Date of Award
Spring 5-20-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
MCM - MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Department
Expressive Therapies
Advisor
Raquel Chapin Stephenson
Abstract
This study investigated the implementation of culturally humble art therapy directives centered around identity development and social justice with adolescents. Intersectionality theory was applied to examine the ways operating from a culturally humble lens benefits clients and art therapists. Existing research supports the application of cultural humility with various populations as a method of validating client’s experiences and strengthening the therapeutic alliance. A series of art therapy interventions were implemented at a private non-profit children's psychiatric hospital with the adolescent inpatient units. The participants were between the ages of 13-18 and receiving treatment for mental health conditions, short-term stabilization, and assessment. This study provided an opportunity to practice culturally humble art therapy and experience the personal and professional benefits of utilizing the theory. Findings include the need for lifelong commitment to practicing cultural humility and self-reflection related to countertransference. Art therapists must work towards integrating intersectionality and cultural humility into their daily practices to best support client’s needs and treatment goals.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Loiselle, Cal, "Exploring the Effects of Intersectionality on Mental Health and Identity Development with Adolescents Through Culturally Humble Art Therapy" (2023). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 756.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/756
Included in
Art Therapy Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, Inequality and Stratification Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Social Justice Commons
Rights
The author owns the copyright to this work.
