Date of Award
Spring 5-5-2023
First Advisor
Megan Robb
Second Advisor
Jayashree George
Third Advisor
Shelly Goebl-Parker
Abstract
This single-participant phenomenological case study seeks to determine how a female combat veteran experiences art therapy. The case study participant is a female veteran who served in Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. While painting on a single canvas, the participant followed Miller’s El Duende process painting procedure (2012) and kept a written and pictorial journal of the experience. The research involved five sessions during which the participant annotated her thoughts and feelings on the experiential expressions chart for each session. These charts were analyzed to identify the mechanism of change in art therapy for the participant. The participant’s journals indicated initial tension followed by insight and relaxation by the end of each session, signifying that the process provided a means for emotional release as the veteran explored her inner feelings and memories by painting them into her artwork.
Recommended Citation
Owen, Bonita, "Art as Experienced by a Female Combat Veteran Using the El Duende Process Painting." (2023). Art Therapy Counseling Final Research Projects. 10.
https://spark.siue.edu/atcfinal/10