Using the arts as a therapeutic tool for counselling – an Australian Aboriginal perspective

Cultural and communication difficulties between non Indigenous and Indigenous peoples create a major barrier to improving physical, social and mental health outcomes. Linguistic, cultural, historic and political factors all impact on relationships and open communication between Indigenous and non Indigenous Australians.Indigenous communities across Australia traditionally utilise the arts and story telling to connect, learn and convey knowledge and beliefs. Indigenous art offers an expression of identity and culture, providing avenues for self expression, self determination and self understanding. With these understandings of Indigenous culture, art also has the power to heal. The Arts can therefore be a culturally appropriate tool for counselling professionals.