A Butterfly Within: An Example of Anti-Oppressive Art Therapy for Diverse-abilities

A Butterfly Within is a short film about Julie, a young artist with Cerebral Palsy. The film is an observable example of how an art therapist can adapt the creative process and uphold dignity, in order to enable someone who has physical and medical challenges to engage in the creative process and have successful opportunities to make art. Also, within the working relationship, the film shows the phenomenon of non-verbal communication and interaction with the understanding of non-verbal cues. The film’s integrity holds empowerment at its core as it documents an emerging artist in community, arts ability to communicate; to say, “I am here and I have a voice. I am worthy, full of potential and I am a contributing member of society”.