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Art as a healing therapy
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Message
Posted
I have been a lay chaplain at our local hospital [for 12 years] and have seen a number of cases of patients, some very ill, being sustained by art or hobbies be it painting, knitting, making models etc. Some doctors laugh when it is suggested that these interests are therapy.
I can vouch for the effectiveness of this and wonder what the general opinion is.
Sketcher
Posted
Until around about a year ago, I was very involved with my local hospital, serving on its Patient Council - and I was a member of the CHC, and its successor bodies. I resigned in the end because a) I was finding it onerous, b) I was becoming disenchanted with government policy, c) I felt it was time for new people.
BUT - I was also involved in an arts initiative at the hospital, in which it rather specialized - it covered the whole spectrum of activities, from singing to painting - it was participatory and also observational, and yes - I think it worked wonders. It helped to give meaning to lives nearing their end; it absorbed people; it lifted depression; perhaps it even prolonged life, certainly useful life, for some.
I wouldn't get hung up on words here - it has to be described as therapy in order to justify what funding can be found to support it, but so long as it makes people feel better - or just happier, even less desolate and alone - it has real value and I entirely agree with you that it should be encouraged and supported. If doctors laugh at it - most wouldn't though, would they? Not if they actually worked in a hospital or hospice and saw it for themselves? - I think a stern word from the chaplain is called for: gold-rimmed half-moon specs are useful here - one can look over them, and fix the hapless victim with a cold eye.
Posted
A recent example of Drawing and Painting bringing effective improvement to patient was provided by the journalist Andrew Marr. He suffered a serious stroke and found that drawing and painting helped him overcome paralysis in his arm. He’s recorded his experiences in two books ‘A Short Book about Drawing’ and ‘A Short Book about Painting’.
He has contributed an article to the August Edition of ‘The Artist’ which will be of interest to you Sketcher
Posted
For many years I worked as an art teacher in an astma clinic for children. They had drawing and painting classes at least 3 times a week in the afternoon. The doctors there were convinced of the therapeutical qualities of art in the healing process.
I also could see the change in colours the children used as they felt better and better. Going from black and white when arriving in the clinic to paintings full of colour after a few months of treatment. So I am convinced of the healing qualities of art, no doubt about that. :) Mia
http://www.painters-online.co.uk/artist/MiaKetels
Edited
by MiaKetels
Posted
I'm lucky in that I've never suffered an illness nor ever been in Hospital (except to work there and as a visitor) but I do know that when I'm feeling a little down getting absorbed in a hobby, whether it be gardening, painting or writing poetry, takes my mind off things and acts as a great uplift. I can't see how anyone can ever reject the therapeutic aspects of taking part in any activity (providing it is done willingly that is).
Posted
Good point from Michael - 'providing it is done willingly': I remember a visit to an old people's home, in which a semi-circle of 90 year olds were invited to sing 'If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!' - a couple of them just looked at the 'facilitator' and shook their heads. Involve people: don't coerce them, even though at the outset at least, you probably will have to take a lead - of course the real problem here lay in treating very old people like children: but after one of the old ladies snapped 'Do you think I'm NINE?', the penny began to drop.... Sweet little old ladies can be quite dangerous when roused.
Posted
Talking only from personal experience, I can say that getting absorbed in a painting does wonders for my anxiety, and is a great distraction from my ever present tinnitus. I can imagine that a few decades ago some medical practitioners may have been sceptical through lack of understanding, it'd be surprising and very disappointing if that was still the case.