Untangling the Invisible Intersections of an Art Therapy Doctoral Candidate’s Mixed Identities

Abstract

To examine the complex layers of those who are multi-racial/ethnic/cultured, the mixed-identity of the first author – an art therapy doctoral student – is first deconstructed, followed by the delineation of systemic and historical contexts. This viewpoint further examines how the therapists’ multiple identity[ies] informs and intersects with those they work with. This includes not only clients, but also those with whom they find themselves in a potentially hierarchical relationship such as within the coauthors’ teacher/student dynamic. Recognizing how these examinations may inform a dissertation agenda, this viewpoint identifies gaps that need to be bridged to inform cultural and mixed-identity humility and awareness, and untangle these invisible intersections.

Keywords:

• Cultural humility
• intersectionality
• mixed identity
• multi-racial identities
• power dynamics

Note

Notes

[1] All first pronoun references reflect Danielle’s narratives.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Danielle Tidwell Chen

Danielle Chen, MS, LMFT, RPT, ATR-P, is an Art Therapy Research and Practice Doctoral Candidate at Florida State University with a Masters in Art Therapy, Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, and an instructor at Mercer University in the Marriage and Family Program. David E. Gussak, PhD, ATR-BC, is Professor of Art Therapy at the Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, and Project Coordinator for the FSU/FDC Art Therapy in Prisons Program.

David E. Gussak

Danielle Chen, MS, LMFT, RPT, ATR-P, is an Art Therapy Research and Practice Doctoral Candidate at Florida State University with a Masters in Art Therapy, Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, and an instructor at Mercer University in the Marriage and Family Program. David E. Gussak, PhD, ATR-BC, is Professor of Art Therapy at the Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, and Project Coordinator for the FSU/FDC Art Therapy in Prisons Program.