Art Therapy: A Path to Healing
by Barb Quaintance
We all know that Misericordia takes excellent care of the residents’ physical and health needs, but Mis is equally focused on their mental and spiritual well-being. One of the counseling techniques used to address that well-being is art therapy. Misericordia’s Art Therapists, Miriam Hudson and Sarah Peters, work within the counseling department led by Geana Connelly. Miriam and Sarah work with residents across campus and in the CILAs. To become a practicing art therapist, one must pursue a Masters in Art Therapy which includes 1500 hours of direct client contact through internships, as well as a rigorous course load, and a focus on self-reflection. After receiving a Masters, they work toward licensure as an art therapist and/or counselor by passing an exam and completing 2000 hours under supervision. These talented therapists bring a special creativity and empathy to their interactions with the residents.
Art therapy is an expressive therapy where residents use art materials to navigate their emotions. It is a particularly effective strategy for residents who are non-verbal or have trouble expressing themselves through words. It can help residents relax or develop coping skills or navigate confusing feelings or learn how to advocate for themselves. Like everything at Mis, art therapy is tailored to a specific need for a resident or group of residents. This modality of therapy utilizes various art mediums that often open up the door for a new way of expression. While the therapeutic sessions may result in a beautiful piece of art that the resident takes with them and can display proudly as a reminder of his/her work, the process over the finished product is the focal point of art therapy.
Typically, art therapy referrals come from the QIDP, Director, a family member or the resident themself. A counseling assessment is conducted to determine the modality of therapeutic service for the individual where art therapy may be deemed the best intervention. Most importantly, the assessment also determines resident interest, willingness and ability to participate. Goals are created with the resident that then set the path of the therapeutic work. Services may be 4-6 weeks or several months or years, depending on the need of the resident.
Art Therapy services at Mis have increased its capacity to deal with grief, both for staff and residents. Restore & Remember was begun in 2017 as a collaboration between counseling, led by Sarah Peters, and ministry, led by Andrew Blomquist, to support staff after a resident death. The staff are sometimes so busy attending to the needs of the grieving residents that they don’t process their own grief. This program gives them the time and space to reflect on the life lost, their relationship with that resident and to share their fondest memories. Staff use symbols, words and illustrations to create cards during this time to honor the resident he/she is grieving. If a staff chooses to do so, he/she can share his/her work with the group or simply place the final work in a box to join the collection of Restore & Remember cards.
Grief therapy is also available to a resident when a family member dies or to a group of residents who have lost a housemate. In the case of residents who have lost a housemate, counseling offers an art therapy group called Art for the Heart. The objective of this therapy is to create a communal space to mourn but also to celebrate the life of the resident. It’s a way to share memories and create art that reflects the spirit of the deceased resident. Often, it will include some of the resident’s favorite things or favorite activities in the home. Another very important objective of this art therapy is to show the grieving residents that when they are gone, they will not be forgotten. There will be people who will remember and celebrate them, too.
Art therapy: another part of the Misericordia magic.
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