In my last article, I share the results of a new study on art therapy for chronic pain. Today, licensed therapist Creative Arts and New York University art therapy internship supervisor Elissa Bromberg weighs on the subject.
"in Western medicine, the mind and the body are usually treated separately," Bromberg says from his studio in New York. "Fortunately, it is becoming more common to integrate the two. And art therapy is a powerful way to do just that ?? it works on so many different levels. "
As we have seen in the Arts & Healthstudy, art therapy is an effective tool to relieve cancer pain. But Bromberg cites another article ?? a piece of the Journal of Pain and symptom Management 06 ?? in which researchers found that art therapy improved a number of other symptoms of cancer. on the evaluation system symptoms of Edmonton, the overall scores of fatigue, drowsiness, and even feelings of dyspnea, decreased after patients took part in a session of art therapy.
the therapy also helped patients deal with emotional complications. feelings tension, anxiety, self-consciousness and misfortune fell after the sessions, while the sense of security and increased ease.
"Especially in the treatment of cancer, it is finally being recognized that adults really need to deal with their emotions and find resources adaptation of "Bromberg actions. "And art therapy is a wonderful modality for the treatment of material that is difficult to talk about. The patient can not feel comfortable verbalizing, but out of art."
therapy patient headed allows participants to work through all that is about to disturb them. The beauty of the therapy lies in its flexibility.
While therapists can provide some clues, Bromberg believes that patients intuitively direct the therapy where they need to go. They express what they need to express and give meaning in any way helps them make sense of their situation. The therapist is there to help provide context and clarity.
"They share [their experiences] with us to the best of their abilities, often in art rather than words, and help us deal with," she. "I do not read their works as if I really do not know what that means. artistic symbols mean different things to different people. it's my job ?? to help patients discover that their symbols mean to them. "
She believes also this is part of his work to facilitate treatment for a patient ?? whatever their physical limits.
"It does not matter if you can not sit down, or if parts of your body that you can not use, or parts which have been detained by the surgery. There is always a way to establish a way for them to be able to create, "Bromberg said encouraging. "If they can not talk, we will find other ways to communicate. If they can not use their members, they can direct me and I will be in their hands."
This intuitive communication ?? the link between the patient and the therapist art ?? is often what helps patients lower their guard enough to tap into the buried emotions.
"Some patients want guidance, but most patients just want the freedom to play and learn," says Bromberg. "Sometimes we just do art, and that's enough."
Common Themes
Bromberg says that once patients feel safe, their art bring their unconscious fears to the surface.
"In a hospital environment, people often face the problems with the current time. They anxiety about tests and treatments. They fear what will follow, and it will be life when they leave the hospital. They are afraid of how their families take the news ?? and those who tend to be common themes in their art, "says Bromberg.
"In external parameters, their shifts in perspective. Say you have a person who was in chemo, and suddenly, it's over. What happens ? then they whole experience of dealing with death, and fears about the remission They must also adapt to changes in their support structure. often, people who were close to their treatment see differently a once they are a survivor. "
Many times the patient's caregivers are invited to attend group sessions with the patient. Bromberg says it is quite common for members of the family to come and deal with their own feelings about the diagnosis of their loved one.
Group sessions also help link patients with other patients. It notes that the planning group sessions during medical treatment can help patients remove some of the fear they associate with their appointment.
"Not that patients never rejoice of chemotherapy, but when they get involved and start to socialize with each other, it gives them other things to focus on," says Bromberg. "And when you are deeply involved in artistic creation, it becomes ?? ?? on some level a transcendent experience. Your sense of hinges time. You're not as aware of other questions, you are not also upset, and things that bother you seem to ease away. "
art therapy as a humanizing experience
Whether in hospital or outpatient, individual or collective, art- therapy also provides oncology patients a way to rebuild a shattered sense of self.
"I noticed that when patients have put their work on the wall of their hospital room, it becomes a great conversation starter," says Bromberg. "Doctors and visitors see them as more than just a cancer patient ?? they are someone they are an artist it decreases their impotence.."
"Another beautiful thing about art -thérapie is that it begins with a choice, "she continues." they get to decide whether they want to work with you or not. When a doctor comes, they do not feel like they have the power to say no. they feel like they are at the thank you of the hospital system. But then they begin to create, and they get that power back. they choose the materials they want to work with the colors they want to use, and as they want arise. These may seem like simple things, but for patients, they are not. "
Bromberg recognizes that the process is going slowly. And many patients are reluctant to give it a shot. But for those who do, it is a powerful catalyst for healing.
"We all made art when we were young, until someone told us it was not right. It's a great loss. It is not to make a masterpiece ?? it is about to play, be in the moment and discovering things in a safe and supportive environment. it is a way to feel supported and above all, to find out they are willing to find out. "
have you tried art therapy? Would you? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook.
