Fantasy Expressive Arts Therapy in Family Caregiver Support Programs: A Narrative and Interpretative Phenomenological Approach

This study investigates the application and effectiveness of Fantasy Expressive Arts Therapy within a community-based family caregiver support program for caregivers supporting individuals with disabilities, and elders with functional impairments. Employing Narrative Inquiry and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the facilitator guided participants through six 90-minute group sessions, using picture books, mandalas, horticultural activities, visual cards, and tangle art. Data sources included session transcripts and participants’ creative artifacts. Results indicated that participants experienced emotional release, reconnection through shared experience, and reconstruction of caregiving identity. Self efficacy scores significantly increased post-intervention (p < .05), accompanied by more supportive family interactions and positive caregiving attitudes. Findings confirm that Fantasy Expressive Arts Therapy is an effective community intervention to enhance caregiver resilience and mutual support networks, with implications for practice and policy.