Graduation Date
2027
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Project Type
Qualitative Study
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Program
Art Therapy
Program Director
Richard Carolan, PhD, ATR-BC
First Reader
Erin Partridge, PhD, ATR-BC
Second Reader
Savannah Stone
Abstract
This thesis reasons that spiritual-soul care is, at times, an ethically necessary dimension of mental health care for many individuals yet remains underdeveloped within the field. In response, this research aims to articulate a foundational, non-dogmatic “baseline” language that is simple and accessible, while remaining nuanced enough to capture the depth and essence of spiritual-soul care. This study proposes a culturally flexible approach for individuals who identify outside of traditional religious frameworks. This multidimensional model includes three domains—the self, spirit-soul, and the transpersonal levels—each contributing to wellbeing through developmental themes.
Using a qualitative design, 9 participants engaged in contemplation, Jungian active imagination, and artmaking in a nature-based setting. Questionnaires, artwork, and reflective descriptions compose the triangulated data findings. The findings revealed consistent themes of embodiment as a pathway to knowing, symbolic imagery and descriptions, and experiences of connection. The nature setting functioned as a major support for regulation and meaning making. The results suggest this model offers a meaningful and accessible framework for spiritual-soul care across diverse populations.
IRB Number
11311