Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

How Art Therapy And Emdr Help Asylum Seekers And Refugees Move Towards Healing Trauma: A Literature Review, Anna Mogilevsky

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In the past ten years, there has been a significant rise in the number of asylum seekers and refugee populations worldwide (UNHCR, 2022). Displaced individuals are extremely vulnerable to mental illness because of the compounded trauma experienced in their countries of origin with the stress of immigration, asylum seeking, culture shock, and language barriers. PTSD is affecting 500 million individuals globally, and refugees are especially susceptible to having these symptoms (Farrell, 2020). Art therapy and EMDR are identified as the most promising modalities for treating such trauma.

This literature review examines the various ways EMDR and art therapy have been …

Creative Resilience Against Racism Among Asian Americans: Development Of A Method, Janice Chen

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The experience of racism is inevitable and can become internalized when racism is persistent. As an Asian American woman, I am interested in exploring how art can be used as a form of resilience against internalized racism among Asian Americans. Racism against Asian Americans and recent immigrants from Asia has always existed throughout the history of the United States. Systematic laws, institutional policies, and cultural norms have set rules and narratives to put Asian Americans at a disadvantage. In addition, Asian Americans may have difficulty opening the conversation about racism. Internalized racism can cause physical and mental harm. I used …

Exploring The Literature On Art Therapy Interventions In Mitigating The Negative Effects Of Loneliness In College Students, Molly Hoekman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Experiences of loneliness and social isolation among college students pose a concern for emerging adults’ mental and physical health, as well as greater impacts on university systems across the country. While social isolation and loneliness are subjective experiences, there are a range of factors rooted in developmental psychology and sociocultural theory that influence the rising rates and acuity of loneliness. Attachment theorists posit that secure attachment early in life can impact how individuals make lasting interpersonal connections long after their childhood. Secure and insecure attachment styles combined with the dramatic transition to college for a young adult are influencing factors …

Healing Our Midwives With Art Therapy: A Literature Review To Identify Gaps In Research And Practice, Virginia Perry

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The current crisis in the U.S. healthcare system, exacerbated by the pandemic, has had a marked negative impact on maternal health. Community-based midwives, who serve pregnant and birthing families outside of institutional and hospital settings, can be part of a systemic approach to improving maternal health. This literature review reveals an acute lack of research on and resources for these essential care providers. Current research on workplace-related stress in healthcare providers indicates a growing need to better understand healthcare providers’ traumatic experiences and to develop therapeutic methods for prevention and treatment. This review investigates the research base for using art …

Improving Quality Of Life And Connection Amongst Pediatric Oncology Patients And Their Families Through Art Therapy: A Literature Review, Gabby Johnson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review seeks to answer the question of how art therapy can be used to improve quality of life and connection between pediatric cancer patients and their families.

This literature review also aims to connect art therapy with traditional medical interventions for pediatric cancer patients as a way to create more integrated and supportive care modality that children and their families can benefit from. With a significant amount of children and families being affected by cancer in the world today, it is important to not only focus on the physical health aspects, but the intersection of mental health as …

A Polyvagal Theory And Mindfulness Based Art Therapy Approach To Self-Regulation And Self Compassion In The Face Of Trauma, Michaila Sheehan-Klein

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Many people experience dysregulations for all kinds of reasons. Our bodies are constantly sensing our environments and taking in information. Recent research shows mind-body approaches, such as art therapy, can increase somatic awareness and self-acceptance. The posed question for this papers research was if art therapy experiences are combined with psychoeducation in polyvagal theory, how will it affect the participants level of self-compassion and understanding for their own self-regulation. A group of four women met for five total one-hour sessions over six weeks. They learned about the nervous system, how to identify its three states, gained skills for regulation, and …

Aligning With Adolescents: A Literature Review Of Art Therapy In Residential Treatment Programs, Olivia Moore

