Date of Award

Spring 5-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

EVMS School of Health Professions

Program/Concentration

Art Therapy

Committee Director

Sarah Deaver

Committee Member

Frederic Tate

Abstract

In order to constantly improve and enhance any field, research must explore all aspects. This study explored the experience of art therapy from the clients’ perspective and how the therapist views the client experience.

The participants in this study included two client-therapist dyads that were tracking the art therapy treatment experience over the course of four to five weeks. The study involved quantitative and qualitative data collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Questionnaires were filled out by therapist and client at the end of each session for the duration of the study and then the results were quantified and presented as graphs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted after the client had completed four to five sessions. The transcribed interviews were analyzed for themes and then a peer reviewer was consulted to enhance credibility of the results.

The quantitative results showed very low congruence between the client and therapist perspectives on individual sessions. The qualitative data yielded four themes: Safety, the Structure of the Sessions, Art Interventions, and the Power Differential. Many of the themes aligned closely with the existing literature but did bring to light unanswered questions.

Future research along these lines could provide a clearer understanding of what factors are most influential in facilitating a beneficial art therapy treatment experience. By having a better understanding of the inner workings of art therapy, art therapists may be able to maximize the benefits and therefore increase the credibility of the profession.

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DOI

10.25777/m7pm-wh54

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