ezeller@artdynamics.ca

A message from Esther Zeller:

Let me briefly explain the benefits that I bring to my clients.

In my practice, I have found that creating and viewing art and using it as a metaphor to communicate thoughts and feelings, has great value for my clients.

Art therapy is a creative and stimulating way to gain insight about ourselves and those around us.  It involves our imaginative expression, using a wide range of materials and media, as well as viewing and experiencing art.
As a professionally trained and registered art therapist, I guide people through the creative and analytical process in a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere.  Art therapy does not require artistic ability.  Its focus is on the process of visual and verbal associations.

Children/Teenagers/Adults
Caregivers
Older Adults
Palliative Care
Daily Living Challenges

ART DYNAMICS CAN HELP CHILDREN, TEENAGERS OR ADULTS COPE WITH DIFFICULTIES SUCH AS:

  • Low self-esteem, and self-image
  • Strong feelings of loss, sadness, depression or anger
  • Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder --Hyperactivity, Distractibility, Impulsivity

In the creative and safe atmosphere of an art studio and with a trained art therapist, the individual can explore the use of different art materials, relax and focus on recording experiences in a non-threatening, visual manner.

  • Achieve insight and validation of one’s feelings
  • Move towards a well-defined sense of identity
  • Resolve major conflicts
  • Learn to concentrate and set priorities
  • Learn to manage oneself in ways that are safe and constructive
  • Encourage the creative curiosity and enthusiasm of expression towards the process of self-exploration and problem solving.
  • Deal with emotionally difficult choices and decisions.

 

AS A CAREGIVER YOU HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE, BUT IT CAN BECOME EXHAUSTING AND ALL CONSUMING:

Without an outlet to express your emotions and take time for yourself, you compromise your own health, and run the risk of accelerating your own premature aging process.

Art Dynamics can help you as a caregiver:

  • Find ways to recharge and nurture your own needs
  • Find ways to express your feelings
  • Find some peace and happiness outside of your care giving role
  • Teach you activities and directives to engage with those you are caring for

 

ART DYNAMICS WILL IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OLDER ADULTS BY:

  • Exploring life experiences through the use of simple art materials
  • Communicating thoughts visually and verbally
  • Keeping the mind fit
  • Expressing feelings towards aging
  • Stimulating memory
  • Increasing self-esteem
  • Providing non pharmacologic management
  • Decreasing depression
  • Providing Behaviour Activation
  • Providing social interaction
  • Focusing on capabilities
  • Enabling accomplishments
  • Establishing recognition
  • Establishing an environment for reminiscence and life review
  • Increasing energy
  • Enhancing brain functioning and neuroplasticity

Aging causes inevitable changes or losses. Older adults need to redefine their value through their capabilities not deficits. Apathy and mental or physical inactivity produces the most prevalent difficulties for older adults.

By keeping their mind active, the older adults will retain memory and lessen the effects of Alzheimer ’s disease and other forms of dementia. Taking part in activities that develop and maintain a positive attitude will keep older adults healthier longer.

 

ART DYNAMICS CAN HELP YOU WITH PALLIATIVE CARE:

  • Your physical pain and strong feelings need an outlet
  • Words alone are not enough to describe what you are feeling
  • The process of being creative can be meditative
  • You will become empowered and move from a passive role to an active and enabling one
  • Art can be a record of your struggles with your illness
  • Express how you view yourself
  • Decide what is important to you
  • Enhance your quality of life

 

ART DYNAMICS CAN HELP YOU COPE WITH DAILY LIVING CHALLENGES OF:

  • Physical pain and strong feelings such as anxiety, anger, sadness or depression
  • The trauma of past experiences such as pain, alienation, guilt, inadequacy, helplessness, abuse or adoption
  • Bereavement and the loss or separation of a loved one
  • Loss or change of cognitive or physical abilities
  • Treatments for cancer, HIV, dialysis