Date of Award

Spring 5-2-2024

First Advisor

Dr. Jayashree George, DA, ART-BC, LMFT

Second Advisor

Megan Robb ATR-BC, LPC, NCC

Third Advisor

Shelly Goebl-Parker MSW, LCSW, ATR-BC

Abstract

This research proposed to study what art therapists know and believe about twelve-step addiction recovery groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Cocaine Anonymous (CA). The aim was to better understand the field’s familiarity with 12-step recovery, identify misconceptions about 12-step groups, and assess the comfortability of incorporating 12-step philosophy into clinical practice. Findings include that art therapists integrate 12-step into art making, are likely to refer clients to 12-step groups, and that higher familiarity with 12-step was associated with more positive perceptions and greater integration with clinical practice. The study participants also agreed that accessibility was one of the primary strengths of 12-step recovery and that clinicians’ personal involvement in 12-step strongly influences their clinical approaches. Increasing art therapists’ familiarity with the benefits, dangers, and nuances of 12-step groups will help them better guide clients through addiction recovery.

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