Art as Therapy – Food for Brain, Mind, Body & Soul
The first time I ventured into the area of art as therapy, I was working in the capacity of an information officer at the African-Caribbean Leadership Council, in the London Borough of Haringey.
The art therapist approached me with the idea of a painting workshop. She knew I was a practising artist. After reading her documents, I endorsed and supported the program wholeheartedly. At the time I was also active in the field of ‘Art in Education.’
The art therapy program was organised for retired women living in the local area. A specialised area for the lessons was organised in the African-Caribbean Cultural Centre. It was utilised for regular sessions, usually after the women daily luncheon club. The sessions were presented as an enjoyable past-time or hobby, learning to paint in easy steps.
The Results
The drawing and painting activities began with the title ‘Memories of the Caribbean.’ The therapist instructed the group and taught the techniques of painting on paper.
Sustained on a regular basis, at the end of the short course, the results were spectacular.
An exhibition of the group’s work was organised through the local authority, Haringey Council. From the sold out show, I was lucky to purchase three A2 size signed paintings on quality paper. They are still among my valuable prized collections. The retired women painters group, went through a process I can only described as being reborn – Transmogrification. They were all renewed and energised.
How Visual Art Therapy Works
The use of warm caring words, full of empathy, when ideas were transferred between the ladies group, and the female ‘Visual Art Therapist’ as a ‘Professional Practice.‘
In the process of creating, members of the friendly Caribbean retired ladies group, in a safe space in London, goes on a journey of ‘Caribbean Childhood Memories.’ They all went into their inner thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
The evidence became of their thoughts, memory and joys, became visible through paint, paper, crayon, pencil, fun, laughter, enjoyment, and achievements.
My Definition
In this particular activity, through the application of analytical psychology, psychoanalysis, psycho-therapy, and the ideas that were transferred between the retired ladies group and the therapist, the results achieved were excellent, and brilliant.
It was a proven scientific fact, that ‘Visual Art Therapy’ assisted to improve Cognitive and Sensory Motor Function, Self-Esteem, Self Awareness, Emotional Resilience, and Reduce Stress.
The importance of a Trusting Relationship, between all the participants, with empathy is emphasised here. Without the foundation of trust being established, in this case the results would be very different.