Media: Papermaking
Population: Adults
Disorder: Substance Use Disorder
Reflection:
I created paper using scrap pieces of paper, tissue paper, flowers, photos of my spouse and I, and a copy of my vows to my spouse. My intention for this paper was to write love notes to my wife, which is why I utilized meaningful materials. I would like to utilize papermaking with adults in substance use treatment. I choose this population because individuals with substance use disorders often have traumatic histories. I believe that papermaking could be used to address an individual's substance use and traumatic experiences simultaneously.
Matott & Miller (2020) presented a case study on the use of papermaking with adults in recovery for substance use that supported my decision to use it with this population. The authors stated that the process of papermaking helped adults with substance use disorders to illustrate their feelings, relieve stress, and boost self-confidence. During our class, papermaking was said to strengthen resilience through a tangible manifestation of change, a process of letting go, and a sensory-based integration that activates mind-body connections. The approach I took would be different from that that I would offer to my clients. When I went through the papermaking process, it was relatively unorganized. If I were presenting this medium to adults with substance use disorders, I would make sure the materials and set-up were organized to prevent unnecessary confusion or stress.
The experience of engaging in papermaking differed from my expectations. I was not excited to engage in the process and was dreading the sensory component because of my sensory processing issues. However, I was able to adapt the process to meet my needs and abilities. I used warm water when making my pulp because I do not like the feeling of cold water. I also utilized a tea strainer for laying out the pulp so I would not have to touch it when it was wet. When working with adults with substance use disorders, I would be aware of these unique needs and abilities of my clients when presenting this process. By doing this, I could adapt the papermaking for them in a similar way that I was able to do for myself.
Matott, D. & Miller, G. (2020) Papermaking. In Crawford, P., Brown, B., & Charise, A. Editor
(Eds.), The Routledge Companion to the Health Humanities (pp. 311-315). Routledge
Wolf, D. (2020, October) Papermaking: Guest lecture Drew Matott. PowerPoint
Presentation.
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