Integrating Art Therapy With Feminism for Self-Advocacy Through Storycloth: Case Study

Abstract

This case study integrated feminist theory and social action approaches through the use of a storycloth (fiber arts-based intervention). The feminist approach of being transparent and egalitarian focused on addressing social, cultural, and political issues that are not always covered in the therapeutic setting but may be an underlying cause of distress and mental health issues. The case follows 35 art therapy sessions between a white art therapist in training and a LGBTQIA African American woman, who had a history of trauma. As an outcome, the client experienced a therapeutic space to tell her story and enabled her to self-advocate within art therapy sessions which translated to new understanding within her day-to-day life.