What is Family? Examining Polyamorous Families: Implications for Art Therapists
Graduation Date
Spring 2012
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Degree Granting Institution
Notre Dame de Namur University
Program Name
Art Therapy
Dean
John Lemmon, PhD
First Reader
Richard Carolan, EdD, ATR-BC
Second Reader
Vicki Bynum, MAEd, MFT, ATR
Abstract
Families come in all shapes and sizes, yet Western culture sometimes fails to recognize this. Polyamorous families are a unique family structure that requires further research and consideration, especially polyamorous families raising children. There is also a growing need for therapists who are culturally sensitive to the needs a polyamorous individual or family might have. Art therapists especially may find themselves particularly suited in serving this population, especially when given the implication that a lack of language and a need for alternative methods of communication. This study examines self-identified polyamorous individuals’ perceptions of family through the use of a focus group setting. Resulting data showed a need for the ability to communicate about the experience of being polyamorous, fears about parental rejection, and a sense of confusion about what being a part of a polyamorous community might mean. Data from the focus group was used to place those experiences in the context of art therapy and hypothesize ways in which therapy and art therapy might address these key issues.