Exploration of Cultural Humility in Medical Art Therapy

Abstract

The predominant medical model prioritizes physical conditions, often overlooking cultural identities and psychological needs of patients that are necessary considerations for holistic treatment. This pilot study aimed to explore how cultural humility is practiced in medical art therapy. Using descriptive qualitative study methodology, 6 participants completed a semistructured interview that included a visual elicitation. Assertions found across cases reflected participants’ practices of cultural humility within their work as medical art therapists, which included awareness of self in relation to others, collaborative relationship with patients, and consideration of art therapy within larger systems. Implications of these results suggest the need for better integration of components of cultural humility into clinical practice and art therapy education, and increased involvement of medical art therapists in advocacy.