Toward an Indigenization Process: Art Therapy Practice in the Chinese Cultural Context

Abstract

In order to advance Chinese culturally-appropriate art therapy practice, a qualitative study identified key indigenous factors. The investigation documented contextual adaptations made by 7 Taiwanese “sojourner” art therapists. Inductive thematic analysis yielded six themes, which identified from the participants’ descriptions of art therapy practice with native Taiwanese/Chinese clients relate to the key processes of (a) responding to clients’ initial art therapy expectations, (b) orienting client to purposes of art making, (c) addressing client–art therapist roles, (d) understanding how cultural conceptions of art influences art therapy, (e) uncovering the client’s culture as a strength, and (f) reducing personal and relational tension. The study’s findings revealed ways to develop art therapy that are congruent with traditional Chinese clients’ cultural backgrounds.

Keywords:

• Indigenous
• cultural adaptations
• Chinese cultural values
• art therapy

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kai Ying Huang

Kai Ying Huang, DAT, ATR-BC, is an Assistant Professor in the Art Therapy Program at The University of Taipei, Taiwan.