What Is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses several different kinds of art, such as painting, drawing, and sculpture, to help participants work through negative emotions and experiences while promoting positive emotions. Led by a professional art therapist, sessions can be held in an individual or group setting. The combination of cognitive and sensory engagement makes art therapy especially beneficial to seniors as it supports cognitive health through the exercise of creativity.
Emotional Release
Art therapy can help participants process a variety of emotional issues. Many seniors have experienced personal trauma in their lives. While forms of “talk” therapy can be difficult for seniors who are hesitant to open up, expressing emotions through art is a more comfortable avenue for many, as creating artwork naturally draws out emotions and past experiences as the artist looks inward for inspiration.
In addition to past experiences that may have caused emotional trauma, aging brings many challenges that can negatively influence seniors. The loss of loved ones, an increased dependence on others, and anxiety about the future are just a few examples of changes and attitudes that can affect seniors. A professional art therapist can lead seniors through exercises that help them process these emotions and give them the emotional tools to help them face future challenges.
Cognitive Growth
The cognitive engagement that art therapy provides can help seniors avoid or slow the process of cognitive decline. Creative work exercises a different part of the brain than practical tasks do, which gives the practical side of the brain a break while promoting healthy activity along neuropathways connected with creative work. Memory recall is often used in creating artwork, as seniors use their past experiences to find inspiration for their pieces. Working on an art piece strengthens attention span as artists focus on a single task for a long period of time.
Social Benefits
Loneliness is a common experience among seniors, as loved ones pass on and mobility and cognitive challenges limit their ability to participate in social groups. Art therapy, especially when done with a caregiver or in a group session, provides an opportunity for seniors to connect with others. Art has always been a way that humans share their stories with others. Art therapy encourages this sharing, and finished artwork can act as a conversation piece that prompt seniors to share their thoughts and stories with their loved ones.
Help for Your Aging Journey
If you or someone in your family are facing aging challenges, please give us a call at (203) 258-2640 or email us at info@growingoptions.com. We’ll be happy to assist!
Find more blogs from Growing Options:
Providing Care For Your Aging Loved Ones from a Distance
4 Ways Older Adults Leave the Hospital: Which One Is Right for You?