Abstract

The goal of this research was to create an effective art therapy program that could address the need for ongoing care for women who are survivors of breast cancer. The program, entitled Art and Story is rooted in feminist and narrative theory and on the current literature in art therapy and cancer care. This research first explores a body of literature on breast cancer history, physical, psycho-social perspectives, feminist and narrative theory and theory from art therapy. The final component of the research is the program based on themes extrapolated from the literature and also is built from my own experience in working with cancer patients as an intern art therapist. The aims of the Art and Story program are: to encourage empowerment through creative storytelling, to provide opportunities for making meaning from one's illness experience, to promote healing of body and mind through creative activity, and to break feelings of isolation by building a group culture. The eight week program incorporates a variety of arts-based interventions designed to meet these goals. This program is a preliminary guideline as to how an art therapist could work with a group of women who have experienced breast cancer.