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
Kerry Kruk
Committee Member
Alex Dryden
Abstract
Providing art therapy to survivors of sexual abuse can help in safe processing of trauma, increase positive self-esteem, and address predominant symptoms of mental healthcare need. Case studies in art therapy clinical experiences provide insight to inform treatment approaches and progress. Essential to the therapeutic relationship, is the exploration of the most salient dynamics including the survivor’s behavioral, emotional, and physical symptoms as well as the characteristics of the therapeutic alliance. However, art therapists must understand that the processing of trauma cannot take place without creating a safe, working therapeutic relationship. This clinical case study explored the effects of working from an integrative approach and implementing transformative art therapy interventions to address the areas of concern evidenced through the Art Therapy Projective Imagery Assessment. The art therapy interventions were prescribed for the achievement of successful treatment for the patient and the therapeutic alliance. Transference reactions and countertransference artwork were explored in order to understand the dynamics of a novice art therapist’s pivotal role providing trauma work for the identified survivor of sexual abuse. This clinical case study outlines the knowledge gained from a male art therapist working with an adolescent female survivor of sexual abuse through themes of gender, culture, and integrative theory approaches.
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Recommended Citation
Galarraga, Michael J.. "Consideration of the Impact of Therapist’s Gender in Art Therapy Treatment with an Adolescent Female Survivor of Sexual Abuse: A Clinical Case Study" (2015). Master of Science (MS), Master's Project, EVMS School of Health Professions, Old Dominion University, https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/evmshealthprofessions_masters_papers/5