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

Sarah Deaver

Abstract

Through qualitative interviewing of art therapy trauma experts, this study’s aim was to discover the “best practices” related to the field of art therapy when working with patients who have experienced trauma. The introduction described the background and rationale behind the study, followed by a brief overview of trauma related disorders and the neurocognitive effects of trauma on the human brain. A synopsis of literature supported the efficacy of art therapy in trauma work, and described multiple art therapy methods as effective treatments when working with patients who have experienced trauma. A description of the six art therapists interviewed for this study who are also experts in trauma work is provided, as are as the methods, procedures, and data analysis. The data analysis of all interviews yielded one overarching pattern, four themes, and multiple subthemes. The main pattern presented was Tailoring Art Therapy Treatment to Client Needs. The themes that emerged were Theoretical Approaches, Considerations on How to Address Clients’ Needs, Factors that Affect Clients’ Outcome, and Trauma. Further implications for art therapy research, art therapy practice, and art therapy education and are also addressed in the final sections of the paper.

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