Date of Award

Spring 5-19-2026

Access Restriction

Campus Access only Research Projects

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Marital and Family Therapy

School or College

College of Communication and Fine Arts

First Advisor

Sunjin Nancy Choe

Abstract

This study investigates how survivors of the 2025 Eaton Fire in Altadena, California experienced loss and healing following a climate-related disaster. Altadena, a racially diverse community experienced widespread destruction during the Eaton Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in California history. Grounded in trauma-informed and community-based art therapy frameworks, this study used PhotoStory methodology inspired by PhotoVoice to examine participants' personal photographs and narrative reflection to understand their fire-affected experiences. Twenty-one entries responded to three research questions focused on loss, discovery, and sources of resilience after the fire. Findings revealed profound grief, displacement, and disruption to daily life, with many participants describing a distinct sense of life “before” and “after” the fires. At the same time, participants identified emerging resilience through adaptation, connection, and rebuilding stability in unfamiliar environments. Community relationships, spirituality, nature, and hope for the future were consistently identified as important sources of healing and support. The findings suggest that recovery from climate disasters is ongoing and deeply relational. Implications for art therapy practice include the importance of culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and flexible interventions that support survivor-led meaning-making, emotional processing, and community healing.

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