Abstract
M.Ed.
One of the most positive aspects of the arts is that they offer a wide range of entry points, which, in turn, makes this domain more accessible for individuals with diverse needs and abilities (MacLean, 2008). The process of creating art can offer the individual another language, symbolic and nonverbal through which feelings, wishes, fantasies and fears can be expressed (Waller, 2006). In the South African context there is an undeniable connection between cognitive development and the psychosocial situation (Donald, Lazarus and Lolwana, 2010). The aim of this study is to explore the emotional experiences of an adolescent with mild intellectual impairment through creative expressive arts in narrative therapy. The study followed a phenomenological design through purposeful sampling which resulted in a single participant from a school for learners with special educational needs. Socio-cultural theory contextualized the study. Data was collected from transcriptions of therapy sessions, artefacts and my reflective journal. The data was then analysed by means of interpretative phenomenological data analysis. Two main themes emerged: interactions and experiences of the heart. This study has shown that creative expressive arts in narrative therapy is a viable option for the exploring of emotions and was accessible to an adolescent with mild intellectual impairment.