Media Process: Embroidery
Population: Adults
Disorder: Anxiety disorder
Embroidery is a new venture for me and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Bringing in other aspects or found objects into the piece, like pictured, has added another layer of meaning and process. Ideally, I would incorporate this aspect into any intervention I would do with adults with anxiety disorders. Intentionally planning out and paying close detail to what I wanted the fabric to look like and how I wanted the piece to incorporate my found object allowed for creative processes to take over once placing the fabric and general layout in the embroidery hoop. Anxiety disorders can develop quickly or over time and can be comorbid with depression and a variety of other things. While thinking about and developing this intervention ideally it would be with a group of adults who were outpatient and somewhat familiar with the simplicities of needlework (i.e. how to thread a needle and make knots, etc.). I was thoroughly surprised at the state of mind I went into as I worked on this piece and having not much experience with embroidery at all, I am confident this would be a beneficial experience for adults in a group or individual therapeutic space. The repetitive actions, sensory experience, and even the sound of the needle puncturing the fabric and thread running along the canvas material were all thoroughly enjoyable. Depending on the severity of an adults anxiety symptoms, it can have a direct impact on cortisol levels, quality of sleep, and everyday functioning (Kim, 2013). Using these materials and process incorporates multiple levels of the ETC, it requires planning, coordination, thoughtfulness, and technique. Given the proper amount of time, direction, and tools this experience could yield highly positive results for adults experiencing anxiety.
References:
Kim, S. H., Schneider, S. M., Bevans, M., Kravitz, L., Mermier, C., Qualls, C., Burge, M. R. (2013). PTSD symptom reduction with mindfulness-based stretching and deep breathing exercise: Randomized controlled clinical trial of efficacy. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 98(7), 2984–2992, https://doi-org.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/10.1210/jc.2012-3742.