Exploring the Efficacy of Transpersonal Art Therapy in Fostering Postraumatic Growth with Young Adults Aging Out of Foster Care
Graduation Date
Spring 2015
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
Jennifer Harrison, PsyD, DAAETS, ATR-BC
Second Reader
John Rettger, PhD
Abstract
The intent of this thesis grant is to secure funding for a transpersonal art therapy group with young adults aging out of the foster care system. The grant proposes to integrate Tedeschi & Calhoun’s (2004) concept of post-traumatic growth with the modality of group art therapy in a transpersonal framework, in the hopes of instilling a sense of permanence and connectedness to ultimately reduce symptoms associated with trauma. The author reviews current research relating to the prevalence and treatments available to those suffering common effects of complex trauma and posttraumatic stress in the foster care population, as well as the additional complications accompanying the emancipation process upon coming of age. The group will serve as an adjunct to recruiting and support services offered for at-risk transitional young adults associated with an established foster care organization. This paper provides the overall progression of foster care while exploring the efficacy of transpersonal psychology and group art therapy as methods of healing.