How Art Therapy Can Help People Of All Ages
Did you know that just about anyone can participate in and benefit from art therapy? While your loved one may be going through therapy or treatment as they heal or manage a disease, art therapy has proven to be successful in various ways that differ from traditional therapy practices. It may surprise you to know that art therapy may be exactly what your loved one needs to complements their healing or treatment process. Whether you are interested in art therapy as part of senior care or care for an autistic individual, it’s worth exploring the benefits that art therapy can offer.
Art therapy is different than other forms of therapy because it utilizes the creative process of art and doesn’t require any artistic experience or skill. Everyone can be creative in some form or another. Art therapy can be especially beneficial to children who are less capable of expressing themselves via words, and as part of a comprehensive senior care program for older adults suffering from Dementia care or Alzheimer’s disease.
The Benefits Of Art Therapy
Art therapy can be used to help with chronic health issues and to assess and treat mental health, substance abuse, social and emotional difficulties related to disability and illness, trauma and loss, as well as physical, cognitive, and neurological problems. Art therapy can be completed through a variety of mediums such as sculpting, drawing, mosaics, painting, clay making, and music.
Children, adults, and seniors can gain the following benefits from art therapy:
- Opportunities for self-expression.
- The ability to build a positive perspective on life.
- Support towards more personal independence, self-reliance, and self-sufficiency.
- The ability to work through difficult experiences.
- Communicate emotions both verbally and nonverbally that might otherwise be stifled.
- Learn constructive techniques to self-manage.
- Develop strategies for hand-eye coordination, fine and gross motor skills, and finger dexterity and speed.
- Develop healthy coping strategies.
- Increase attention-span, while decreasing frustrations.
Get Started With Art Therapy
iCare Home Health’s Expressive Art Program is facilitated by a Registered Canadian Art Therapist
with high-level training in both counseling and art therapy. Designed to be versatile and flexible, our program can be personalized to meet your needs or the needs of your loved one. The program can be delivered as part of senior care, as an accompaniment to those receiving wound care after an injury or accident, or as part of a program to support mental health challenges. We also offer our clients a variety of other services such as wound care, nurse at home, friend at home, personal support programs, and more. Contact iCare Home Health to find out more about creating a personalized art therapy program and how it can have a positive effect on health and wellness.