Development of a Method: The Use of Flowers in Group Art Therapy

Author

Paige Johnson, Lesley UniversityFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-18-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Krystal Demaine

Abstract

Working with natural materials and objects can provide calming benefits and promote a positive well-being. Nature objects can include wood, stones, shells, grasses, moss, flowers, and more.This thesis will focus on the development of a method for floral arrangement in art therapy. The thesis presents the development of a method that explores how the Western symbolism of flower types and personal memories of flowers impact the healing process while working with flowers in an art therapy group. Group participants included 20 women aged 27-65, who were part of an art program at the African Community Center. Fresh flowers were provided and each participant created their own floral arrangement. The flowers evoked an emotional response and encouraged participants to discuss details from their personal lives. Using flowers was found to promote a connection to emotions for participants. The symbolism associated and characteristics of flowers made the art making process inherently more emotionally evoking than when using other art materials.

Creative Commons License

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

Recommended Citation

Johnson, Paige, "Development of a Method: The Use of Flowers in Group Art Therapy" (2019). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 169.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/169