Date of Award

Spring 5-5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

Expressive Therapies

First Advisor

Raquel Stephenson

Abstract

This study investigated the implementation of narrative art therapy directives focused on identity development and support for adults who have experienced childhood trauma. Narrative therapy was applied to further examine the ways operating from a strength-based perspective benefits clients. Existing research supports the application of the narrative art approach with various populations as a way to validate the client’s lived experiences, strengthen personal identity, and improve the perspective of the situation. A series of art therapy directives were implemented at a partial hospitalization program for mental health and substance use. The participants were between the ages of 19-65 years old and receiving treatment for mental health, co-occurring substance use, stabilization, and medication management. This study provided an opportunity to identify and understand the potential benefits of utilizing the narrative art therapy approach for adults who have experienced trauma in their childhood. Findings include: 1) Adults who have experienced childhood trauma or have been exposed to unsafety communicate more effectively through use of visual art than only verbal words; 2) the narrative therapy and storytelling approach supports one’s mental health through shared community; 3) art can promote a sense of safety through community, similarities, and relationships. Art therapists should consider integrating narrative art therapy directives into their daily practice to further support clients’ needs and treatment goals relating to childhood trauma.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

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