A Community-Based Intervention: A Hip Hop Framework Toward Decolonizing Counseling Spaces. Issue 2 (3rd April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Levy, Ian P.; Hess, Courtney W.; Elber, Allison; Hayden, Laura
• Is Part Of: Journal of creativity in mental health. Volume 16:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 212
• Page End: 230
• Publication Date: 2021-04-03
• Subjects: Hip Hop -- decolonizing -- social justice counseling -- multicultural Counseling -- dance -- creativity in counseling; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Arts -- Therapeutic use -- Periodicals; Cultural psychiatry -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 616.89165
• DOI: 10.1080/15401383.2020.1762816
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1540-1383

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The use of hip hop practices within the minority youth counseling environment have demonstrated patient improvement in areas of critical consciousness and civic mindedness, creativity and activism, and the development of a verbal artistic voice. In this study, hip hop is used as an expressive dance tool that is supportive and congruent with intersectional youth identities, offering a decolonized approach to coping skill development for urban youth. The goal of this qualitative study was to illuminate the perceptions and experiences of youth who engaged in a hip hop dance program in a community center. The results of this study indicate that, through participating in a hip hop dance program, participants experienced: stepping out of their comfort zones, developing increases in self-confidence, and experiencing positive feelings associated with processing difficult topics verbally with their peers. Results highlight the need to honor and integrate youth and cultural practices in future therapeutic interventions.