Addressing Culture and Values in the Training of Art Therapists

Abstract

AbstractThis article discusses the importance of addressing culture, values, and aesthetics in the training of art therapists. It illustrates how students can be guided to discover and examine the influence which culture has on their own and on others' perceptions of different modes of artistic expression. Students should be given the opportunity to gain an awareness of their personal and cultural backgrounds with their attendant values and biases. Also, they should explore culturally based differences in aesthetics which deemphasize the role of universality in artistic expression. This newly gained sensibility can give direction to their therapeutic work with clients.