Increasing Resilience Through Art Therapy in Children with Domestic Violence Exposure
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
This research study will examine how using ail therapy interventions in conjunction with positive psychology methods may be effective in increasing resilience with children who have experienced domestic violence. The target population for this study is children between the ages of eight and sixteen who have experienced domestic violence and who are experiencing residual effects in the form of emotional disturbances or other externalized behaviors. All participants will be asked to participate with the consent of their parents or guardians, and by their own assent. The program will take place in San Francisco, in a Day Treatment center which specializes in academically and therapeutically serving children with emotional disturbances. The groups will take place in classrooms, and on the campus of the center, with trained staff and clinician support.