BLACK THERAPISTS EXPERIENCE

Black therapists experience of working with black clients and families

CHAPTER I

Introduction

Aggressive behavior in children is a widespread problem that is gaining increasing attention throughout the world and the search for effective solutions poses a major challenge to practitioners and policy makers (Connor, 2002). In the Israeli educational system, individual art therapy is one of the main interventions available, apart from school-wide prevention programs. Kramer (1972) suggests that art therapy is ideal for working with aggressive children1 as aggression is an abundant source of energy for creative activity. The creative process both utilizes and neutralizes the client's pent-up aggression. Unique difficulties and dilemmas may arise, however, in treating this population, and these may be implicated in treatment effectiveness ([Nissimov-Nahum, 2007] and [Nissimov-Nahum, 2008]).

Background of the study

Not only children's behavior, but also symbolic artwork may evoke strong emotions in the therapist. “We fear the violence, as well as the vitality of children's fantasy life. Even those trained in clinical work at times have difficulty controlling their inner disgust and horror, in response to the mess and mayhem of a disturbed child's inner life” (Rubin, 1978: p. 24). Waller (2006) provides the following example from her work with a young girl: “one day she made a clay girl/woman and stabbed her with a craft knife. I felt an awful pain in my stomach. It was a shock. She just smiled. It was terrifying. I avoided asking her who the woman was, but I am sure it was Jean herself. I had felt the pain for her” (p. 280).

Rationale For The Study

One central issue that may play an important role is the personal experience of the therapist. The general literature on psychotherapy has highlighted the significance and impact of therapists' conscious and unconscious feelings and reactions toward the client, often termed counter-transference. These may be especially relevant in the treatment of aggressive clients. Winnicott (1975) writes that “If an analyst is to analyse psychotics or anti-socials he must be able to be so thoroughly aware of the counter-transference that he can sort out and study his objective reactions to the patient. These will include hate” (p. 195). Aggressive clients may arouse substantial negative affect in the therapist. Therapists may fear that they will be personally harmed or injured by their clients. They may feel angry when clients defy them, enter into power struggles, or damage property. When their attempts to help the client are unsuccessful, or when clients are resistant and non-compliant, therapists may sense helplessness. Moreover, when clients act aggressively, therapists may feel rejected and may react by rejecting the client themselves (Nissimov-Nahum, 2007).

Research Question

What is it that black therapists bring to their practice that is different and why?

If there are any differences on the basis of gender of the therapist or similarities and or differences between the African Caribbean and African experiences in the UK?

Purpsoe of the study

The purpose of this study is to find Black therapists experience of working with black clients and ...