Major Research Project Title: Self-Inquiry into Art-Based Integration of Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness
Researcher:
Theresa Slater
RP (Qualifying), DTATI Candidate, MA
Toronto, ON
[email protected]
Researcher:
Theresa Slater
RP (Qualifying), DTATI Candidate, MA
Toronto, ON
[email protected]
Purpose of the Major Research Project
I am conducting this research as part of my Major Research Project (MRP) at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute (TATI). This study examines how art-based integration practices, including drawing, painting, journaling, and dreamwork, can facilitate persons in making sense of non-ordinary states of consciousness (NOSC). NOSC may include transformative experiences accessed through practices like meditation, breathwork, or psychedelic exploration.
The following questions guide this research:
- How might art-based integration practices support the meaning-making of non-ordinary states of consciousness (NOSC) experiences within a harm-reduction framework?
- In what ways might exploring art-based integration for the meaning-making of NOSC experiences contribute to the evolution of art therapy knowledge and practice?
You are invited to participate in this study because of your lived experience with NOSC or your role supporting others through these states. I hope to learn how art-based integration can support personal insight and meaning-making.
This research aims to develop accessible, harm-reductive, and inclusive art-based methods of integration. It affirms that art is for everyone and that self-inquiry is a valid way of understanding and navigating transformation.
If you choose to participate, here's what you can expect:
Step 1: Consent + Survey (10–45 minutes)
You’ll begin by reviewing this online information page and completing a digital consent form. Once you’ve given your consent, you’ll be directed to a short survey.
This survey asks about your background and experiences with non-ordinary states of consciousness (NOSC), as well as any creative or integrative practices you may have employed. You are welcome to skip any questions you do not wish to answer.
Step 2: Optional One-on-One Interview ($50 Honorarium)
At the end of the survey, you’ll be invited to opt in for a one-on-one conversation to explore your experiences in more depth. These interviews are entirely optional and will be scheduled at your convenience. They can take place over Zoom, phone, or in writing—whichever format feels best for you. If you participate in an interview, you’ll receive a $50 honorarium in appreciation of your time. With your permission, interviews may be audio-recorded. If you choose not to be recorded, I will take typed notes during our conversation instead.
If you prefer to respond in writing, you may do so by email or through a secure Google or Word document—whichever method is most comfortable for you. I will prioritize interviews with participants who identify as Mad, neurodivergent, plural, or who offer perspectives that challenge or expand the proposed framework.
Step 3: Optional Feedback on Findings
Once the data is analyzed, I’ll send a short summary of the emerging themes. If you choose, you can offer feedback or corrections to ensure that your experience has been accurately interpreted. This final step is voluntary and helps strengthen the quality and integrity of the research.
I will also request some basic demographic information (such as age or profession) to help me understand the diversity of participants. You can skip any questions that you choose.
You’ll begin by reviewing this online information page and completing a digital consent form. Once you’ve given your consent, you’ll be directed to a short survey.
This survey asks about your background and experiences with non-ordinary states of consciousness (NOSC), as well as any creative or integrative practices you may have employed. You are welcome to skip any questions you do not wish to answer.
Step 2: Optional One-on-One Interview ($50 Honorarium)
At the end of the survey, you’ll be invited to opt in for a one-on-one conversation to explore your experiences in more depth. These interviews are entirely optional and will be scheduled at your convenience. They can take place over Zoom, phone, or in writing—whichever format feels best for you. If you participate in an interview, you’ll receive a $50 honorarium in appreciation of your time. With your permission, interviews may be audio-recorded. If you choose not to be recorded, I will take typed notes during our conversation instead.
If you prefer to respond in writing, you may do so by email or through a secure Google or Word document—whichever method is most comfortable for you. I will prioritize interviews with participants who identify as Mad, neurodivergent, plural, or who offer perspectives that challenge or expand the proposed framework.
Step 3: Optional Feedback on Findings
Once the data is analyzed, I’ll send a short summary of the emerging themes. If you choose, you can offer feedback or corrections to ensure that your experience has been accurately interpreted. This final step is voluntary and helps strengthen the quality and integrity of the research.
I will also request some basic demographic information (such as age or profession) to help me understand the diversity of participants. You can skip any questions that you choose.
Are there any risks to participating in this study?
