Visual Art Journaling as a Mindful Practice with Patients and Professional Caregivers in Oncology Care

Abstract

This paper describes the development and implementations of a method that combines the use of a visual art journal as a mindful practice to combat the effects of cancer on patients diagnosed and professional care providers. The development of the method required adaptations specifically to group membership and the structure used. Implementation of this method explored ways of using mindfulness and Visual Art Journaling to uncover, document, and creatively express areas of wellness each week of a seven-session process. To do this, group members journaled with both words and images the areas of wellness in their lives and ways of improving their coping mechanisms while undergoing cancer treatment and/or caring for others in their lives. This capstone discussion aimed to highlight ways in which group members developed purposeful awareness of thoughts and emotions, and as they occurred in a non-judgmental way, through the utilization of mindfulness-based Visual Art Journaling explorations, to address stress and anxiety within oncology treatment and care.M.A., Art Therapy and Counseling -- Drexel University, 201