Art Therapy as a Treatment Modality for Processing Recurring Dreams and Anxiety
Graduation Date
Fall 2013
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
Amy Backos, PhD, ATR-BC
Second Reader
Jennifer Harrison, PsyD, DAAETS, ATR-BC
Abstract
The hypothesis for this study was that using art therapy techniques to process and interpret a recurrent dream will increase insight and reduce the anxiety related to the dream or problem causing the dream. It was further hypothesized that the process would also lead to a reduction of frequency of the dream occurrence and possible elimination of the dream. Ten participants were divided into two groups and completed the same interventions. Participants were asked to draw an image from a recurring dream, share with the group and reflect on each other’s dream and artwork. In a second session participants were asked to relate their dream to a waking life problem and find a solution, as well as re-drawing their dream as they wish it had occurred. The STAI assessment was used to measure anxiety pre and post intervention. Results indicated a statistically significant reduction in anxiety as well as self-reported increases in insight and awareness, inspiration for change, and inspiration to enter therapy. The findings of this study may be helpful to art therapists working with persons with anxiety and experiencing recurring dreams.