It is unlikely that participating in this study will result in any physical harm or major discomfort. However, reflecting on NOSC or discussing personal integration experiences may bring up strong emotions, memories, or unexpected feelings.
You may feel vulnerable, overwhelmed, or unsure how to talk about your experience. You are never required to answer any questions that make you feel uncomfortable. You may skip questions, pause the interview, or stop participating at any time, for any reason, without penalty.
If distress arises during or after the interview, I will offer you a short list of support resources like Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (in Canada); Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-888-893-8333; or Blackline (prioritizing BIPOC): 1-800-604-5841.
You are also welcome to reach out to me if you have any questions or would like help connecting to additional support.
Your comfort and safety are of the utmost importance to me throughout this process.
You may feel vulnerable, overwhelmed, or unsure how to talk about your experience. You are never required to answer any questions that make you feel uncomfortable. You may skip questions, pause the interview, or stop participating at any time, for any reason, without penalty.
If distress arises during or after the interview, I will offer you a short list of support resources like Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (in Canada); Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-888-893-8333; or Blackline (prioritizing BIPOC): 1-800-604-5841.
You are also welcome to reach out to me if you have any questions or would like help connecting to additional support.
Your comfort and safety are of the utmost importance to me throughout this process.
Are there any benefits to participating in this study?
This study may not offer direct personal benefits to you, but many people find that sharing their story, being heard, or reflecting on meaningful experiences can be affirming or insightful.
I hope that the insights gained from this study will help us better understand how art therapy knowledge and practices can support people after NOSC. This includes those who may not have access to therapy or clinical integration.
Your contribution may help develop more inclusive and accessible approach to arts-based integration that are rooted in creativity, community wisdom, and harm reduction.
This could benefit:
I hope that the insights gained from this study will help us better understand how art therapy knowledge and practices can support people after NOSC. This includes those who may not have access to therapy or clinical integration.
Your contribution may help develop more inclusive and accessible approach to arts-based integration that are rooted in creativity, community wisdom, and harm reduction.
This could benefit:
- Other people navigating NOSC alone or outside of clinical settings
- Art therapists who want to better support clients experiencing altered states
- Communities seeking non-pathologizing and culturally humble ways to support transformation
Payment or Reimbursement:
If you choose to participate in the one-on-one, you will receive a $50 honorarium as a thank-you for your time, energy, and contributions. This will be provided via e-transfer or another method that works for you, within two weeks of the interview’s completion.
Please note that there is no compensation for completing the survey. Only those selected and scheduled for a follow-up one-on-one interview will receive an honorarium.
Please note that there is no compensation for completing the survey. Only those selected and scheduled for a follow-up one-on-one interview will receive an honorarium.
Confidentiality: Who will know what I said or did in the study?
You are participating in this study confidentially, but not anonymously. This means I will know who you are, but your name and identifying details will not be published in any materials unless you provide explicit consent.
Every effort will be made to protect your privacy and confidentiality. I will not use your real name or any other identifying information without your explicit consent. You will have the option to:
All interviews will be audio-recorded (with your permission), then transcribed and stored on a password-protected computer with two-factor authentication. I will use encrypted software (Otter.ai, Google Drive with 2FA) and secure folders to store files. Digital recordings and transcripts will be deleted after the final project is submitted in April 2026.
However, please be aware: stories can sometimes identify us through unique phrasing or life events. If you are concerned about this, we can discuss how to adjust your contribution to further protect your identity.
Interviews are conducted via Zoom, the platform’s encryption and security settings (waiting rooms, passcodes) will be enabled. I will not record Zoom video. I will record only audio with Otter.ai, and only with your permission.
If you prefer to participate in writing instead of an interview, that option is available and may further protect your privacy.
Because this project employs e-based collection techniques, i.e., email, electronic data storage, etc., data may be subject to access by third parties as a result of various security legislation now in place in many countries. Therefore, the confidentiality and privacy of data cannot be guaranteed during web-based transmission.
This study will use Zoom to facilitate the interview and collect data, which is an externally hosted cloud-based service. When information is transmitted over the internet privacy cannot be guaranteed. There is always a risk your responses may be intercepted by a third party (e.g., government agencies, hackers). Further, while the platform I use will not collect or use IP addresses or other information which could link your participation to your computer or electronic devices without informing you, there is a small risk with any platform of data that is collected on external servers falling outside the control of the researcher.
