Art as a therapeutic intervention in a multicultural South African context : experiences in an under resourced community clinic

Abstract

In this phenomenological study, the experiences of an art therapist and her client are described and explored with a specific reference to the multicultural community clinic context in South Africa. The focus of this study was on the subjective experiences of the research participants when using art based interventions in their psychotherapy sessions. The need for culturally relevant psychological interventions in South Africa is highlighted in literature. The use of art therapy due to its flexibility in various contexts, along with its usefulness in transcending language and culture, was examined in this multicultural context. The experience and relevance for the participants of using art therapy in this setting was examined through semi structured interviews and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The use of art materials seems to cause initial resistance. The therapeutic relationship is used to transcend this resistance and foster engagement with the art based interventions. The creation of art works in conjunction with the developing therapeutic relationship and expression, and seems to effect change. This change extends into the wider system for both therapist and client.