As the only Master of Arts in Art Therapy program in Northern California, Dominican University of California offers an intimate on-campus learning environment designed to prepare students for successful careers in art therapy while encouraging the artistic and therapeutic process.
This site brings together a collection of master's theses and doctoral dissertations from the students of the Art Therapy program.
Theses/Capstones from 2016
Effects of art on emotional perception for those with ASD, Stephanie Liu
Exploration of Well-Being Through Art Media Preference and Emotion Regulation Strategies, Ayesha Aziz
Hope after loss: Using art therapy to increase hopefulness, Fiona Ruddy
Implementing mindfulness skills in adolescence and increasing emotional intelligence, Sasha Shokrian
Increasing Empathy with Adults using Empathy Focused Art-Making Directives, Adriana M. Juarez Arteaga
Increasing productivity in graduate students fulfilling thesis requirements via tactile art, Sarah Morse
In the Bird's Nest: Birth Orders Influence on the Art, Megan Renee Bell
Keep calm and doodle on: A relationship between doodling and stress reduction, Megan Simmons
Longing for Beloning, Naznain Khatami
Mandalas and cultural identity: Increasing positive identification with Chamorro native heritage, Aaron San Nicolas
The Art Encounter for Self-Reflection: An Art-Based Phenomenological Inquiry, Karrie Marie Stafford
The Impact of Art Based Positive Psychology on Stress Reduction for Working Mothers, Megan Curry
Three Decades of Trauma-informed Education and Art Therapy: An Effectiveness Study, Amy Kristin Hill
Using art therapy to increase reading motivation in below grade-level readers, Celia J. Gagnon
Using mindful mandala making to ground and center military spouses, Katrina Mary Bobo
Utilizing art therapy journaling to decrease insomnia and promote sleep hygiene, Emily A.R. Coffee
Theses/Capstones from 2015
Accents in Visual Language: Correlating Language Script Directionality with Bridge Drawing Interpretations, Nava Attia-Benoit
An Object Relations Approach to LGBTQ Perspective of Self-Exploration Through Art, Brittany M. Dray
Art Therapy Trainee's Attitudes and Beliefs About Self-Care, Jennifer C. Priday
A Study of How Art Therapy May Cause Reduction of Anxiety and Increase in Reminiscing in Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia, Alexis Stephano
Decreasing Postpartum Depression Using Process Oriented Art Therapy, Stephanie Balistreri
Dyadic Art Therapy and Stress Reduction, Sara Clement
Eco-Art therapy's Effect on Existential Well-Being and Connectedness to Nature with Families Experiencing Bereavement, Faith Reyes
Enhancement of Empathy Among Elementary School Children of Varying Cultural Backgrounds, Gioia Schuler
Examining student athlete attitudes towards art therapy, Brendan T. H. McNally
Exploring the Coming Out Experience Through Animal Self-portraiture, Spencer John Lethbridge Fredin
Exploring the Efficacy of Transpersonal Art Therapy in Fostering Postraumatic Growth with Young Adults Aging Out of Foster Care, Hope Schachter
Greek Subculture, Fan-Based Art-Making, and Identity Development: Implications for Use in Art Therapy, Kathryn C. Bender
Increasgin Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy in Fromerly Incarcerated Adult Women Using Narrative Art Therapy, Caitlyn Ehisen
Increasing Communication with Couples Using Art Therapy, Jason Pierce
Increasing Hope: Using Cognitive Behavioral Art Therapy and mindfulness with Patients with Chronic Pain, Catherine Louise Falkenhagen
Increasing Quality of Life in Cystic Fibrosis Adolescents Using Art Therapy, Jennifer Eng
Increasing Relationship Satisfaction with Premarital Couples Using Art Therapy, Kristin Tai Clark
Increasing Self-Awareness in Women with Substance Abuse Disorders Utilizing Mindfulness Based Knitting in Group Art Therapy, Chelsea Owens
Military Uniform to hand-Made Paper: Potential Benefits of the Combat Paper Project, Jill E. Berryman
Pediatric Nurse Attitudes Towards Art Therapy and Mindfulness to Implement Self-care Practices, Sophia Stutes
Perceived Effectiveness of Allopathic, Naturopathic, and Art Therapies for Treatign Adult Anxiety and Depression: A Comparative Analysis, Ashley E.B. Altmeyer
Photography as Therapy: Reducing Chronic Stress in Women Experienceing Role-Overload, Christine M. Shea
Resolving Interpersonal Conflict Using an Art Therapy forgiveness Intervention, Sasha Georgeson
The Application of Mindfulness Based Art Therapy to Reduce Stress for Teachers, Melissa Jennifer Robinson
Using art therapy to reduce anxiety in college athletes transitioning out of sport, Theresa Hart Black
Using "Identity Tower":An Art Therapy Intervention for Increasing Perceived Social Identity in Workplace Groups, Julia Hammett
Viewing the AIDS Memorial Quilt: A Study on Empathic Attitudes and Behaviors, Social Advocacy and Art Therapy, Jeannie Star Olson
Theses/Capstones from 2014
An Art Therapy Program for Artists with Disabilities, Mariah Dancing
Art-Making in the Digital Age: Comparing the Use of Tablet Technology and Traditional Art Materials Among Studetns on the Autism Spectrum, Joleigh Davis-McBryan
Art Therapy and Transition with Retirees: A Narrative Appoach with Altered Books, Liana J. Shaw
Art Therapy as a Tool to Increase Independent Peer Interactions in Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Christel S.G. Berry
Art Therapy in Art Museums: Promoting Social Connectedness and Psychological Well-being of Older Adults, Rose Bennington