An Art Therapistʼs Heuristic Study of Self-Care

Patricia F. Benton

Research output: ThesisMaster's Thesis

Abstract

This paper is an account of the discoveries made during a heuristic study in which the researcher sought clarification of the personal meaning of caring for others as an art therapist in contrast with the experience of caring for oneself. After reviewing the potential dangers of burnout and compassion fatigue and examining various self-care strategies the researcher explored the personal meaning of this topic utilizing heuristic methodology. The process of collecting data consisted of a daily art-making task with varied media covering a two-week period. The researcher was able to highlight the importance of incorporating regular use of self-care into a daily routine to counterbalance the stressors, both personal and those associated with the art therapy profession.

Original languageEnglish
QualificationMaster of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy with Specialized Training in Art Therapy
Awarding Institution
  • Loyola Marymount University
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Bodlović, Anthony, Advisor
StatePublished - May 1 2012
Externally publishedYes

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