Kutenai Art Therapy Institute

KATI 11: Art Therapy: Cultural Identity

39 Hours, 3 Credits

Description:

This course orients students to the complexities of cultural influences in the therapeutic relationship. Cultural identity includes addressing age, generational influences, developmental and acquired disabilities, ethnicity, religion and spiritual orientation, socio-economic class, indigenous heritage, national origin and gender.

Instructor: Monica Carpendale, Gail Joy & Lucille Proulx

Format: Seminar with creative activities, (intensive workshops).

Learning Objectives:

· To explore the influence of culture on the therapist’s beliefs and world view.

· To examine cross-cultural issues and treatment approaches for rural and small town communities.

· To examine the complexities of cultural influences in the therapeutic relationship.

· To examine cultural identity through considerations of addressing age, generational influences, developmental and acquired disabilities, religion and spiritual orientation, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, indigenous heritage, national origin and gender.

Texts:

Hays, Pamela. (2001) Addressing Cultural Complexities in Practice: A Framework for Clinicians and Counselors. Washington : American Psychological Association.

Recommended texts:

Campbell, Jean. Liebmann, Marian. Brooks, Frederica. Jones, Jenny. Ward, Cathy. Ed. (1999) Art Therapy, Race and Culture. London: Jessica Kingsley Pub.

Hiscox, Anna R., Calisch, Abby C. (1998) Tapestry of cultural Issues in Art therapy. London: Jessica Kingsley Pub.

Requirements:

To create a family tree identifying cultural roots.
To participate on an in-class panel discussion on cultural identity.
To create a book exploring cultural identity. Concepts from the Addressing acronym should be explored personally, clinically and in relationship to the readings. The book should be a combination of art, diagrams, quotes & writing.
1. Try to answer the following questions: What should an art therapist know to work in a culturally sensitive and responsive manner? What aspects of cultural identity are significant in a clinical situation?
2. Discuss a few different cultures: How might your own cultural identity affect the therapy?

Assignments and Evaluation:

Family tree (30%); Panel discussion (20%); Creation of a personal cultural identity book (30%); participation (20%).