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

Matthew Bernier

Committee Member

Lani Gerity

Abstract

This self-study uses a heuristic approach to look at what effects an intense immersion in doll-making, book arts, and reflective journaling has on an art therapy intern/student’s personal growth and identity development. Eight weeks of data collection took place followed by multiple individual content analyses to discover themes from the journals and art-making. The technique of stepping away from the analysis intermittently to provide more objectivity was also used to decrease biases. After comparing themes, universal themes were identified and their significance explored. Within these identified themes, it was acknowledged that the use of dolls and books as a media of self reflection seems to allow for exploration specific to identity, purpose, and story. Art therapy interns/students may find that similar self-studies including reflective journal writing and art-making are beneficial for also practicing therapeutic methods, increasing self-awareness, relating to clients, processing emotions, and linking gained knowledge and experiences. Students and interns should appropriately make use of supervision, support systems, and therapy (if need be) to counter the intensity that can arise from an in-depth self-reflective study.

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DOI

10.25777/qpeg-hw71

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Art Therapy Commons

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