Art Therapy as Emotional and Spiritual Medicine for Native Americans Living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

This article describes the intricate challenges of bringing mental health services to isolated, guarded urban HIV-positive Native Americans suffering from chronic trauma-related illnesses and imbalances, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, thought disorders and trauma-based characterological disorders. It explores the integration of art therapy. Bowen Family Systems Therapy and in-home therapy in the Family & Child Guidance Clinic's attempt to provide support to a population that has profound distrust for “services and treatment,” and no historical context for psychotherapy. Changing the paradigm of thought is essential to providing services that respect culture and history as well as addressing current presenting issues. Art therapy and in-home therapy support those community members who are flooded emotionally, but have difficulty speaking about their internal processes.