Working with elderly asian clients

Abstract

This article describes an art therapy group at an Asian Day Centre which caters for Asian elders who are isolated, depressed or suffering adverse family circumstances. The group was set up to see if art therapy could help with the expression of thoughts and feelings, and to involve those with mental health problems in a non-stigmatising way. The group met weekly for two-and-a-half years and involved men and women from a variety of Asian backgrounds. After describing the work and reviewing the small amount of related literature, the author raises questions about cultural issues concerning art therapy and Asian culture.