Date of Award

Spring 5-2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

EVMS School of Health Professions

Program/Concentration

Art Therapy & Counseling

Committee Director

Sarah Deaver

Committee Member

Karen Clark-Shock

Abstract

Reflective processes and journaling have been given great attention in the literature as effective tools for the enrichment of learning and professional growth (Boud, 2001). Self reflection in response to clinical experiences can help students can gain a deep level of meaning and insight. Visual journaling is one method of self reflection about which there is little scholarly literature. The process of visual journaling integrates self reflection and exploration through creative imagery and written reflection.

I conducted a qualitative self study which was an exploration of visual journaling as I experienced two semesters of clinical internships. During the study I investigated my personal reactions to visual journaling, and also examined myself along with my experiences as seen through the reflective imagery and writing throughout my journal entries. Through this journaling process I hoped to gain insight into myself as an individual and as an art therapist, and to acquire knowledge about the visual journaling process.

The study involved visual journaling during two semesters of clinical internships. I carried out visual journaling for a total of 30 weeks and I completed 54 journal entries. Through the data analysis process I immersed myself into each individual entry and organized themes and subthemes as they were presented through the writing and imagery. To increase credibility, I triangulated three forms of information: the content analyses, the literature, and the judgment of a peer reviewer. Six overarching themes were found from the analysis, which included: Internship Experiences, Graduate School Experiences, Personal Life, Formal Elements of the Entries, and The Process of Visual Journaling.

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DOI

10.25777/wsq9-z116

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