Issues in art therapy with the culturally displaced American Indian youth

Journal/Book: Arts in Psychotherapy. 1993; 20: 143-151.

Abstract: Explores cultural bias in the treatment of displaced Indian youth and the use of art therapy as an alternate mode of treatment. Art therapy deemphasizes the language-oriented mode of communication, and validates the experience of visually oriented modes of communication. It is argued that the development theory in Western culture, which holds that the aim of development is separation-individuation, is not shared by traditional Native American culture, with its emphasis on interdependency and allegiance to the family and the community. A case study illustrates the use of art therapy to treat a 14.5-yr-old female foster child of mixed ancestry presenting with aggressive, suicidal, and self-mutilating behavior. The S did not begin to find a sense of belonging until she was involved in an adult female residential treatment program that stressed healing through the creation of close relationships characterized by interdependency.

Note: cultural bias in treatment & art therapy as alternative mode for culturally displaced American Indian youth; 14.5 yr old female with borderline personality disorder

Keyword(s): Art therapy; american indians; cross cultural differences; borderline states; adolescence

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