Running head: BUILDING ON STRENGTHS Building on Strengths: An Art Therapy Program for an Acquired Brain Injury Survivor Anita Klingenberg A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement For the Masters of Arts in Art Therapy Degree Department of Art Therapy in the Graduate Program Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana December 2017 BUILDING ON STRENGTHS 2 ABSTRACT This single case study evaluated an individualized art therapy program for an acquired brain injury survivor by building on his personal pre-and post-injury profile, strengths, skills, experiences and memories. An inclusive and holistic approach to the art therapy intervention contributed to him reaching his optimum ability and quality of life. Building on his pre-and post-injury profile helped recognize and affirm personal strengths, leading to a renewed sense of self-identity. Exploring components of the Expressive Therapies Continuum within this personal framework improved neurological and cognitive functioning, and enhanced emotional and creative expression. Using art and craft materials furthermore increased motor skills and physiological functioning. This eight-week art therapy program culminated in a personalized art memory workbook consisting of images of the art therapy directives and processes to further strengthen memory. The program laid the foundation for lifelong art and craft making, continually building on rediscovered and newly gained interests and abilities. BUILDING ON STRENGTHS 3 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank Stacey Summers of Beyond Words Art Studio for her continuous support during my internship; her work with J laid the foundation for this research. I was truly privileged to have her as my supervisor: Stacey’s knowledge of art therapy and her compassion for and generosity towards the art therapy group members at her studio was a lesson for me in the role we as art therapists can play in society and each of us in our own neighborhood or town. I want to express my gratitude to J and his mom for their kindness and willingness to work with me on this research project. I looked forward to our sessions every week, and learnt from both J and his mom about how resilient the human spirit can be and that creativity is a part of each and every one of us. Thank you to all the art therapy group members at Beyond Words Art Studio – they have taught me about the value of art therapy group work and the importance of supporting one another in the group. Finally, I would like to thank Dr Susan Ridley and Dr Jill McNutt for their academic support with this thesis, as well as all SMWC academic staff for what they have taught me over the last four years, ending in this final research project. Anita Klingenberg BUILDING ON STRENGTHS 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT .....................................................................................................................................2 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...............................................................................................................3 LIST OF FIGURES .........................................................................................................................6 1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................8 Problem Statement ...............................................................................................................9 Research Questions ..............................................................................................................9 Basic Assumptions ...............................................................................................................9 Statement of Purpose ...........................................................................................................9 Hypothesis..........................................................................................................................10 Definition of Terms……………………………………………………………………....11 Justification of Study .........................................................................................................13 II. LITERATURE REVIEW ..........................................................................................................15 Brain Trauma and Neurological Disorders ........................................................................15 Integrating Therapies: A Holistic Approach ......................................................................17 Creativity, the Brain and Neurological Disorders..............................................................19 Art Therapy and Neurological Conditions .........................................................................24 Art Therapy Methods and Techniques for Brain Injury Survivors ........................27 Art Therapy and Stroke Rehabilitation ..................................................................32 Art Therapy, Aphasia and Memory Loss ...............................................................35 Music Therapy and Brain Injury ........................................................................................38 Summary ............................................................................................................................40 III. METHODOLOGY ..................................................................................................................42 Participants .........................................................................................................................42 Research Design.................................................................................................................43 Baseline Assessments ........................................................................................................46 Carpentry Kit .........................................................................................................46 Ceramic Bowl ........................................................................................................46 Acrylic Painting Based on a Photographic Image .................................................47 Data Collection and Analysis.............................................................................................47 Validity and Reliability ......................................................................................................48 Ethical Considerations .......................................................................................................49 Researcher Bias ..................................................................................................................50 IV. RESULTS ................................................................................................................................51 Baseline Assessments ........................................................................................................51 Carpentry kit ..........................................................................................................51 Ceramic bowl .........................................................................................................52 Acrylic Painting based on a Photographic Image ..................................................53 BUILDING ON STRENGTHS 5 Emergent Themes ..............................................................................................................54 Strengths ................................................................................................................55 Procedural Memory ...............................................................................................55 Creative Drive…………………………………………………………………....57 Perseverance ..........................................................................................................58 Neurological Limitations .......................................................................................60 Perseveration .........................................................................................................60 Constructional Apraxia ..........................................................................................63 Aphasia ..................................................................................................................66 Memory Loss ..........................................................................................................67 Emergence of a New Creative Identity ..................................................................69 Summary ................................................................................................................70 V. DISCUSSION ...........................................................................................................................72 Emergent Themes ..............................................................................................................73 Strengths ................................................................................................................73 Procedural Memory ...............................................................................................73 Creative Drive ........................................................................................................74 Perseverance ..........................................................................................................74 Neurological limitations.........................................................................................77