Clinical social work and expressive arts therapy with youth at the Prince George Native Friendship Centre

Abstract

Traumatic life events affect a significant percentage of the population. The effects of trauma, and complex trauma on youth can have lasting affects throughout the lifespan. Mental health statistics in Canada show a grave disparity between Aboriginal youth and non-Aboriginal youth and mirror the impacts of intergenerational trauma. This report investigates the issues Aboriginal youth face today and how expressive art therapy and trauma sensitive yoga can benefit a youth's mental health. In reviewing the literature, extreme human rights violations are widely present throughout the history of colonization. My practicum at the Prince George Native Friendship centre granted me the opportunity to witness and engage first-hand with people affected by intergenerational trauma. This report describes how I will weave the learnings of decolonization, family centred care, and anti oppressive practice into my future work as a social worker in the mental health sector.