Rachel Cecil

Date of Graduation

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MA

College

College of Creative Arts

Department

Art Education

Committee Chair

Terese Giobbia

Committee Co-Chair

Matthew Campbell

Committee Member

Terese Giobbia

Committee Member

Joseph Lupo

Abstract

A qualitative research study presents a thorough examination of one therapist's methods of supplementing art therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) during the treatment of children impaired by a variety of anxiety disorders---i.e. generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PSTD). A review of the existing literature was used to inform the current study. The researcher created an exploratory case study, through the utilization of a pilot study, to gain a better understanding of the topic from an expert in these therapeutic fields. Through the gathering of data and analysis, the findings suggest that supplementing art therapy with CBT and DBT during the treatment of children impaired by GAD, OCD, and PTSD has intrinsic value in reducing the symptoms exhibited in these anxiety disorders and can create an overall improvement in their quality of life. The pilot study provided a means to analyze these three therapeutic methods within the collaborative therapeutic model in a critical manner, allowing it to be researched further and implemented in the future. Drawing on her expertise in working with children impaired by these anxiety disorders, the therapist provided valuable feedback in supplementing art therapy with CBT and DBT during the treatment of these anxiety disorders. Combining these three therapeutic methods into a collaborative model has the potential to provide adequate treatment for childhood anxiety disorders amidst the negative impacts that a cognitive and/or behavioral disorder might evoke.

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