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Adolescents in residential treatment programs throughout the United States are a specialized population that demonstrate resiliency and hope every day. Many adolescents in these programs have experienced prominent levels of trauma that impact their ability to function in lower-level programs, foster homes, and in their communities. Residential treatment approaches may look like locked facilities with trauma-informed staff who provide programming options, mental health care, and safe living conditions for adolescents. Without strength-based approaches to treatment, this population may struggle to overcome their trauma, mental health challenges, and developmental needs. In this literature review, art therapy was offered to provide developmentally …

Exploring Family Stories Through Clay: A Community Project Inspired By Helen Cordero's Storytellers, Tamar Forman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This community art project presents the development and implementation of a clay workshop designed to engage families in intergenerational storytelling and joint creation of storyteller sculptures, inspired by the storyteller figurines created by Pueblo potter Helen Cordero. The paper presents research regarding the positive impact of intergenerational storytelling on family members' mental health, well-being, self-esteem, and identity formation. Additionally, there is a review of research that points to the transformative qualities of clay, which can enhance people's overall well-being, their sense of presence, wonder, and joy, and their ability to self-reflect. Since this project was inspired by the artwork of …

The Arts As A Bridge For Connection With Filipino-Americans: A Literature Review, Jillian Mariano

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review focuses on how the arts in therapeutic practice can be utilized to enhance the well-being and mental health of the identified population of Filipino-Americans. This literature review explores the culture of origin of the Philippines, reviewing the country's history with colonization and contemporary influences, the outlook of mental health, and the quality and access to treatment. Filipino values are also examined in connection to the human condition, in addition to the roles of the arts in culture, as well as how Filipino-Americans navigate mental health challenges. This includes the culture created from the Filipino identity in the …

Exploring Touch: Art Therapy With Older Adults, Katherine Gilpatrick

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Touch is an incredible tool that allows humans to connect with one another. It is instrumental in art therapy as we work with different populations and materials. Touch can occur in many ways but must be clearly defined in the therapeutic space, especially regarding ethical codes. This paper explored touch within senior living communities across different levels of care, including dementia care. A variety of art materials were used including drawing materials, collage, clay, and digital art. Art experiences were documented and analyzed through journaling and reflective artmaking. Four patterns emerged when examining the results including connection to product, differences …

Parallel Process: Making Sense Of The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship Experience Through Visual Art Journaling, Stephanie Seifert

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The use of journaling and art has regularly been used in therapeutic practices as a form of self-expression and self-reflection. However, few studies have examined the impact that visual art journaling, a combination of written word and artmaking, has on those same topics. To expand upon the few studies on visual art journaling, this study implemented the application of using a visual art journal during a three-week period to explore what benefits, if any, it had on helping a graduate student make sense of a clinical mental health counseling internship. This study was conducted in response to individual therapy with …

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 …

How Did You Get Here? A Map Making Art Therapy Intervention For Adolescents In Crisis, Ayala Dayan

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) are an important mental health resource for crisis intervention. PHPs support clients transitioning between levels of care or aiming to avoid a higher level of care, provide safety and stabilization, offer services such as group therapy and medication management, and oversee referrals. This study investigates the helpfulness of an art therapy mapmaking intervention for adolescents in crisis at a PHP location. The design of this program drew from Narrative Therapy concepts. Results support that the intervention can be beneficial for this population in their recovery efforts and yielded four major themes: 1) the development of self …

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, …

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, …

Toward An Autism-Affirmative Art Therapy Practice: A Literature Review, Mariah Geiger

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Recent research across disciplines has begun to explore the strengths associated with Autism, and the internal experiences of Autistic people. Advocates of the neurodiversity movement promote a nuanced view of Autism which celebrates unique strengths while supporting unique needs and understanding that these strengths and needs are often interconnected. The inclusion of Autistic perspectives in research has shown that compassionate adaptations to the social and sensory environment can often reduce difficulty with emotional regulation. This research has implications for the use of art therapy with Autistic populations. Art therapy has commonly been implemented from a deficit perspective with Autistic clients, …

Sensory Approaches With Serious Mental Illness: Capturing ‘Sanism’ In Mental Health Treatment, Margo Seiden

