Drawing Out the Spirit: Art Therapy as a Healing Force with Epstein-Barr Virus
Graduation Date
Spring 1995
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
Abstract
This paper presents a heuristic self-study of this author's chronic Epstein-Barr Virus (Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome). It will attempt to show the successful merging of science with soul through the use of art therapy. Further, it attempts to show how the traditional medical world is beginning to embrace its latest phenomenon, the field of study called Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). Psychoneuroimmunology encompasses the body, mind, and spirit along with the latest scientific findings to help facilitate healing. The research purpose is to examine the specific art therapy directives of contour portrait drawings and the mandala in dealing with a physically ill subject (this author), and to determine if these art directives can promote self awareness and healing during this individual's chronic illness. A 3-level model consisting of body, mind, and spirit healing was designed by this researcher for realization, acceptance, and communication.