Exploring the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) and the Graphic Narrative (GN) in the Treatment of Trauma
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Author
McGhee, Kimberly
Date
2018
Degree
Master of Arts in Art Therapy
Abstract
According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy works by utilizing various
techniques that incorporate the “kinesthetic, sensory, perceptual, and symbolic” methods through
visual expression (“How art therapy works,” 2017). These four experiences are all components
of the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC), which focuses on a bipolar and hierarchal
relationship. The relationship between them demonstrates six different ways of processing
information in a stepwise approach in an attempt to release blocked energy and create flow. This
unstructured and fluid experience has been helpful in treating trauma symptoms by meeting
clients where they currently were. In contrast, the Graphic Narrative (GN) is a structured,
cognitive approach to the treatment of trauma. It is intended to process trauma through the
eliminating of intrusive thoughts by putting memories in the past. This research study explored
the benefits and limitations of the unstructured framework of the ETC with the structured
framework of the Graphic Narrative through a survey and follow-up interviews with art
therapists who use one or both methods, for the treatment of trauma, and reduction of trauma
symptoms, and found four themes that emerged from the data.