This study explored what mothers with a disabled child experienced when their children were in the
process of receiving art therapy, what this experience meant to mothers, how art therapy was perceived by
the mothers, and what this exploration meant to the researcher's life.
6 mothers with disabled children who agreed to participate in this study became the participants of this
study. These participants received a 4 session art therapy including in-depth interviews. Each session was
about 60 to 90 minutes long. The interview was a one on one interview. This study took an ontological
approach to understand the participants' experiences as they were. In addition, the participants and the
researcher discussed the meaning and value of living in relationships by talking about their lives together.
Through this kind of discussion, the participants were able to find themes related to their encounter with
art therapy and art therapist.
The participants often feel guilty and at a loss in taking care of their disabled children. In their hopeless
lives, they encounter art therapy and receive it in reserved anticipation. As their children can express
themselves and feel joy through art therapy, the participants come to rely on the therapist who make
efforts to understand their lives and children, an experience that enables the participants to gather up
another courage.