Art Therapy as Treatment for Nonbinary People with Disordered Substance Use: The Art Therapists’ Perspective
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Author
Srok, Lisa
Date
2023
Degree
Master of Arts in Art Therapy
Abstract
This qualitative research study presents the results of an online survey that evaluated the
professional experience of credentialed art therapists using art therapy as a treatment for
nonbinary individuals with disordered substance use. The resulting information is valuable for
understanding how art therapists utilize art to provide mental health care services for this
demographic. The research also reviews literature regarding substance use, mental health care for
transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) individuals, and the value of art therapy. The problem
concerning the omission of nonbinary people in current research is examined along with the
specific challenges faced by this community. Through the perspective of professional art
therapists, this research study investigates the specialized needs and therapy objectives of
nonbinary people with disordered substance use, gains insights into the benefits of art therapy
with this marginalized group, obtains informative feedback related to the importance of identity
to this demographic, and gathers and analyzes additional data that is relevant to serving the
mental health care needs of this diverse community. The results of this research may be used for
the future development of culturally sensitive treatment programs integrating art therapy for
TGNB people with disordered substance use and for creating specific art therapy interventions
for this understudied population.