Samenvatting

In the absence of words… A systemic N=1 study of Art Therapy in combination with Storytelling as a contributive therapy for adults suffering with acquired brain injury and possibly diagnosed with aphasia. People with acquired brain injury and aphasia can experience communication impairments and therefore encounter problems in expressing their circumstances and feelings.
This study aims to analyse the effects of combining Art Therapy with Storytelling and also select suitable Storytelling approaches. The consequences of this therapy is both important for the patients and for future developments in this approach. The first impressions are considerably positive. Visualisation of the key elements in the Storytelling seems to deepen the patient's involvement, increases the possibilities in communication and helps the patient finding words to express inner feelings. The art works will help to bring forgotten memories back to consciousness and thus increasing the patient’s wellbeing. The patient in this case study has been opening up as a result of the therapy, she has been taken a more active role in interaction and increased her abilities in expression emotions.