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Tue, 08/13/2024 - 16:00
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The Art Therapist Identity & Growth Mindset

WHILE FACING
Big Life Transformations
PRESENTED BY: FARAH K. ELGHAMRAWY
PRESENTED TO: PROFESSOR / DR.CAROLYN TREADON

M.A. IN COUNSELING WITH CONCENTRATION ON ART THERAPY

PennWest University

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Purpose Statement
3. Justification
4. Key-Terms
5. Literature Review
6. Methodology
7. Results
8. Limitations
9. Suggestions
10. My word
11. Questions

Introduction

This heuristic self-enquiry explores the interplay between
the identity development of an art therapist and the
cultivation of a growth mindset. Through an in-depth analysis
of my personal art journal, relevant literature, and peerreviewed articles, this study seeks to understand the
dynamic relationship between professional identity
formation and the adoption of a growth-oriented
perspective.

The Ripple Effect
“We have all experienced the healing, self-awareness, understanding, and fulfillment that
is possible in therapy. We conquered our fears of vulnerability and intimacy, confronted
our demons, and learned to connect the dots. At some point in our therapeutic expeditions,
we decided to take what we have learned and passed it on to others. It is known quite simply
as the “ripple effect.” We have all seen how ripples work on water. One droplet creates
hundreds of ripples” (Cahak, 2021).

Purpose Statement
This study seeks to demonstrate how one art
therapist-in-training dealt with different life
challenges, achieved growth, and developed a
successful art therapist identity.

Justification
As art therapists, how
can we use flexibility
and growth mindset to
adapt to major life
changes and face
challenges?

During the process of
change and
transformation, how do
our identities develop?

How can we grow, heal,
and develop our
identities through our
experiences?

Key-Terms
Personal Identity
Personal identity explores deeper
questions that come up concerning who
we are as beings. In contrast, questions
concerning our identity occur because
we are physical objects, moral agents,
aware beings, or living beings.

Growth Mindset
A belief system that
suggests that one's abilities
and intelligence can be
developed with effort,
learning, and persistence
(Dweck, 2006).

Self-Directed Art Therapy
Self-directed art therapy refers to a
therapeutic practice in which
individuals use art-making to explore
their emotions, thoughts, and
experiences without the direct
guidance of a therapist.

Literature Review
Essential Qualities of Art Therapists ( Self-awareness, empathy, active listening & being
present, Respecting ethical guidelines, etc.)
Person-Centered Theory (Key conditions include genuineness, unconditional positive regard,
and empathetic understanding).
Cultural Humility/Responsiveness: the 5 R’s model Reflection, Respect, Regard, Relevance,
Resiliency -essential components for culturally responsive practice.
Identity Formation.
The concept of a wounded healer.
Imposter Syndrome.
Art Journaling.
Self-Directed Art Therapy.

Conclusion
Reflection on the art therapist identity:
Developing a strong professional identity
is an ongoing journey that requires
commitment to personal growth and
professional development.
Embracing change and growth: Emphasizes
the importance of being open to change
and continuously seeking opportunities
for learning and self-improvement.

Methodology

Heuristic Self Inquiry

Primary Subject: Personal and Professional Development
Focus: My Identity development and growth as an art therapist.
Influence of a growth mindset
Aims: Explore identity development, reflect on growth mindset
amidst challenges.
Background: Childhood trauma, use of art for self-expression
and healing.

Data
Collection
My Art Journals
Primary source of data.
Contains written thoughts,
artwork, and notes.
Documents conscious and
unconscious aspects of career
development and personal
growth.

Peer-Reviewed Articles
ART JOURNALS

PEER-REVIEWED

ARTICLES

El-Duende

Books & Literature
Theoretical framework and
background information.
Important texts in art
therapy, art, and
psychology.

Current research findings.
Fundamental ideas related to
growth mindset and art
therapy.
Supports insights from art
journal and books.

BOOKS &LITERATURE

EL-DUENDE

Creative and intuitive
approach.
Spontaneous writings and
artwork during intense
emotional or creative times.
Reflects deeper, usually
subconscious thoughts.

Data Analysis
01

Immersion
Full immersion in data,
Familiarization with content,
Identification of basic
themes and patterns.

02

Incubation

03

Illumination

Stepping back.
Allowing subconscious
mind to process the
information.
Identifying important
themes and patterns.

04

Explanation

05

Creative Synthesis

Organize data into coherent
narratives,
Link themes to conventional
concepts and literature,
Simplifying.

Combine all data into a
coherent narrative,
Illustrate dynamic interaction
between professional
identity, experiences, and
growth mindset,
Highlight specific discoveries
and interconnectedness.

Results
Theme 1: Childhood Trauma

Results
Theme 2: Loss of My Father

Results
Theme 3: Trauma & Abuse

Results
Theme 4 : Healing & Growth

Results
Theme 4 : Healing & Growth (continued)

Results
Theme 5 : My Art Therapist Identity

El Duende

El Duende

My Vision Board

The research underscores the therapeutic value of
art in both personal healing and professional
practice.
The creative process has proven to be an
effective tool for emotional regulation, selfawareness, and psychological resilience.
In conclusion, the exploration of my
emotional experiences and personal growth
through art proved the transformative
power of art therapy.
The findings emphasize the important role
of art in promoting healing, self-awareness,
and professional development.

Limitations
While this heuristic self-study offers valuable insights, it is important to acknowledge its limitations.

Subjectivity
Highly personal nature of the
study.
Potential bias due to selfreflection.
Difficulty in separating personal
bias from objective analysis.

Generalizability
Findings are specific to my
experiences.
Limited ability to generalize results
to a broader population.
Individual experiences may not
reflect those of other art
therapists.

Ethical Considerations

Potential for self-disclosure to impact
future professional opportunities.
Maintaining confidentiality and
professional boundaries.
Need for continuous reflection on
ethical implications.

Areas for future
exploration/research

This study opens several avenues for future research to build
on the findings and address its limitations.
Future studies could include a larger and more diverse group of
participants
Helps in validating findings and enhancing generalizability
Inclusion of different demographics, backgrounds, and
experiences.

I would like to thank
My Mother

My Father

Prof./Dr.
Carolyn
Treadon

My Partner

Prof./Dr.
Lorenzo De La
Pena

Prof./Dr. Mona
Rakhawy

All My
Professors

My Peers

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