https://we.tl/t-hRAfLyY2og
- Clémence : Hi ! I didn’t know you had class today, how are you?
- Lise : I’m fine, thanks. I’m preparing a course on cognitive aging. I came across the video of a former prima ballerina who has Alzheimer’s disease and who manages to reproduce her old choreography while listening to music. Do you know this video?
- C : Hmm no this doesn’t speak to me at all, but it’s impressive!
- L : Yes, her name is Marta Gonzales. In her care home, there is an association that takes care of residents with neurodegenerative diseases through music. They made her listen to the music from Swan Lake, which she had performed several times in her career, and she began to dance with her arms.
- C : It’s great, she was able to relive memories despite her disorder… You see, I don’t think we use non-drug approaches enough for cognitive disorders.
- L : I totally agree with you, that’s why I’m preparing for this course, an opening on art therapy. I think too few people know about this method!
- C : It must be admitted that this concept is still not widely used. For example, during my internships, professionals used the Snoezelen approach or even animal mediation, but there was no art therapist.
- L : It’s a shame because art therapy is a therapeutic approach that aims to improve well-being through an artistic process. It’s also used in several sectors, health of course but also in social or education for example.
- C : In addition, from what I understand, there is something for everyone since it can be based on drawing, dance, theater, writing, sculpture and more.
- L : By the way, to come back to the video, for several years art therapy has been an integral part of the therapeutic care of people with Alzheimer’s disease. It stimulates the preserved cognitive abilities of patients and calls on different cognitive processes such as attention for example.
- C : It’s true that the implicit memory, the memory of our know-how, is relatively preserved despite the disease. Neuroimaging studies also show that art therapy activates brain areas related to long-term memory and emotions.
- L : Well, knowing that Implicit memory doesn’t require conscious thought, they can continue to perform actions like cutting paper without feeling like a failure.
- C : Absolutely ! This will also improve their self-esteem, which is often diminished by the disease. The goal is not the production itself or that they progress technically but rather that they enjoy the moment.
- L : Then, art therapy can also serve as a mediator to communicate.
- C : Of course, patients with neurodegenerative diseases can have language difficulties. Art therapy allows them to express themselves non-verbally, so it’s also less costly from a cognitive point of view.
- L : I agree, we can say that artistic creation allows us to recall memories in a soothing setting and to express emotions that may be difficult to access.
- C : Yes ! In a Way that art therapy is a sensory stimulator because it doesn’t only affect cognition.
- L : It’s a good approach to regulate mood!
- C : Besides, I had read that art therapy promotes the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine or oxytocin, also called “happiness hormones”. This method is therefore beneficial because it will reduce behavioral disorders such as agitation by reducing anxiety in particular. It’s a good alternative to chemical treatments which can have a lot of side effects.
- L : To summarise, it will involve several areas such as the cognitive, emotional, behavioral and motor spheres, and we must not forget that it has a positive impact on social life. However, art therapy is not limited to neurodegenerative diseases!
- C : Indeed, as we have mentioned, art therapy is used in many sectors. It’s therefore accessible to all, children, adolescents, adults and the elderly with or without pathologies.
- L : Absolutely, the advantage is that this method will adapt from one individual to another according to their needs
- C : In concrete terms, do you know how a session takes place? It’s vague for me.
- L : It’s already important to take the time to discuss with the patient his expectations and assess his resources. In an institution, the multidisciplinary team will propose the therapeutic objectives to really center the care on the person.
- C : So we propose the tools that will be adapted?
- L : Yes, as we said earlier there are different forms of art therapy. So there is a multitude of materials, you can work very well with clay, ink or even with a musical instrument.
- C : If I have understood correctly, what is essential is that the patient feels confident and that the activity is carried out in a benevolent way.
- L : That’s it. Sessions generally last between one and two hours once a week. These sessions can be individual or in groups. It’s quite possible to have a reflection accompanied by the art therapist on the creation made. The patient can for example express his feelings.
- C : We were talking about adapted tools earlier. I was thinking that for some people it can be difficult to practice but they can still have an aesthetic experience.
- L : That’s to say ?
- C : The aesthetic experience is to enjoy a work of art in a disinterested way. We can admire a sculpture simply because we appreciate it without there being any stakes behind it. Studies have shown that looking at works of art activates the areas of the brain that regulate emotions. The reward circuit will also be activated.
- L : It’s great because it means that even people with motor problems can enjoy the beneficial effects of art.
- C : Personally, I would very much like to use art therapy in my future practice, especially in a memory center. There is little support offered following the announcement of the diagnosis apart from psychological support or cognitive stimulation activities. I think that carrying out art therapy sessions in addition could be beneficial.
- L : It’s true that combining the knowledge of neuropsychology and art therapy could further maintain the cognitive abilities of patients while promoting social ties.
- C : Do you want to train on your own?
- L : Why not, as a psychologist it’s always beneficial to use several tools. However, we must be careful because many paid training courses are offered to become an art therapist, but they are not all certified by the State. There are also University Degrees which generally last two years with a minimum of hours of training to obtain the title of art therapist
- C : For therapeutic purposes, it’s therefore necessary to be qualified. By the way, do you have articles on art therapy?
- L : Sure ! I used some to complete my course. If you want more information you can also contact certain structures such as the Nantes University Hospital.
- C : Really ? Do they use art therapy in a specific department or in general?
- L : For several years, the Nantes University Hospital has been experimenting with art therapy care protocols to assess its effects. For example, they set up an experiment measuring the impact of art therapy on anxiety in children with cystic fibrosis. They also use it in several departments, including the high-risk pregnancy unit.
- C : This shows art therapy can be useful for many patients with various difficulties. In any case I wish you good luck with your course. See you soon!
- L : Bye!