Date of Award

Spring 5-2015

Document Type

Master's Project

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

EVMS School of Health Professions

Program/Concentration

Art Therapy and Counseling

Committee Director

Mary Roberts

Committee Member

Robin Afton

Committee Member

Jagdeesh Ullal

Committee Member

Cheryl Shiflett

Committee Member

Monika Burkholder

Abstract

The purpose of this self-study was to explore the personal experience of being a patient in art therapy, and how effective that experience was in treating the patient’s psychological problems attributed to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

The total duration of the study was five months. The patient underwent a total of ten individual art therapy sessions in which three art pieces were created. One hour self-guided reflections were implemented following the close of each session in which visual journaling was used as a tool and ten visual reflections were created. Art materials and practices varied throughout the art making and reflecting sessions. The use of written reflection within visual journaling allowed for documentation of any thoughts and emotions experienced after post-sessions.

Following the close of treatment, a content analysis of the artwork produced in session and through reflection was conducted to identify themes, in which a total of twenty-six were identified. These themes were then connected to six psychological aspects of PCOS experienced by the patient during treatment. After this analysis, a clinical summary was supplied by the art therapist.

This self-study supplied me with a deeper understanding of myself and the psychological difficulties I have experienced as a result of PCOS throughout my life. Becoming a patient in art therapy gave me an opportunity to experience the benefits of it on a personal level and to begin the healing process for myself. This experience confirms my choice of art therapy as my profession and my belief in the powerful ability that art therapy has to heal. Ultimately, my one desire is that other women with PCOS will be able to use art therapy to begin their healing process as well. In conclusion, I believe that this self-study is an indication that art therapy along with visual journaling is beneficial and an effective treatment modality for women struggling with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

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