Date of Award
Spring 5-18-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
MAE - Master of Arts in Expressive Therapies
Department
Expressive Therapies
Advisor
Dr. E Kellogg
Abstract
This expressive arts-based autoethnography research explores the effectiveness of using flow arts movement as a tool of expressive arts therapy to treat symptoms of trauma for individuals who experienced a traumatic event in their lifetime. While research on the use of flow arts movement to treat mental illness is in its early stage, much can be drawn from the literature on expressive arts therapy and dance/movement therapy research with a range of populations addressing trauma. Through exploration of trauma through neuroscience, mind, body, and integrated mindfulness through flow, this work aims to bring an understanding of using intermodal expressive arts to work with trauma. Guided by the evidence in the literature, I participated in a self-study to investigate the viability of flow arts as a treatment tool, engaging in six–weeks of expressive arts therapy sessions with a focus on flow arts as movement with flow props hula hoop and orbit. The results of this self-study were an array of trauma-related themes depicted through art and movement that explored both mind and body while surfacing an array of emotions, increased embodiment, and promoted connection to self and the world around, which could be applied in future fieldwork for individual or group therapy spaces for those struggling with symptoms of trauma.
Recommended Citation
McGrail, Shannon, "Utilizing Flow Arts Movement as an Expressive Arts Therapy Tool to Treat Trauma: A Literature Review and Autoethnography" (2024). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 843.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/843
Included in
Art Therapy Commons, Counseling Psychology Commons, Dance Movement Therapy Commons, Mental Disorders Commons, Other Psychiatry and Psychology Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons
Rights
The author owns the copyright to this work.
