Date of Award
Spring 5-17-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Major
Expressive Therapies
First Advisor
Raquel Chapin Stephenson
Abstract
Life transitions carry with them a wave of emotions that individuals need to sort through to continue leading healthy lives. A way to process these strong emotions while keeping them contained is through the use of altered bookmaking. This qualitative study investigated how adults can explore self and process life transitions through the art therapy technique of altered bookmaking. The group was grounded in client-centered therapy to promote safety and trust within the therapeutic space. The data collection consisted of written observations, written reflections, and artistic responses through the creation of poetry. The main themes that arose were: 1) altered bookmaking lends itself to rewriting client’s life transitions; 2) individuals thrive within structure and consistency; 3) acceptance and flexibility leads to optimism and empowerment; 4) identifying and utilizing a support system decreases anxiety; and 5) unconditional positive regard leads to safety, self-exploration, and self-discovery. Outcomes suggest that adults who explore self and life transitions through altered bookmaking directives gain a more positive and empowering view on their lives.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Trejo, Deborah, "Altered Bookmaking as a Means of Self-Exploration and Processing of Life Transitions in Adulthood" (2025). Expressive Therapies Theses. 20.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_therapies_theses/20
