Art Therapy and Memory: A Case Study Utilizing Ceramic Wheel Throwing in Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Abstract

This study examines the use of ceramic wheel throwing as an art therapy intervention to increase memory with an individual who experiences significant memory impairments as a result of a traumatic brain injury (TBI).  Wheel throwing was chosen because of the potential for multiple sensory systems to be activated, creating the possibility for various types of memory to be developed.  It is a sequential, step-based process that allows for standardized assessment of retention.  The study consisted of a pre- and post-assessment, using the Cognitive Linguistic Quick Test (CLQT), and ten individual art therapy sessions focusing on wheel throwing.  A standardized method assessing recall was used to document step retention during the sessions.  Additional observations were made each week by the primary researcher, which served as qualitative results during data analysis at the end of the ten sessions.  Results from this study indicate that the participant demonstrated learning of the wheel throwing process.  Quantitative and qualitative data suggest that the participant was able to recall steps that require more physical effort and direct manipulation of the clay.  Results also suggest greater recall when encouraged to use nonverbal communication to complete the steps, which could support differences in verbal and visual or haptic memory.  Implications of this possibility are discussed in the context of developing art therapy interventions for individuals who experience memory impairments as a result of brain injury.