Date of Award
Spring 5-17-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Major
Expressive Therapies
First Advisor
Leticia Prieto Álvarez
Abstract
Intergenerational trauma can occur amongst any family and in any culture. This can emerge from any number of things, be it a cycle of abuse, displacement, or even natural disasters. Given its pervasive nature, it is important to explore how transgenerational trauma can be treated and processed. A literature review was conducted in order to research how expressive arts therapies could be a valuable treatment method for generational trauma and trauma-informed care. The review examined both psychological and epigenetic impacts of generational trauma to gain insight into the possible trauma symptoms that interventions using expressive therapies might address. Different modalities and their impacts on healing said trauma are discussed, and a Jungian lens of archetypal and inner child work is explored. Findings indicate that expressive arts, including but not limited to writing, creating visual art, movement, and expressive dramatization, are all valuable strategies in processing thoughts and emotions surrounding the trauma and fostering post-traumatic growth. Jungian archetypal and inner child work may also be paired with these mediums in order to deepen personal understanding and integration of the self.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Strecker, Analie, "Returning to Ourselves: A Literature Review of the Expressive Arts and Healing Intergenerational Trauma Cycles" (2025). Expressive Therapies Theses. 71.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_therapies_theses/71
