Indigenous and Traditional Arts in Art Therapy: Value, Meaning, and Clinical Implications

There is limited research on the health implications of Indigenous and traditional art practices. This study investigated the therapeutic value and meaning of these practices and their use in art therapy. Twenty-one art therapists who identified as belonging to or working closely with a culturally diverse or Indigenous community provided insights about the use of traditional art practices in therapy or their own artmaking. Through grounded theory methodology, we developed a framework to identify therapeutic potentials, individual and community benefits and risks of involving culturally significant art practices in art therapy. Results suggested that Indigenous and traditional art practices are embedded in the culture and land they emerge from. These practices are considered familiar if the client has learned them from older generations which can lead to increased cultural pride and reclaiming cultural identity. Certain art practices and art forms have specific therapeutic qualities that can be used with a larger population. Our findings led to the development of an emerging ecological model of Indigenous and traditional art practices. The model suggests that the individual, family, community, and culture are deeply interlinked. When using traditional and Indigenous arts in art therapy, we suggest art therapists to consider this ecological model and make ethical choices to avoid appropriation.