Evaluating the use of art therapy with couples in counseling: A qualitative and quantitative approach

Few research studies have been conducted specifically focused on change process in marital art therapy. A need for more quantitative research in art therapy has been established. This research study focused on the results of a quasi-experiential study evaluating the use of art therapy with couples in counseling. Both qualitative and quantitative measures were employed to support the use of art therapy techniques with couples to increase relationship satisfaction and identify specific pivotal moments that bring about change process. Art therapy techniques were combined with Gottman's (1999) Sound Marital House approach to create a treatment plan for marital art therapy. Three couples participated in eight marital art therapy sessions. Pre and post test of The Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) (Spanier,1976), analysis of transcripts of therapy sessions, post session questionnaires developed by the researcher and used after each counseling session and analysis of art work made during sessions were used as outcome measurement tools. The results of this study revealed that the couples who received marital art therapy services significantly increased marital satisfaction as measured by the DAS. Pivotal moments identified by the couples were described on the post-session questionnaires. The number of pivotal moments identified by the couples, individually and collectively, was assessed for correlation to the amount of increase on the DAS. A correlation was found however, it was not considered to be statistically significant. Analysis of transcripts and art work strengthened the understanding of trends, patterns and themes. How and what needed to be in place for a couple to become aware of negative patterns and make a positive change emerged with commonalities across all three cases as well as distinct environments for each couple and each individual.