Date of Award
Spring April 2013
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
Paige Asawa
Abstract
In this study, 5 women with co-occurring DSM-IV-TR diagnoses in a residential treatment center for homeless veterans and their families received group mindfulness oriented art therapy during an 8-week intervention. Two of the participants were utilized in this case study research to explore how a mindfulness can be implemented in group art therapy and what impact this may have for the female veterans. The study included a qualitative analysis of the veteran’s artwork and the participants’ account of their own behavior. The findings revealed that participants used the art process to express a developing awareness of avoidance and denial often associated with both substance abuse and PTSD. The participants’ artwork and self-reports indicated enhanced flexibility in focus of attention, self-awareness, and self-regulation. The study demonstrated the potential of mindfulness oriented art therapy for enhancing healthy coping strategies.
Recommended Citation
Martin, Eric G., "Mindfulness Practices In Art Therapy With Veterans" (2013). LMU/LLS Theses and Dissertations. 30.
https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/etd/30
