{"value"=>"<p> <span class=\"title\">Improving Intercultural Interactions - Implications for the Dance Therapist</span></p> <p>The purpose of this study was to explore the subject of culture and how it currently applies to the field of mental health and, more specifically, to dance therapy. By recognizing and acknowledging cross cultural differences in a therapeutic relationship, there is less risk that the therapist will misinterpret behaviors of culturally different clients. As the first step in being able to communicate on a cross cultural level is understanding culture and what issues inevitably arise out of it, the concept of culture and other related terms were defined and explored. A brief review of the literature on nonverbal communication and cross cultural differences was also presented. In order to effectively demonstrate the depth to which can effect communication, the author researched the African American culture from cultural, historical and nonverbal perspectives. Issues in having White therapists treat Black clients of a lower socioeconomic status were presented as well, including suggestions for improving upon such relationships. In addition, a questionnaire was created to identify and assess the awareness and competencies of the dance therapist as they relate to the culturally different. Ten female graduate students, enrolled in the Hunter College Dance/Movement Therapy program, participated in this study. The sampling of students placed high importance on the influence of culture, indicating they were well aware of the importance of becoming culturally skilled.</p>"}