Creative Collaborations: The Value of Environmental Arts Therapy and the Triple Spiral Framework in Land-Based Decision Making

by Sarah West

Environmental arts therapy holds tremendous potential to support sustainable land-based decision making. This capstone project describes the design and piloting of a self-reflective, experiential “Triple Spiral” framework to support how individuals, organizations and governments can creatively work with the land to gain insight and perspective on issues and decisions they may be facing personally and professionally. The “Triple Spiral Framework”is an accessible, workshop-style exercise where participants follow a distinct rhythm of “asking, listening and reciprocating” that enables people to listen to themselves, each other and the land itself. This framework is particularly helpful in situations when decisions are being made about the land, as it can support the generation of new narratives, and facilitate stronger, more connected decision-making. This capstone project will describe the theoretical pillars of environmental arts therapy and shed light on the need for creative collaborations in environmental decision making. It will describe how the Triple Spiral framework was developed, the process itself, and benefits witnessed of those who engaged in it. It will also demonstrate that the value of the process centers around three core elements: Reconnection, Imagining and Re-storying. Finally, practical applications for the Triple Spiral Framework will be noted, as well as ethical considerations.