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis examines the relevance of sensory approaches in adults with serious mental illness. Furthermore, it approaches mental illness from a critical psychology perspective, inquiring who is considered mentally ill and why, the stigma attached to this label, and the oppression of mentally ill individuals as a minoritized group, known as sanism (LeBlanc & Kinsella, 2016). This topic was studied by facilitating therapy groups using sensory-based artmaking and sensory psychoeducation. Three group sessions with three different groups of 5-12 individuals at a partial hospitalization program (PHP) were conducted. Artmaking and thought processes of the group participants and myself as a …

The Therapeutic Potential Of Found Objects In Art Therapy For Adults With Severe Mental Illness, Meara Hemler

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In art therapy, adults with severe mental illness may hesitate to engage in artmaking due to low self-esteem and preconceived notions about art. Existing research suggests that found objects may be an accessible and approachable medium that allows clients to overcome barriers to authentic expression. Research also suggests that art therapy with found objects can facilitate progress in common treatment goals for this population including grounding in the present moment, fostering connections with the outside world, promoting self-reflection, enhancing emotional awareness and regulation, building a positive sense of identity, empowerment, and living a meaningful and purposeful life.

This study explored …

Aesthetic Attunement To Client Resistance: The Art Therapist's Hand, Bella Silva

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The topic of client resistance in therapy has garnered significant attention over time across various theoretical orientations. However, within art therapy, there remains a notable gap in the comprehensive consideration of client resistance and the effectiveness of art therapy interventions in addressing this phenomenon. This capstone thesis aims to identify that gap by conducting a brief literature review concerning (a) the multifaceted underpinnings of client resistance, (b) the psychological functions of client resistance in therapy, and (c) competencies specific to art therapy training that are beneficial in addressing client resistance. The following review uses information from the existing literature to …

A Literature Review Examining Current And Future Directions Of Dyadic Expressive Therapies Work With Persons With Dementia And Their Informal Caregivers, Olivia Griffin

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The onset of dementia and resulting adjustment of the relationship between the person with dementia (PWD) and their family caregiver can result in stress and strain for both individuals. This relational adjustment, and the stressors caused by the symptoms of dementia can also lead to relational strain. Although research on the use of the arts with PWD and the use of the arts with caregivers exists, as well as research on various interventions with the caregiving dyad, research on the use of the arts specifically with the caregiving dyad is minimal. This paper reviewed the current state of the literature …

Art Therapy Treatment For Adult Women With Comorbid Or Co-Occurring Anxiety: A Literature Review, Gabrielle Russo

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Anxiety disorders are prevalent across the globe and are more often diagnosed in women. Anxiety disorders are highly comorbid and can worsen the outcomes of other mental and medical health diagnoses. Research on treatment for anxiety disorders has spanned decades; however, the gold standard treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy and medication, leave many individuals without significant results. Art therapy has shown, in small scale studies, the ability to be applied with success to several populations but could benefit from further research. It is the hypothesis of this literature review that art therapy can be an appropriate alternative treatment for comorbid anxiety …

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 …

Finding Community In A Women’S Shelter Open Studio: Implementation Of An Art Therapy Method, Hannah Bucciferro

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

People facing housing insecurity and homelessness are at a greater risk of loneliness than the average American. In the current decade, the number of unaccompanied women who face housing insecurity has grown. Organizations like day shelters and community resource centers can be places where this population can engage in socialization and lay down the foundation for communities within a larger systematic framework. Literature has identified the open studio method of art therapy in community centers as an effective method for participants to freely create art. In this intervention, the open studio was explored as a method of cultivating community and …

Unpacking Racial Trauma And Reclaiming A Sense Of Self With The Expressive Therapies Continuum: A Literature Review, Binh Truong

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Despite modern society's advancements and relearning of societal norms toward addressing racism. The continuation of injustice and social disadvantages is upheld by systemic and institutional racism, which can be subtle and aversive. If left untreated, the racial experiences manifest into racial trauma with the same diagnostic symptoms as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This research will examine the literature on the biological effect of trauma on the mind and body. Moreover, looking at how unprocessed racial trauma can be inherited through generations and shrinking tolerance to manage traumatic symptoms thus distorts identity development—resulting in weaker protective factors and instability when faced with …

