arts based focus group as well as paper-pencil questionnaires including both Likert scale and open ended questions. Themes emerged through thorough analysis of all data collected and presented both themes of specific program impacts and opportunities for future program improvements. The findings of this …