Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine how doll making can be used as a therapeutic tool in art therapy. The literature review will cover the historical uses of dolls, prior research where art therapists used dolls as part of the therapy and an overview of the issues faced by children in hospitals. Four case studies will follow. The cases will include the process of the child making the doll and the context within which it was created. The four children were seen in an therapy in a hospital setting for several months. The children worked on issues of self-esteem, anger, sibling relationships, physical illness, and sexual abuse. The discussion will examine the similarities and differences of the doll making experiences of the children and suggest ideas for further research on this topic.