Date of Award

5-1981

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

First Advisor

Wendall Rivers

Second Advisor

Evadne McNeil

Abstract

This paper explores the therapeutic potential of the universal heart symbol in the context of humanistic–existential art therapy. The author situates the work within a tradition that emphasizes creativity, spirituality, and the search for meaning, presenting the heart as a transcultural and archetypal image capable of guiding clients toward self-discovery. Unlike symptom-focused or diagnostic approaches, this perspective underscores the transformative role of symbols and imagery in facilitating psychological growth and healing.

The heart, as both biological organ and cultural metaphor, is shown to occupy a central place in human imagination and artistic expression. Across history and across cultures, it has been associated with love, vitality, morality, and spiritual essence. By engaging with the heart symbol in creative practice, clients are invited into a deeper exploration of their inner lives, emotions, and values. This process often leads to insights that extend beyond personal concerns to encompass universal human experiences of vulnerability, resilience, and connectedness.

The paper emphasizes how art therapy rooted in humanistic–existential philosophy allows for the integration of artistic creation with psychological and spiritual exploration. By externalizing inner states through imagery, clients gain new perspectives on their struggles, often reframing them as opportunities for growth. The universal resonance of the heart image offers both safety and depth, encouraging openness and reflection while also pointing to transcendent dimensions of experience.

Ultimately, the author suggests that the heart symbol in art therapy functions as a bridge between personal and collective meaning-making. It affirms the role of creativity in psychotherapy not simply as technique but as a fundamental mode of human existence. The paper concludes that through symbolic engagement with the heart, clients may find pathways toward healing, wholeness, and renewed purpose.

Download

Share

COinS