Spiritual-Soul Care: Art Sacralization, Active Imagination, and Eco Therapy
Andrea Miller
Dominican Scholar 2026 DOI: 10.33015/dominican.edu/2027.at.02 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 9 |
| Population | Individuals who identify outside of traditional religious frameworks |
| Interventions | Contemplation Jungian active imagination Artmaking |
| Key findings | Argues that spiritual-soul care can be an ethically necessary dimension of mental health care and proposes a non-dogmatic, culturally flexible three-domain model (self, spirit-soul, transpersonal). In a qualitative study of 9 participants, consistent themes included embodiment as a pathway to knowing, symbolic imagery and descriptions, and experiences of connection, with the nature setting supporting regulation and meaning making. |
Abstract
This thesis reasons that spiritual-soul care is, at times, an ethically necessary dimension of mental health care for many individuals yet remains underdeveloped within the field. In response, this research aims to articulate a foundational, non-dogmatic “baseline” language that is simple and accessible, while remaining nuanced enough to capture the depth and essence of spiritual-soul care. This study proposes a culturally flexible approach for individuals who identify outside of traditional religious frameworks. This multidimensional model includes three domains—the self, spirit-soul, and the transpersonal levels—each contributing to wellbeing through developmental themes. Using a qualitative design, 9 participants engaged in contemplation, Jungian active imagination, and artmaking in a nature-based setting. Questionnaires, artwork, and reflective descriptions compose the triangulated data findings. The findings revealed consistent themes of embodiment as a pathway to knowing, symbolic imagery and descriptions, and experiences of connection. The nature setting functioned as a major support for regulation and meaning making. The results suggest this model offers a meaningful and accessible framework for spiritual-soul care across diverse populations.