Abstract
This study explored the usage of art therapy with community leaders and members to instill
intrinsic motivation in the area of community change. Many people involved in Systems of Care
already have the motivation for change but may not have known how to make those changes.
The concepts of the Stages of Change (SOC) model and motivational interviewing (MI) were
used throughout this study in conjunction with art therapy. The tools used to assess change were
the change plan worksheet, road drawings, and pros and cons collage. These items have been
used successfully in addiction treatment for positive change and were used in this study to
measure readiness for action for change. Three themes about change emerged during the study
including (a) increased motivation for completed action steps, (b) processed ambivalence about
change, and (c) empathy. Community barriers to change was another theme that arose during the
study. Further research was recommended.
