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

Abstract

This self-study is based on my reflections through my internship process through visual journaling with mandalas. The efficacy of limiting visual journal entries to mandalas was discussed as was the usefulness of how a mandala is created from the center outwards. A review of the literature discusses the struggles of interns and the developmental phases of the novice counselor. Research on the use of journals and visual journal for the intent of facilitating reflection, stress reduction, and organization of overwhelming feelings was also reviewed. The results showed that across two semesters of internship, I showed an increase in stress reduction, practiced more self-care, increased in growth as a novice counselor, and was able to define my role at my internship sites and begin to understand my professional identity. The mandalas in a visual journal became an effective tool for focusing feelings or thoughts, facilitating balance needed between academic and internship responsibilities, emotional expression, and anxiety reduction. I was able to use my visual journal to process negative supervisory relationships, and explore my countertransference. My professional and personal growth was evidenced within the written reflections and the mandala drawings.

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DOI

10.25777/kcgp-h223

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Art Therapy Commons

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