St. Joseph's Health Centre Presentation

March 25, 2009

ART THERAPY - CREATING A THERAPEUTIC ALLIANCE TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH LOSSES

Esther Zeller is a registered Art Therapist who works with group and individual older adults in her private practice “Art Dynamics” in Toronto. She is on faculty at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute and a sessional instructor at Laurentian University where she teaches, “Art Therapy and Aging”. Her presentation will include visual case studies of older adults with varying levels of physical and cognitive ability.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Explain the similarities and difference between Art Therapy and Art Studio for Older Adults

Understand how Art Therapy can improve the quality of life for Older Adults with:
Cognitive losses  – dementia, executive functioning            
Physical losses    – stroke, Parkinson’s related
Emotional losses – friends, family

Recognize the benefits of Art Therapy in building a strong therapeutic alliance between the older adult, family members and patient centered team by:
♣    Improving communication
♣    Offering Behavioral Activation
♣    Providing recognition
♣    Decreasing depression

Apply art therapy in aid of patient assessment

Identify patients that would benefit from this therapeutic intervention