mental health, and recognizing diverse experiences within the AAPI community. The vast linguistic diversity—over 2,700 languages spoken—poses a challenge, particularly in smaller communities lacking robust support systems (Countries & Regions, n.d.). The internalized shame and externalized stigma associated with seeking help often discourage AAPI families from pursuing treatment.
As the therapist employs
cultural humility, they center the client’s experience and remove themselves as the expert in the
client's life, and thus allow all parts of the client's cultural identity to exist within the therapeutic relationship.
Play therapists working with AAPI families face challenges due to methods within the AAPI population. Available research, particularly for play therapy, is outdated and focused primarily on East Asian
populations. This lack of recent and comprehensive research underscores the existing gap in understanding practical therapeutic
Culturally responsive practice Competing cultural values within the Asian American community with modern mental health systems leave a gap in culturally sensitive approaches (Yee, 2016). Culturally sensitive care for the and integrating cultural nuances into their services while recognizing diverse cultural backgrounds, communication styles, health beliefs, and treatment preferences (Glover, 2013). The goal is to establish an inclusive and supportive environment, thereby enhancing healthcare community.
One way to develop culturally responsive practice in play therapy is by applying a multicultural orientation framework (MCO). Employing the three core pillars of the MCO framework (cultural humility, cultural opportunities, and cultural comfort) requires the therapist to move from focusing on interventions of change toward an integration of cultural experiences in order to foster the therapeutic relationship (Hook et al., 2017). It requires practitioners to co-create cultural expression by being with the client during their cultural processes, and continuing cultural awareness and growth within themselves and with the client (Hook & Davis., 2019). As a therapist, it is vital to check in on one’s own cultural discomfort, as therapists who exhibit higher cultural comfort will engage in therapeutic discussions about culture. As the therapist employs cultural humility, they center the client’s within the therapeutic relationship. The therapist takes responsibility for identifying how a cultural rupture may impact the relationship between therapist and client, and collaborating with community leaders or cultural organizations to further clinical work with children and their families in AAPI communities (Hook et al., 2017).
Play therapy naturally fosters cultural transactions due to the widely accepted practice of play with children across cultures (Killian et al., 2017). Fostering open communication and understanding of unique cultural perspectives can help build a trusting therapeutic relationship. One example is engaging the client or family in the act of physical storytelling (ex: movement, dance, haka, hula) where they can use their body to express themselves without words. This is et al., 2020). Increased AAPI-focused training and consultation with experts in AAPI mental health can further enhance cultural
Honoring cultural expression in the playroom with AAPI families and children, thoughtful toy selection is essential.
12 | PLAYTHERAPY
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