Arts Therapies Practice

The differences in practicing arts therapies between the UK as western country and the KSA as an middle eastern country manifest themselves in cultural context, aims, approaches and theories. This study into the differences between the UK and Saudi Arabia saw value in examining these differences to see whether divergent approaches can help to inform and improve competing pathways. This study used semi-structured interview to identify the differences in practicing arts therapies in both countries, and to identify the cultural issues in practicing arts therapies in KSA. Data was collected using interviews from twelve arts therapists from the UK and nine informants from KSA. The findings demonstrate that art therapists in KSA focus on behavioural modification while arts therapists in the UK focus on improving emotional wellbeing. Art therapists in KSA used more structured approaches which are less effective for children with ADHD. There may be cultural problems in using arts therapies in KSA, particularly music and dance. Safety, routine activities and ground rules were adopted from the current practices in the UK and adapted to be appropriate for the cultural context in KSA. Understanding cultural issues by the therapist may increase the value of arts therapies interventions.