If you are concerned about this, I would be happy to make alternative arrangements (where possible) for you to participate, perhaps via phone. Please contact me for further information: [email protected]
Every effort will be made to protect your privacy and confidentiality. I will not use your real name or any other identifying information without your explicit consent. You will have the option to:
- Be identified by your full name
- Be identified by a pseudonym
- Remain unnamed and have your words paraphrased to avoid recognition
All interviews will be audio-recorded (with your permission), then transcribed and stored on a password-protected computer with two-factor authentication. I will use encrypted software (Otter.ai, Google Drive with 2FA) and secure folders to store files. Digital recordings and transcripts will be deleted after the final project is submitted in April 2026.
However, please be aware: stories can sometimes identify us through unique phrasing or life events. If you are concerned about this, we can discuss how to adjust your contribution to further protect your identity.
Interviews are conducted via Zoom, the platform’s encryption and security settings (waiting rooms, passcodes) will be enabled. I will not record Zoom video. I will record only audio with Otter.ai, and only with your permission.
If you prefer to participate in writing instead of an interview, that option is available and may further protect your privacy.
Because this project employs e-based collection techniques, i.e., email, electronic data storage, etc., data may be subject to access by third parties as a result of various security legislation now in place in many countries. Therefore, the confidentiality and privacy of data cannot be guaranteed during web-based transmission.
This study will use Zoom to facilitate the interview and collect data, which is an externally hosted cloud-based service. When information is transmitted over the internet privacy cannot be guaranteed. There is always a risk your responses may be intercepted by a third party (e.g., government agencies, hackers). Further, while the platform I use will not collect or use IP addresses or other information which could link your participation to your computer or electronic devices without informing you, there is a small risk with any platform of data that is collected on external servers falling outside the control of the researcher.
If you are concerned about this, I would be happy to make alternative arrangements (where possible) for you to participate, perhaps via phone. Please contact me for further information: [email protected]
Limits of Confidentiality:
Although I will protect your privacy as outlined above, if any person is at risk of being harmed, or if required by a court of law, I will have to reveal certain personal information to ensure safety, under the following circumstances:
- If you’re at risk of seriously harming or killing yourself;
- If you’re at risk of harming a specific, identified person;
- If you disclose previously undisclosed sexual offenses, or other serious, violent crimes against identifiable individuals;
- If you disclose information that would indicate a particular child (or children) under the age of 18 years has been harmed (physically, sexually, emotionally or neglected) or at risk of being harmed or neglected;
- If you disclose sexual abuse by a regulated health professional, such as a doctor, psychologist, dentist or nurse. The professional in question will be reported, understanding that it is not necessary to provide your name;
- If a court orders your records, they may have to be provided;
- If you disclose that a particular individual is in possession of, distributing, or producing sexual images or stories of children under 18.
What if I change my mind about being in the study?
Your participation in this study is voluntary. It is your choice to be part of the study or not. If you decide to be part of the study, you can decide to stop or withdraw at any time, even after signing the consent form or partway through the study. If you decide to withdraw, you will incur no consequences. In cases of withdrawal, any data or information you have provided will be destroyed unless you indicate otherwise. If you do not want to answer some of the questions, you are not required to, but you can still participate in the study. Your decision whether or not to be part of the study will not affect your relationship with me, or your relationship with the Toronto Art Therapy Institute (TATI).
What if I change my mind after completion of the study?
You will not be able to withdraw your consent after the major research project has been completed and results submitted to the Toronto Art Therapy Institute (TATI) as partial fulfillment of requirements for graduation. The study results may also be published and/or presented in public spaces. The projected completion date of the study is April 2026.
How do I find out what was learned in this study?
I expect to have this study completed by approximately April 2026. If you would like a brief summary of the results, please email me at [email protected]
Questions about the study:
Any questions about participating in the MRP may be directed to Theresa Slater at [email protected]
Research Ethics Contact Information:
This study has been approved by the Toronto Art Therapy Institute Research Ethics Committee (July 2025). Any ethical concerns about the project may be directed to the Research Ethics Committee of The Toronto Art Therapy Institute at [email protected] or phone at (416) 924-6221.