Book chapter
Queering Multiple Relationships in Small Communities
Queer Worldmaking in Art Therapy, pp 369-387
2026
Abstract
Ethics in relationships within small communities pose unique challenges and opportunities for therapeutic practitioners. The close-knit nature of these communities can foster strong bonds of support and solidarity. In contrast, fluid boundaries, privacy, consent, self-disclosure, and responsibility, along with respect for power dynamics, make intentional relationships complex. These smaller interacting social circles are formed by localized geographical areas, specialized work groups, racial kinships, religious or other cultural group affiliations, and numerous additional circumstances. From our lived experiences as LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual) identifying practitioners, ethical dual or multiple relationships with LGBTQIA+ clients have raised many personal, professional, and socio-relational considerations. Accountability for professional judgments, examining implicit and explicit power dynamics, and recognizing social hierarchies, white fragility, and separatism embedded in professional boundaries and relationships are key queering practices within the shared ethical vignettes of this chapter. In this chapter, we review the revised Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) Standards of Practice (2025), the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) Code of Ethics (2013), and the Multicultural and Diversity Competencies (2021). Furthermore, we assess multicultural, embodied, and art-based ethical decision-making models to provide commentary on the complex nature of multiple relationships in therapeutic and educational contexts, especially in rural and small communities. We discuss the ethical responsibilities, integrity, respect, and discretion required to navigate these dynamics in sustained processes of "thinking through to action." We also describe several ethical reflective experiences through brief composites framed by discussions that identify the particulars of each situation and offer possibilities for problem-solving through the models and art prompt exercises.
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Details
- Title
- Queering Multiple Relationships in Small Communities
- Creators
- Magdalena V. KarlickNatalie Rae Carlton
- Publication Details
- Queer Worldmaking in Art Therapy, pp 369-387
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Edition
- 1
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Creative Arts Therapies
- Other Identifier
- 991022177166104721