Date of Award
Spring 5-17-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Major
Expressive Therapies
First Advisor
Dr. Meg Chang, EdD, BC-DMT, LCAT
Abstract
This literature review explores how the linguistic phenomenon of code-switching can be applied to expressive arts and expressive arts therapy to describe the experience of Black expressive therapists. The review outlines the evolution of the term, reasons why individuals switch codes, and how this affects their experience. The understanding of code-switching is then examined in expressive arts and the expressive arts therapy field. A history and understanding of code-switching in Black communities is also explored, connecting Black experiences of code-switching and expressive arts therapy programs. A discussion suggests that culturally relevant practices are implicitly discouraged due to dominant expectations. Future research suggestions include under-researched cultural practices and less obvious applications of code-switching.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Bush, Darrien, "Respectability, Code-Switching, and Expression: Examining the Experience of Black Expressive Arts Therapists Through a Sociolinguistic Lens" (2025). Expressive Therapies Theses. 72.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_therapies_theses/72
Included in
African American Studies Commons, Anthropological Linguistics and Sociolinguistics Commons, Counselor Education Commons, Higher Education Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Social History Commons, Social Influence and Political Communication Commons, Social Justice Commons, Work, Economy and Organizations Commons
Comments
Thank you, friends, family, mentors, and faculty. To reiterate, my experience and my research reflect one of many experiences throughout the Black communities. I implore all readers to balance understanding the multiplicity of Black experiences while acknowledging the lived experiences of many individuals.