Date of Award

1984

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Art in Art Therapy

Department

Art

First Advisor

Rebecca Glenn

Second Advisor

Carole Collesano

Third Advisor

Laura Saxe

Abstract

The problem of alcoholism is a major health concern in our society . I t is considered to be a disease that is treatable, but not curable . The number of women entering treatment for alcoholism has increased steadily in t he past few years . Since statistics indicate that there is a high rate of relapse and recidivism within this group, treatment methods that can aid in the recovery process are important.

Art Therapy is a non-verbal approach to traditional treatment methods. It aids the therapeutic process by transforming unconscious and conscious material into symbols rather than words. The individual can use the artistic media to explore and work through personal conflicts, and can project her thoughts and feelings into concrete , visual form . Through this process, she can gain insights that encourage unity and growth.

This project explains how Art Therapy was incorporated into an extended care treatment program for women recovering from alcoholism. Art Therapy was used over a four-year period for diagnostic evaluation, group and individual therapy.

The Art Therapy, as a treatment component, was found to be helpful in encouraging a greater self-awareness in the individual, as well as in confronting the high denial system that was usually present in the alcoholic. It was also beneficial in promoting a more positive self-esteem in t he recovering woman.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

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