| Abstract [eng] |
Menopause is often approached as a biological phenomenon, with little focus on women's subjective experiences. This study explores these experiences through the process of art therapy. There appears to be limited research on menopause and art therapy in Lithuania to date. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of women undergoing menopause in the context of art therapy. Objectives: 1. To describe and organize themes related to menopausal experiences that emerged during the art therapy process; 2. To examine how visual expressions reflect these experiences and interact with written reflections. Methods. This qualitative, phenomenological study applied inductive thematic analysis and art – based – research principles. Data were collected during six group art therapy sessions and included visual expressions, written reflections, and the researcher’s journal. A multimodal analytical approach was used – written and visual data were interpreted as complementary forms of expression. Results. The analysis revealed four key thematic groups: „The truth is – I’m afraid.”, I am different, but „my new self is not yet visible”, „Thinking about death teaches me to live“, and „I find peace and inspiration in nature’s cycles.” Throughout the art therapy process, a trajectory emerged – from fear and symbolic death toward relationship: with oneself, the body, and time. Visual expressions and written reflections functioned as complementary means of articulating, exploring, and transforming their experience. Conclusions. The menopausal experiences of the study participants appeared as multilayered – involving physical, emotional, social, and existential aspects. The analysis revealed four main themes related to symbolic death and loss, changes in identity, empowerment, and the search for inner resources. The study also highlighted insights into the interaction between visual creative work and written reflections within the context of art therapy. Keywords: art therapy, menopause, perimenopause, women’s experiences, qualitative study. |
