Embracing resistance, inclusivity and photography in art therapy: A South African context

The original objective of my study was to research the role of art therapy as a means to help enhance the private collective self-esteem of black South African students. “Private collective self-esteem,” according to Riia Luhtanen and Jennifer Cerocker (1992), refers to the view individuals hold about the social group to which they belong that subsequently affects their self-concept. However, this research led me to identify ways in which art therapy can be alienating and cause resistance to therapy. Resistance can be a normal occurrence during artmaking in art therapy, and understanding the causes of this resistance can help create a safe and culturally inclusive therapy and mitigate the resistance through the choice of art materials. The data for this research was collected through self-study and four group sessions with three participants. Only one participant attended all four sessions. The process used was photo art therapy, and the data was analysed through thematic analysis using a theoretical framework of intersectionality and social identity theory. The three clients were reluctant to engage with the art materials and preferred the use of photographs. The analysis indicated that even though art therapy clients are not obligated to have artmaking experience, knowledge of artmaking processes and an understanding of art therapy can help the client feel safe in an art therapy environment. Therefore, photographs and culturally appropriate materials can help clients struggling with resistance to artmaking. Furthermore, art therapists who understand clients’ artmaking history can help create a safer space for their clients.