Non-Haredi Arts Therapists’ Perceptions of Therapy With Ultra-Orthodox Children

Abstract

Studies have underscored the complexity of the encounter between ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) society and psychotherapy, as well as the challenges involved in developing a therapeutic relationship in cross-cultural therapy. However, there is scant research on therapy for ultra-Orthodox children, especially when it comes to arts therapies that take place in a cross-cultural setting. The current study examined the perceptions of 17 arts therapists (including visual art therapists, dance/movement therapists, psychodramatists, music therapists and bibliotherapists) who are not ultra-Orthodox, and who currently work or have previously worked with ultra-Orthodox children. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the therapists and analyzed using the principles of Consensual Qualitative Research. The study covered four domains: (1) perceptions of the significance and objectives of arts therapy with ultra-Orthodox children; (2) the influence of the cultural difference between therapist and client on the emotional experience and the therapeutic relationship; (3) the use of arts in therapy; (4) systemic aspects. The findings indicate significant perceptual and value-based disparities between therapists and clients, which pose difficulties and challenges to all participating parties and require therapists to be highly sensitive. Aside from the difficulties, the findings suggest that this cultural difference may also have certain advantages for clients as well as therapists. The findings likewise attest to the multifaceted process of change that is taking place within Haredi society in its attitude toward psychotherapy in general and arts therapy in particular.

Ultra-Orthodox Parents’ Perceptions of Arts Therapies for Their Children

“…Despite the greater interest in arts therapies among the Jewish ultra-Orthodox in recent years [ 7 ], there is scant research on these therapies in general and in ultra-Orthodox children in particular. The few studies that have examined arts therapies for ultra-Orthodox children [ 7 , 8 , 9 ] have all focused on the therapists’ perspective.…”

“…Despite the greater interest in arts therapies among the Jewish ultra-Orthodox in recent years [ 7 ], there is scant research on these therapies in general and in ultra-Orthodox children in particular. The few studies that have examined arts therapies for ultra-Orthodox children [ 7 , 8 , 9 ] have all focused on the therapists’ perspective. To the best of our knowledge, there are no studies dealing with the perspectives of ultra-Orthodox parents with respect to arts therapies for ultra-Orthodox children.…”

“…In another qualitative study which involved interviews with 17 non-Haredi arts therapists, the therapists described the difficulties experienced by ultra-Orthodox children in regulating emotional release, which was manifested in swings from restrained and held conduct to over-ramping resulting from a sense of emotional flooding. This study also highlight the predominant fear of exposure in therapy: children refrained from talking about their families and their parents avoided reporting essential content and sometimes even switched to ultra-Orthodox therapists [ 7 ]. In general, the participants emphasized that the encounter between art and religion/culture was complex and raised concerns about violating religious prohibitions.…”

“…In general, the participants emphasized that the encounter between art and religion/culture was complex and raised concerns about violating religious prohibitions. This led to careful avoidance of anything related to sexual content or playfulness [ 7 , 34 ]. In cases where the therapist was secular, there was fear that the treatment outcomes would be inconsistent with the ultra-Orthodox worldview.…”

“…In cases where the therapist was secular, there was fear that the treatment outcomes would be inconsistent with the ultra-Orthodox worldview. Thus, clients tended to screen the therapist’s lifestyle and perceptions [ 34 ], which at times led to hesitation in establishing a therapeutic relationship or simply to dropping out [ 7 ]. However, the cultural gap can at times increase clients’ sense of comfort and openness given the negligible likelihood of disclosure of complex issues to the ultra-Orthodox community [ 7 , 8 ].…”