Visual Expression and Resilience of Art Therapists

• Other Authors: De Peña, Sheila Lorenzo (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Psychology; Mental health; Art > Study and teaching
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-9641

The objective of this research is to elicit and analyze the use of visual response created by art therapists and its implications for their resiliency. As part of the mental health community, art therapists are exposed to trauma histories and traumatic events, their empathetic nature making them susceptible to the negative effects stress, which over time can accumulate and lead to clinician burnout. Although there is ample literature on the detrimental effects of the burnout syndrome on the helping professions, the literature is limited when it comes to art therapists and their distinct needs and resources. The current study used mixed methods to better understand the role of visual response art as it was used by participating art therapists in building and maintaining resilient and restorative self-care practices. === A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Art Education in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. === . === June 29, 2015. === art therapy, burnout, mental health, resilience, response art, self-care === Includes bibliographical references. === David Gussak, Professor Directing Dissertation; Carolyn Henne, University Representative; Sara Scott Shields, Committee Member; Marcia Rosal, Committee Member.