Date of Award

Spring 5-2017

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

Cheryl Shiflett

Committee Member

Eileen Douglas

Abstract

This qualitative, art-based, heuristic self-study was designed to explore the impact of my experience as a spouse and caregiver to my husband, a combat-wounded service member, on my personal self and on my professional development as an art therapist in training. Data from 13 weeks of artmaking and reflective writing revealed the following themes: (1) containment of difficult feelings (2) internal experience versus external expression, (3) effects of injury and caregiving on the marital relationship, (4) influence of personal experience on professional development, (5) effects of caregiving on personal well-being, and (6) the experience of reflective artmaking and writing over time. The following research questions guided the study: (1) What is the impact of my experience as a military caregiver and spouse on my personal self, (2) What is the impact of my experience as military caregiver and spouse on my current professional development as an art therapist in training, and (3) What are the implications of this study for art therapy practice and art therapists in training.

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