Reclaiming Sexuality Through Art: Art Therapy Applications and Recommendations in Adolescent Psychiatric Facilities with Patients who have a History of Trauma

Abstract

This thesis utilizes an integrative review of literature to examine how art therapy interventions can be used to explore sexuality and assist in reducing sexual misbehaviors for adolescents in a residential psychiatric facility with a history of trauma. Adolescents in residential psychiatric facilities often lack the means to explore and understand their sexuality due to rules and regulations that must be in place as a protective measure. Lacking the means to explore sexuality, however, may lead to sexual misbehaviors. Through a search of the literature, it was discovered that there is a gap in research using art therapy in this specific context. Through an exploration of the topics of mental illness, art therapy, sexuality, and trauma, previous research and writings are integrated into the conceptualization of the potential benefits and challenges that would come from the exploration of sexuality through art therapy with this population. This is followed by an outline of an art therapy treatment plan that addresses the exploration of sexuality that could be used with adolescents in residential psychiatric facilities. This treatment plan is supported by conclusions based on the integrative literature review. It is recommended that through an understanding of the integrated information and the treatment plan, art therapists can implement this plan with this population and study its effectiveness in reducing sexual misbehavior in the population.