Date of Award
Spring May 2011
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
Abstract
This research is a qualitative case study of a client in art therapy treatment with a history addiction and complex trauma symptoms. The study explores the clients artwork and themes emerge in the analysis process that include splitting, diminutive figures, preoccupation with death, abuse and violence. The study explores the client’s dissociative thinking and self-injurious behaviors, within the context of cultural stigmas attached to being labeled an addict. The findings suggest that art therapy treatment can address the client’s addiction while providing a space to explore early childhood and adolescent traumatic experiences.
Recommended Citation
Gordy, Whitney Jade, "An Art Therapy Exploration of Complex Trauma and Addiction Treatment" (2011). LMU/LLS Theses and Dissertations. 95.
https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/etd/95
