The Utilization of Art Therapy and Narrative Therapy in a Support Group for Adults with Facial Disfigurement After Treatment of Cancer
Graduation Date
Spring 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
Richard Carolan, EdD, ATR-BC
Second Reader
Lisa Manthe, MFT, ATR-BC
Abstract
Cancer is such an emotionally charged disease that often brings up feelings of fear, grief, depression and uncertainty. In a society that puts so much value on appearance, Individuals that are left with a facial disfigurement after the treatment of a cancer have an additional set of challenges that they must learn how to cope with. This research study focuses on adults with a facial disfigurement after the treatment of a cancer and seeks to determine the efficiency of the utilization of Art therapy and Narrative therapy in a support group, designed to enhance quality of life. The sponsoring agency for this grant is the Cancer Support Community, which serves individuals and their families who are affected by cancer in the Bay Area.