Date of Award
5-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Major
Expressive Therapies
First Advisor
Raquel Stephenson
Abstract
This study explored the implementation of principles and approaches from a complementary framework of narrative therapy, art therapy and family therapy using a trauma-informed approach with clients and their families receiving in-home therapy (IHT) services. Existing research demonstrates that narrative approaches and techniques support clients to identify alternative perspectives to their reality to promote a more empowering narrative. The intention of this research was to identify themes and possible areas of exploration for future research about how trauma-informed narrative family art therapy may be a suitable and beneficial framework for addressing conflict within the family system and healing from traumatic experiences. Participants included children and youth aged 8-16 years old and their family members. The data collection process involved engaging in a reflective notetaking process following the conclusion of each session and identifying core ideas through thematic analysis. Prominent themes that emerged from this study included identifying and deconstructing dominant stories, creative approaches to challenges, and collaborative goal setting.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Watson, Haley Elizabeth, "Implementing Narrative Family Art Therapy to Address Trauma and Conflict Resolution" (2026). Expressive Therapies Theses. 154.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_therapies_theses/154
