Why Art Therapy at the Alzheimer Society of Montreal?

Welcome to the Alzheimer Society of Montreal Blog!

Edition #6

September 2019

Author:

Marie-Soleil Blanchet

Art Therapist, M.A.

To find out more about the art therapy workshops offered at the Alzheimer Society of Montreal, consult the “I live with Alzheimer’s” section of the website.

We can all sketch or assemble a collage at home, but several important factors come to light when art is brought into a therapeutic context— the secure framework, the clinical objectives, the therapeutic relationship and the bonds that are formed. Art therapy is an avenue of self-expression that is accessible to a wide range of clienteles, including people living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia.

I have observed first hand its benefits among our clients. First and foremost, the act of creation calls upon an individual’s strengths and abilities in a context of dialogue and trust. This creates a space in which each person can enjoy positive experiences and opportunities to succeed, which, in turn, give rise to feelings of pride and contentment. The creative process also stimulates the participant’s neurological, cognitive, emotional, psychomotor, and relational capacities. Art therapists evaluate the needs and abilities of each client and adjust their interventions to optimize their therapeutic experience. What’s more, they do so while instilling an environment that is free from judgement. What does this mean? In short, it means establishing a creative space that is warm and welcoming, whatever emotion the client expresses, because sadness, enthusiasm and anger are just as important as each other. This mindset allows the art therapist to welcome a client in their entirety. In this space, there are no expectations either towards oneself or artistic creation because we value the individual’s experience just as much at the work produced. In other words, no judgement or aesthetical analysis is added to the result, but rather a curious and welcoming appraisal of what the person has expressed.

At the Alzheimer Society of Montreal, we advocate a person-centred approach to care. We adapt our interventions to each individual client according to what they are experiencing in the present moment and their personal histories. Indeed, the life stories of each participant can provide useful clues for the development of projects and materials that could awaken not only a client’s interest, expertise and full potential, but also their feelings and meaning for them in the present moment. For exemple, a participant who was an architect may find satisfaction in building or designing gemoetric structures. In art, the possiblities are as diverse as the colours in our palette!

In a group setting, art therapy at the Alzheimer Society of Montreal can be a form of support— a way of expressing oneself in a safe, free, and authentic environment. Remember, it is not necessary to verbalize or understand the symbolism or meaning behind an image for the experience to be a positive one. When our clients express themselves through a drawing, collage, or painting—even if they cannot do so with words— they can feel relief, listened to, seen and heard, which are essential needs for any person.

How do you know whether or not art therapy is for you? Try it and see for yourself!

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