Rhianna Brickle

Thesis Title

Listening to quiet voices: the experiences of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families accessing Play Therapy with an Aboriginal Play Therapist on Bunurong Country

About the project

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children are underrepresented in play therapy research in Australia. This PhD project uses a qualitative multiple case study design, exploring the experiences of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and their caregivers accessing play therapy on Bunurong/Boon Wurrung Country. Data will be generated through play therapy sessions, yarning, and practitioner reflexive journaling. Grounded in an Indigenous Research Paradigm, the framework integrates Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Indigenous Standpoint Theory. Findings will contribute to a strength-based, decolonising therapeutic framework informed by children, families, and community.

About Rhianna Brickle

Rhianna (she/her) is a Pakana woman, born and raised on GunaiKurnai Country in East Gippsland, now living and working on Bunurong/Boon Wurrung Country. With over 10 years’ experience in early childhood education and intervention, she holds a Master of Play Therapy and works as a Registered Play Therapist with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and families, while undertaking her PhD within the Relighting the Firesticks project.

Principal Supervisor: Professor Cath Chamberlain