Art Therapy Enrichment works! As part of an individuals regular plan of treatment it can foster crucial elements of care for cognitive decline that are often left untreated.
Art Therapy Enrichment uses creative activities
to inspire, encourage, and foster;
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expression and exploration of thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
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coping with stress, anxiety and life challenges that come along with cognitive decline and Dementia
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non-verbal communication when verbal expression is difficult and frustrating
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brain function by impacting brain wave patterns, emotions, and the nervous system
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-an increase in serotonin levels and feelings of joy while engaging attention and decreasing anxiety and apathy
My education & experience; I am an Artist, Activity Therapist, Life Enrichment Director & Teacher. I currently own and operate
The Art Studio JSC, LLC, an
at home art school and Art Therapy Enrichment provider.
I have over 5 years of experience working with older adults. Prior to that I worked with individuals with mental illness & cognitive/intellectual disabilities for 6 years & was an art educator for over 10 years for all ages.
I have a BFA in Painting from Louisiana State University and an MFA in Illustration from Savannah College of Art and Design as well as 2 years of post-graduate education in Art Therapy and Counseling from St. Mary of the Woods college in Indiana.
I consider myself to have a “servants heart”. I am personally motivated by being able to serve & help others which has guided
my professional life as well.
Over the years I have had the opportunity to work with older adults with Dementia/Alzheimer’s and have seen the amazing impact of the creative arts with this particular population. With the addition of playing meaningful, curated music, I believe I can create an artistic experience that is uniquely healing & can truly enrich and change lives.
"I can say things with art
I can't say in any other way."
Georgia O'Keeffe
“Alzheimer's Association encourages the use of art therapy as a tool to enhance quality of life, foster emotional well-being, and promote engagement for individuals with Alzheimer's and other dementias.”
“Here's a breakdown of how art therapy is viewed by the Alzheimer's Association & related organizations:
Emotional Expression and Connection:
Art can provide a way to express emotions and thoughts that may be difficult to articulate through words.
Memory and Cognition:
Engaging in art activities can stimulate the brain, potentially encouraging speech and enhancing communication skills.
Sense of Independence and Dignity:
Art therapy can empower individuals to feel more in control and participate in meaningful activities, contributing to their overall well-being.
Coping with Grief and Loss:
Art can help individuals cope with the complex emotions that come with memory loss and grief.”
*https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/art-music
Here are 2 examples of clients &
their individually curated classes:
John is 70 years old, diagnosed with middle stage Alzheimer’s. He is forgetful and repeating the same stories. John was a middle school math teacher and retired 2 years ago. He enjoys being outside and is an avid bird watcher. He also enjoyed wood working, having built the rocking chairs on his front porch. John’s wife expressed he doesn’t feel like he has a purpose anymore and is starting to isolate himself from others. They have recently moved to a new town
to be closer to family as they will need more support in the future.
(enrichment activity and music (jazz) are informed by intake questionnaire)
1: Check-in & warm up: Stress Relieving Sculpting Activity (air dry pinch pot), light conversation. This will be a gift for his wife, John expressed he hasn’t “been able to make things for her anymore.”
2: Focus Activity: Bird House Construction and Painting Project-this will engage John’s cognitive process’, wood working skills, encourage self-confidence & give him a purpose.
*Will donate a bird house to the pre-school down the street when complete; encourages community engagement
3: Wind down-“Let’s Reminisce” Sketchbook-we work on a page a day, writing, drawing, collaging, memories. This will be left with client for future use.
Mary is 86 years old, diagnosed with late stage Alzheimer’s. She is having difficulty with every day tasks, verbal communication and fine motor skills. Mary grew up and lived on the water, she often went fishing with her father. Mary was a music director at her church for 25 years and often played piano for church service. She has been waking at night, wanting to sort through drawers and cabinets. During the day, her daughter has noticed Mary is more apathetic and taking frequent naps. She often paces in the morning and has voiced feeling “lost” and expressed “not sure what I should do now”.
(enrichment activity and music (classical piano) are informed by intake questionnaire)
1: Check-in & warm up: Hand Exercise to encourage dexterity & stress relief. Sculpting Activity (color-mixing dough)
2: Focus Activity: Seascape Watercolor Paintings using salt technique & frame creating using sea shells. This will engage all the senses, encourage reminiscing, relaxation, joy & self-confidence. Mary would benefit from having a place to display her art w/ a comfortable chair, providing her a “grounding space”.
3: Wind down-Sorting Box: Fish Matching-will aid in Mary’s urges to sort & encourage feelings of control & confidence. This can be left with caregiver for future use.
Art Therapy Enrichment
Art Therapy Enrichment Session Pricing
$200.00 for 4 enrichment sessions
This includes; *4-1 hour sessions, weekly or bi-weekly *all art materials *travel expenses*set-up and clean-up
(Days/times and frequency are individualized for each client)
(The session fee entitles you to 4-1 hour sessions. Setting up a re-occurring session weekly/bi-weekly is extremely beneficial for older adults with cognitive decline as it offers consistency, structure & a feeling of safety )
One time Art Therapy Enrichment Session $55.00 for 1-1 hour session
This includes:*1-1 hour session *all art materials *travel expenses *set-up and clean-up. Days/times and frequency are individualized
for each client. This is perfect if you’d like to “try out” the services before starting regular visits.
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