Art Therapy

What is art therapy?

Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy. It focuses on the process of art making and applied psychological theory. Because it is processed based, sessions are less reliant on words for communication. Art therapy for individuals living with dementia ca be used to improve cognition, foster self-esteem, enhance social skills and connection, and provide a sense of control and autonomy.

Unlike an art class, the finished product is not the focus of the session. During a session, I guide you, encourage the choice of materials, and support the healing process so you can translate your inner experience into external art-making. Sometimes it can be difficult to articulate painful experiences, or to put emotions and feelings into words. So much of what we experience, especially unpleasant experiences and even trauma, is actually stored in the non-verbal part of our brain. For folks who experience this, art therapy is a powerful tool for your mental wellness journey.

What does an art therapy session look like?

Unlike an art class, the finished product is not the focus of the session. During a session, I guide you, encourage the choice of materials, and support the healing process so you can translate your inner experience into external art-making. Sometimes it can be difficult to articulate painful experiences, or to put emotions and feelings into words. So much of what we experience, especially unpleasant experiences and even trauma, is actually stored in the non-verbal part of our brain. For folks who experience this, art therapy is a powerful tool for your mental wellness journey.

Areas of expertise

I help individuals living in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, as well as providing support for their family and caregivers. Alzheimer’s and dementia pose many unique challenges to folks with early-onset,  but the early stages are also when treatment can be most effective. Unfortunately, the majority of resources are dedicated to older adults and resources and support for the early-onset population can be difficult to find. Working with various materials can counteract many symptoms while art therapy helps navigate areas of loss, including the loss of self-esteem, socialization, and previous life roles.