Date of Award

Spring 5-17-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

Expressive Therapies

First Advisor

Raquel Stephenson

Abstract

This study was done to explore the fundamental aspects that are woven into the report-building process and the therapeutic alliance with socially isolated older adults. Research has been done on the effects that social isolation and loneliness have on this underserved population, however report building is less researched and can be translated into the mental health field. Person-centered therapy, developmental stages of older adults, and the growing field of art therapy and its benefits are also well documented. This qualitative arts-based study takes the intersectionality of these topics by observing three sessions with two separate residents and analyzing the results. Each session involved an art intervention that was catered to the individual’s goals and desires. The purpose of these sessions was to observe how the therapeutic relationship between the resident and the intern shifted and changed over time. The findings were themes including consistency, empathy, trust, and reciprocal learning that are fundamental building blocks to creating strong rapport between the therapist and the resident. When this essential relationship is built, more therapeutic healing can be done. These findings can be utilized to help train or teach other mental health professionals, art therapists, social workers, or staff that interact with older adults to better support their well-being.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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