Proposing an Ar(t)chive of Queer Forms With Sexual, Gender, and Relationship Diverse Clients

Abstract

Ar(t)chive, a retroactivist technique for queer worldmaking in art therapy, invites sexual, gender, and relationship diverse (SGRD) clients to engage with queer forms from history and construct a continuum of shared lived experiences across differences to challenge misinformation and discrimination, foster resilience, and build community. Phases include: (1) assessment and informed consent; (2) collection and curation; (3) display and artmaking; (4) intersubjective meaning making and synthesis; and (5) closing and reflexivity. A vignette illustrates its application within a queer adult online art therapy group. Resources are offered for adaptive implementation and advocates for the proliferation of more equitable and affirming art therapy practices.

Keywords:

• Queer worldmaking
• group online art therapy
• sexual gender and relationship diversity
• resilience
• social justice

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Zachary D. Van Den Berg

Zachary D. Van Den Berg (he/they), MA, ATR-P, LPC, is an art therapist at CommunityArts, LLC, Austin, TX.