ABSTRACT
This chapter explores collaborative creative arts therapies practice with a focus on gender and sexually diverse identities. The authors particularly focus on art and movement interventions, contributing relevant themes in working with clients who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or related identities (LGBT+). The chapter reviews current research on art therapy and dance movement therapy with LGBT+ clients, identifying gaps and opportunities for further research.
The authors examine gender identity and sexual orientation in the context of collaborative interdisciplinary therapeutic work in a community-based setting in Scotland. They identify key thematic areas for creative work in relation to mental health, such as: the external/internal self, LGBT+ visibility and identity. These themes are analysed through a case example of a collaborative creative arts workshop focusing on skin, as a barrier that serves to protect, expose, and transform internal and external aspects of our identity.
The chapter focuses on a client group which has been historically marginalised and has limited representation in creative arts therapy research. It presents an affirmative stance in creating constructive experiences of therapy for LGBT+ clients, and the opportunities offered by an integration of movement and art.
