Date of Award
Spring 5-17-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Major
Clinical Mental Health Counselling
First Advisor
Raquel Stephenson
Abstract
In 2022-2023, 15% of U.S. public school students between the ages of 3 and 21 were on an Individualized Education Plans (IEP) due to various disabilities. This paper examines the impact of an open studio model, conducted by expressive arts therapists, on the engagement of students with social and emotional disabilities aged between 16 and 18 years old. A thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed that using an open studio model facilitated by expressive arts therapists in place of a more traditional art education class for students who require additional social and emotional assistance can foster a sense of control and safety in the absence of participatory demands and may benefit students by enhancing engagement in the artistic process, engagement with peers, and engagement with facilitators.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Jewett, Brianna, "Open Studio Concept Conducted by an Expressive Arts Therapist and Art Therapy Intern as a Replacement for Art Class in Special Education" (2025). Expressive Therapies Theses. 60.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_therapies_theses/60
