Visual Expressive Arts Therapy with Children: Fostering Multicultural Competency

Authors

  • Amy Rose Green University of Calgary

Keywords:

Children, Expressive Arts Therapy, Counselling, Multicultural Competency

Abstract

Multicultural competency is increasingly viewed as a crucial skill for Counselling Psychologists who utilize visual expressive arts therapy. However, little research has provided a multicultural framework for using visual expressive arts therapy specifically with children; thus, in this article, a framework is proposed for using visual expressive arts therapy with children from diverse cultural backgrounds. Collins and Arthur's (2010b) three domains for cultivating multicultural competence (cultural self-awareness, awareness of client cultural identities, and a culturally sensitive working alliance) are used as a working model to demonstrate attitudes, knowledge, and skills particularly relevant when using expressive arts therapy with children. A personal reflection of the author’s cultural background and experiences with the visual arts is engaged in before exploring the culture of childhood, the universality of art-making, the utility of expressive arts with children from diverse cultural backgrounds, the assessment of children through art, and social justice issues. 

Author Biography

Amy Rose Green, University of Calgary

Amy Green is a 2nd year PhD student in Counselling Psychology in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary.

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Published

2018-06-06

How to Cite

Green, A. R. (2018). Visual Expressive Arts Therapy with Children: Fostering Multicultural Competency. Emerging Perspectives: Interdisciplinary Graduate Research in Education and Psychology, 2(1), 1–13. Retrieved from https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/ep/article/view/42139

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Section

Articles