Therapeutic Use of Expressive Arts Therapy with Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
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Authors
Wachowska, Katarzyna
Issue Date
2023-12-08
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
expressive arts therapy (ExAT) , childhood sexual abuse , adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse , trauma , dissociation , theory of structural dissociation of the personality (TSDP)
Alternative Title
Abstract
This capstone project critically reviews the literature to examine the therapeutic application of Expressive Arts Therapy (ExAT) with Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse (ASCSA). ExAT involves the interchangeable use of creative art interventions in a therapeutic context to help facilitate healing and change. ASCSA experience deleterious impacts of trauma throughout their lives and often are not able to benefit from traditional talk therapy due to the nature of trauma impacting verbal processing. The impacts of utilizing ExAT with ASCSA can be understood through a Theory of Structural Dissociation of the Personality (TSDP) lens to examine the fostering of integration that can alleviate trauma symptoms. The results of the reviewed studies suggest that ExAT can be an effective modality when working with ASCSA as exemplified by positive relationship impacts, holistic integration, improved emotional functioning, and self-empowerment. However, the results are impacted by limited experimental research and an over-reliance upon case studies that inhibits generalizability. The literature review of this capstone project informs mental health practitioners of the ways in which ExAT can help facilitate therapeutic change with ASCSA through non-verbal methods that additionally help promote integration. Additionally, this paper indicates that adult ASCSA perceive beneficial experiences and impacts of ExAT. Future research recommendations are provided with a focus on conducting further experimental studies.