Kelda Hjelmstrom
Project title: Identifying and managing the risks of compassion fatigue and professional burnout through the use of art therapy for a healthcare professional in a rural community.
I grew up in the Northern Rivers region on the New South Wales North Coast and I currently work as a paediatric occupational therapist offering early intervention in a rural community. My career background prior to becoming an occupational therapist was in graphic design and I have been drawn to study art therapy through my passion for art in addition to my desire to help people. The mental health needs of people in rural areas are unique and often not addressed due to lack of services and lack of mental healthcare workers in these areas, and by becoming a qualified art therapist I will expand my scope of practice to be able to offer the community additional skills for mental health intervention and support.
Healthcare workers in rural and remote locations often have complex and excessive client caseloads, and the emotional involvement required with therapeutic workplaces healthcare workers in these areas at an increased risk of experiencing compassion fatigue and professional burnout.
The research I have conducted is a heuristic self-inquiry that aims to look at the use of art therapy to develop awareness and manage the risks of compassion fatigue and professional burnout for a healthcare worker in a rural community. By conducting this through a self-inquiry, I anticipate that I will be able to contribute to further research in this area which could potentially assist other healthcare professionals in various workplace settings to manage and reduce the risk of compassion fatigue and professional burnout through the use of art therapy.
My collection of artwork represents my journey through the research project and exploration of new art medium. I have worked predominantly with micron pen and coloured pencil in the past, as well as vector art. Throughout the research process I have looked to expand my artwork into a previously unexplored art medium of paint on canvas.
The artworks below use animal symbolism to reflect on the six-step heuristic study process.
Acrylic paint on canvas
50cm x 50cm
I began with narrowing down topics of importance to formulate a research question. The dog symbolises my loyalty and commitment to the research during the initial phase of the research journey.
Acrylic paint on canvas
50cm x 50cm
Data collection for my research project was proving difficult due to having to manage multiple things in life at one time.
The octopus symbolises my struggle to juggle many things at once whilst immersing myself in my research.
Acrylic paint on canvas
50cm x 50cm
After immersing myself in data collection I took a step back and left the research question for a bit to refocus my attention elsewhere. The rabbit symbolises my shift outside of my conscious awareness.
Acrylic paint on canvas
50cm x 50cm
A conscious awareness is created in relation to the research question through identifying themes and symbolism. The bear symbolises my need for strength to continue towards the final phases of the research journey.
Acrylic paint on canvas
50cm x 50cm
Identified themes and symbolism are put into context to communicate with others. The kookaburra represents freedom and transition in the research journey as I move towards completion and the final phase.
Acrylic paint on canvas
50cm x 50cm
The final phase of my research journey involves completion of the research thesis. The glow worm symbolises renewal and energy as I transition into the completion of the Masters degree.