Lost In Treatment: Finding The Person Through Developing A Method And Parallel Drawing, Hisaya Ishii

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This project implemented a method developed with a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in mind, exploring how concepts from neurodiversity, double empathy problem, and phenomenology of living with ASD can be highlighted within the project. Progress was tracked through clinical observations, free-writing, art-based reflections, and consultations. Results highlighted the therapeutic potential of simulating a peer-to-peer, simultaneous art- making process in strengthening a therapeutic alliance grounded in the person-centered principles of non-judgment, empathy, and authenticity. The artwork created during the process acted as client-based documentation of Gestalts, superseding the clinical utility of a purely verbal therapeutic process within the …

Promoting Identity Development In Adolescent Adoptees: A Literature Review, Alyson Summer Del Castillo

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

This literature review examines the challenges facing adopted adolescents and their impact on identity development, as well as art therapy interventions used with this population. Adoptees make up very little of the population yet are seen in mental health settings at a disproportionate rate. Despite the obvious need, little adoption-competent help is available. Developing more adoption-competent services requires an understanding of the unique challenges facing adoptees, one of those being identity development. Adopted teens must integrate their full histories and current emotions to achieve successful identity development. By reviewing relevant literature and therapeutic approaches to identity and adoptees, it …

The Value Of Therapeutic Farming As An Art Therapy Intervention For Emerging Adults: A Literature Review, Neva Callaghan

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review examines the role of place, space, and environment in art therapy and proposes therapeutic farms as alternative mental health care for emerging adults. The writing explores concepts of nature-based art therapy, therapeutic metaphors, and self-determination theory in regard to how these approaches can enhance engagement in the therapeutic process. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on emerging adults’ mental health and feelings of connection to nature. The developmental needs of this population are not met by the current mental health care system, and there is a need to consider alternative forms of treatment. This research …

Exploring The Effects Of Intersectionality On Mental Health And Identity Development With Adolescents Through Culturally Humble Art Therapy, Cal Loiselle

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This study investigated the implementation of culturally humble art therapy directives centered around identity development and social justice with adolescents. Intersectionality theory was applied to examine the ways operating from a culturally humble lens benefits clients and art therapists. Existing research supports the application of cultural humility with various populations as a method of validating client’s experiences and strengthening the therapeutic alliance. A series of art therapy interventions were implemented at a private non-profit children's psychiatric hospital with the adolescent inpatient units. The participants were between the ages of 13-18 and receiving treatment for mental health conditions, short-term stabilization, and …

The Benefits Of Art Therapy On Stress And Anxiety Of Oncology Patients During Treatment, Helen Shiepe

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Within the last ten years research on art therapy and its positive impact on oncology patients’ stress and anxiety during treatment has been minimal. Oncology patients whether they are children or adults when diagnosed experience similar reactions due to their diagnosis, treatment, and in some cases end of life care. The current question is whether or not art therapy does have a positive impact on decreasing the stress and anxiety with oncology patients while undergoing treatment. Deane, Fitch & Carmen (2000), discussed art therapy as a healing art that is “intended to integrate physical, emotional, and spiritual care by facilitating …

Can Collage-Based Art Therapy Be A Bridge To Engage Patients Experiencing Social Isolation With A Diagnosis Of A Psychotic Disorder?, Nora Wolff

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Social isolation is not only a common part of the experience of people with psychotic disorders but also often acts as a barrier to their treatment and recovery. Causes of this isolation seem to include not only symptoms of the psychotic illnesses themselves but also the social stigma related to psychotic illnesses, as well as feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and low self-esteem related to common comorbid disorders. Engaging with patients in acute inpatient units with short lengths of stay can be extremely difficult. This paper reviews the literature and describes a collage-based art intervention with six particularly isolative patients in …