Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy and Stress Reduction with Veterans Living in Transitional Housing

<p>Veterans living in a transitional housing facility participated in an eight-week mindfulness-based art therapy group with the goal to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, as well as increase mindful awareness and well-being.</p> <p>The results indicated that depression, anxiety and stress reduced over the course of the group and additionally, the veterans reported subjective experience of reduced symptoms and increased coping skills. Present moment awareness increased slightly. Art analysis indicates qualitative changes in the veteran’s self portraits including shifts in energy levels such as increased energy and shifts in mental health status. This research shows promising benefits for teaching veterans to manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress by using art therapy and mindfulness.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Art Therapy

Year dc:date.available

2013

Author dc:creator

• Wittmershaus, Chanel R.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Amy Backos, PhD, ATR-BC
• Richard Carolan, EdD, ATR-BC

• Art Therapy
• Stress
• Veterans
• Transitional Housing
• Counseling Psychology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholar.dominican.edu/art-therapy-print-theses/258

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.dominican.edu:art-therapy-print-theses-1257