The Phenomenon of Dissociation with the Application of Expressive Arts Therapy: A Literature Review

Author

Katherine AlexanderFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-5-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MCM - MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Dr. Lee Ann Thill

Abstract

As a symptom of pathological disorder, dissociation is commonly seen as detrimental; yet dissociation is also frequently referenced as a typical occurrence for most people on a regular basis. This paper aimed to investigate and clarify definitions of dissociation as a phenomenon in mental health counseling treatment, and to examine the application of the modality of expressive arts therapy where dissociation is present. Dissociation was found to be widely regarded as a spectrum of phenomena within the subjective experiences of an individual, ranging from average to debilitating in severity. Research and expressive arts therapies were found to reflect theory informing treatment of dissociation as a response to traumatic events and circumstances. Some researchers questioned the etiology of dissociation. Expressive arts therapies were found to be valuable for success in treatment for dissociation and trauma. To improve efficacy of theory and treatment models, more research is needed to determine what differentiates dissociation from other disorders and to explore if the widely accepted average dissociations are as benign as they are regarded in the literature.

Recommended Citation

Alexander, Katherine, "The Phenomenon of Dissociation with the Application of Expressive Arts Therapy: A Literature Review" (2023). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 738.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/738