I am so pleased to share the following article by guest blogger Allison Brooks, who wrote an article for us today about how art therapy can help cancer patients regain a sense of control.
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Art Therapy in Hospitals:
How cancer patients express themselves through art
The word “cancer” alone is one that can strike fear into anyone, especially when diagnosed. It can make people feel unsure of themselves, in a downward spiral, or feel like life is out of their reach. Many feel that they have to put on a front and act like they are strong and confident, when really, they don’t know what’s around the next corner. This is why art therapy is becoming a hit in hospitals around the country. It is a way for patients to let go of the turmoils of treatment, and express themselves through art. The stress, unknowingness, and sometimes the happiness are expressed through their painting, knitting, or sculpting.
Many art therapy sessions are different. Some rely on skills or teaching skills, while others focus on the process of making the art and not the product. Though these are both great therapies, many patients enjoy the art therapy session that are not as focused on skills. They claim that it gives them a way out, and a way to ease the anxieties about the choices they have to make. Since a cancer diagnosis, especially an aggressive one like, pancreatic or mesothelioma cancer, means a direct path of treatment, art therapy allows the patient to actually choose something or take control of their treatment.
Not only are there personal anecdotes of the successes of art therapy, but scientific studies also support the claims. A study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that art therapy could reduce a broad spectrum of symptoms related to anxiety and pain of cancer patients. The study was conducted in the Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and after an hours of art therapy, patients reported significant reduction in eight of the nine symptoms measured by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale. The study lasted for a four month period and by the end patients seemed to not feel symptoms of pain, tiredness, nausea, depression, anxiety, drowsiness, lack of appetite, well-being or shortness of breath.
Today, many local art studios, traveling artist, or local natural healing groups go to nearby hospitals and nursing homes to offer art therapy. Though art therapy is offered for cancer patients or the chronically ill, many are bringing their children or family members to release some feelings or make it easier to talk. Many mothers claim that art therapy, made it easier for them to talk to their younger children about their cancer and what will be on the road ahead. If you know anyone diagnosed with cancer, enlighten them about art therapy, maybe it will help them in their road to recovery.
- Allison Brooks CONTACT
Tags: Allison Brooks, art therapy, cancer treatment, guest blogger
