TY - JOUR PY - 2011// TI - Expressive Arts Therapy for Mother-Child Relationship (EAT-MCR): A novel model for domestic violence survivors in Chinese culture JO - Arts in psychotherapy, The A1 - Lai, Nien-Hwa SP - 305 EP - 311 VL - 38 IS - 5 N2 - Domestic violence not only harms spousal relationships but also damages parent-child interactions. In the Chinese culture, tension between abused mothers and their children is likely to arise because of indirect and hierarchical communication customs. Therefore, an expressive arts-based model (EAT-MCR) was adapted for the Chinese culture to help improve mother-child relationships and to help victims cope with the trauma of domestic violence. Based on concepts derived from group and trauma therapies, this model prepares clients for personal transformation within a safe network formed by the participants, including family groups and a team of professionals. In this four-step model, we initiate clients by helping them find strengths from their positive mother-child interactions, guide them to explore the traumatic aspects of domestic violence, and then transform their perceptions to create a new family outlook that can be shared by mothers and their children. Finally, we conclude with a ceremony to fully integrate the transformed phase and interactive life skills. Detailed cultural considerations are discussed and illustrated by examples utilizing artistic creation and psychodrama techniques.

LA - SN - 0197-4556 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2011.08.001 ID - ref1 ER -