Date of Award
Spring 5-5-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Major
Expressive Therapies
First Advisor
Dr. Siyao "Violet" Li
Second Advisor
Elena Clamen
Abstract
The aim of this thesis is to explore, through expressive arts therapy and its techniques, the power of the arts to build community, dispel depression and anxiety in relation to social isolation, and combat the traumas of living with and in chronic pain; more specifically, this thesis explores the power of the arts and community to improve the mental health of those living with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. Extensive research reveals a significant gap in the literature in relation to mental health care catered to those living with endometriosis, across continents, practices, and languages. By using theoretical frameworks from a variety of multidisciplinary approaches, this thesis explores the benefits of community via peer support, and the benefits of community building between endometriosis patients and their practitioners; the researcher developed a method to invite the full human experience back into the world of chronic illness and medical care.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Dedian, Samantha L., "Exploring the Benefits of Expressive Arts Therapy with Spoonies: Building Connection in the Endometriosis Community" (2025). Expressive Therapies Theses. 80.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_therapies_theses/80
Thesis Approval Form
