Finding Voice: Aboriginal Children in Art Therapy

by Judy L. Whitford

It is not the case that man who is silent says nothing. 
Anonymous

This thesis explores the experience of Aboriginal children participating in art therapy with a focus on how art provides a language to express their inner thoughts and emotions.  It looks at how Aboriginal peoples use metaphor and symbolism through art as a culturally congruent form of communication in therapy.  At each stage in the research process new ideas were integrated and explored to improve the art therapy experiences for both the children and family unit as a whole.  This thesis demonstrates how the use of art can provide a symbolic language that in turn promotes healthy discussion and insight into the child's healing process.