Art Therapy combines the creative process of art-making with proven therapy models to promote relaxation, positive mood, cognitive stimulation, self-esteem, and memory recall. This form of psychotherapy – available to McKnight Place residents as part of both group and individual sessions – is enjoyable and has numerous benefits.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a health service used to restore functioning and improve wellbeing. It isn’t about creating a masterpiece. It’s the process of creating, not the product, that offers the health benefits so even seniors with no art skills or talents may participate in art activities.
In art therapy sessions at McKnight Place, a tangible product is created. Tapping into the creative process, individuals are able to feel a sense of accomplishment resulting in increased confidence, a boost in self-esteem, and easing of depression.
How is it beneficial?
This form of therapy is adaptable and can be tailored for anyone and any ability.
By offering specific themes or topics of focus through art directives, our art therapist is able to stimulate residents’ cognitive function. This helps maintain or even increase short and long term memory recall, and can expand attention span.
We use art for tactile and sensory stimulation. This is wonderful for residents with varied physical capabilities, and even helpful for residents who have difficulties with vision. Motor skills can be improved by exercising the hands and fingers through the manipulation of art materials.
Art therapy can also be used as an alternative means of communication, allowing residents to express themselves and as an outlet for working through strong feelings, including depression, grief, or anxiety.
One-on-one and small group activities are available to our residents. The group sessions promote, encourage, and enhance interactions with others. These meaningful connections help our residents to affirm a sense of self and maintain a sense of belonging while maximizing quality of life.
Working with the art therapist helps our residents feel positive about their work as they begin to see they are capable of many things.
To learn more about our art therapy and other therapy programs, please contact us today.