“You’re black, I’m black”: art therapy, race, autism, and domestic abuse

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background This paper explores how making art alongside clients supported a relational intersectional approach and aided the development of an attuned therapeutic relationship with Matthieu (pseudonym), a Black-British autistic adolescent who experienced domestic violence. Context The art therapy intervention took place at a Special Educational Needs (SEN) secondary school. Authenticity and capacity for consent were carefully considered not to compromise safety and trust in the therapeutic relationship. Consent was given via Matthieu’s primary caregiver: this was in line with the therapy organisation’s confidentiality framework. Approach A relational intersectional approach examines the impacts of domestic abuse, structural violence, autism, and race in the therapeutic alliance to illuminate how chronic experiences of systemic harm and domestic violence may weigh on a black autistic young boy. Making art with clients, also termed ‘Working alongside’, has been shown to support mentalising process, attunement and support relationship building with autistic young people. Outcomes The therapeutic relationship became accessible, and a shared racial identity encounter strengthened therapeutic rapport. Conclusions Working alongside supported a relational intersectional approach and was pivotal to Matthieu’s engagement in art therapy. Implications for research Art therapy literature exploring the impact of shared ethnicity in the therapeutic encounter is an area needing further research. Plain-language Summary Therapist images made during a session with their client are generally termed ‘working alongside’. Working alongside can encourage empathy, understanding and relationship-building with autistic young people with complex social-emotional needs and histories of domestic abuse. This practice paper highlights a journey of working alongside in art therapy practice with Matthieu, a Black-British autistic adolescent who had experienced domestic violence. A sensitive social, cultural, and political analysis aims to explore the intersection of race, gender and ability by enhancing discussions around the impact of shared racial identity on the therapeutic relationship.