DATE: Thursday, February 7, 2013
TIME: 11:00 a.m
PLACE: Studio, Lambert Road campus
CANDIDATE: Sara Bivans
DISSERTATION TITLE: "The Use of Projective Drawings as Interpreted through Self Psychology to Activate Stages of Change in the Treatment of Substance Abuse"
PROGRAM-TRACK/YEAR: PhD-B; 2007
CHAIR: Dr. Paul Gabrinetti
READER: Dr. Matthew Bennett
EXTERNAL READER: Dr. Brigitte Matties

Bivan, S. (2013). The Use of Projective Drawings as Interpreted through Self Psychology to Activate Stages of Change in the Treatment of Substance Abuse (Doctoral dissertation, Pacifica Graduate Institute, 2013)

ABSTRACT

Addicts commonly experience dysfunctional family systems, resulting in negative conceptualizations of self and others, and sometimes narcissistic disturbances and injuries (Kohut, 1971). The focus of this dissertation is to examine the use of the House-Tree-Person (HTP projective drawing tool) as a clinical intervention aimed at enhancing motivation for change among substance abuse patients by increasing self-insight and addressing narcissistic injuries in addicted patients. It is hypothesized that the use of the HTP projective drawing intervention, with therapeutic feedback, enhances motivation toward change by assisting substance abuse patients in identifying underlying issues related to addiction, primarily those involving cognitive conceptualizations of self and relationships with others. Statistical analysis reveals that addicted patients who completed the HTP and received feedback based on Kohut’s Self Psychology principles are more motivated to change substance use behaviors, participate in treatment, and are less likely to deny having an addiction problem than those who do not. The processes by which the HTP intervention affects motivation for change in addicted patients are discussed in terms of mirroring and increased self-insight for addicts.