"EXPLORING CREATIVE ARTS THERAPISTS' EXPERIENCES WITH ONLINE THERAPY IN" by changho song

Date of Award

Spring 3-13-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Expressive Therapies

First Advisor

Michele Forinash

Abstract

This study explored the experiences of creative arts therapists (CATs) in South Korea who conducted online therapy sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The global crisis forced a rapid shift to virtual platforms, raising concerns about the effectiveness of online creative arts therapy (OCAT) and its impact on therapeutic relationships. Grounded in phenomenological and arts-based research (ABR), this study examined the challenges, adaptations, and effectiveness of OCAT. The research addressed the following questions: (1) How did CATs experience the transition to online therapy? (2) What challenges did they encounter, and how did they adapt? (3) How did online therapy affect therapeutic relationships? (4) What ethical considerations emerged in OCAT practice? Six female CATs, aged 30s to 40s, participated in this qualitative study. They had professional experience in music, art, or drama therapy and conducted online sessions in diverse settings, including schools, hospitals, and private practice. Data collection included semi-structured interviews, participant-created artwork, and reflective writing. Thematic analysis revealed key findings: initial resistance and concerns about the limitations of virtual platforms, the adoption of digital tools for creative engagement, evolving strategies to maintain therapeutic presence, and ethical considerations regarding privacy and accessibility. Participants identified OCAT’s unique potential beyond crisis adaptation, emphasizing its long-term value in expanding access to therapy.

Keywords: online creative arts therapy, telehealth, COVID-19, creative arts therapists, arts-based research, South Korea

The author identifies as a straight, Asian man from South Korea of Han ethnicity.

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