Monday, May 7, 2018

The Effects Of Water Color Painting Therapy On Patience With Alzheimer By Jo Ann Danchik

By Dorothy Hughes


Alzheimer and dementia are two rather sensitive subjects to discuss on any level especially considering the kind separation and emotional distress that they can cause on families, loved ones, and even the suffering patient. Although the is no cure for either of these conditions and doctors simply try to minimize their effects by prescribing specific medications, some that work and some that don t. However, Jo Ann Danchik says that in the midst of all this hopelessness something that seems to be shining small beams of sun rays of hope is the use of center painting therapy as a form of bringing patients with Alzheimer moments of joy and peace.

This art form of therapy is especially used in children and adults who have encountered some kind of traumatic event or life-altering moment. Painting and drawing are used to help the individual to express suppressed emotions and feelings related to the event without necessarily having to verbalize the details. This is a fantastic way of creating a safe place for the person to share their trauma.

As technology seems to be dividing people socially the need for feeling heard and understood has risen dramatically. This has, in turn, led to the creation of a number of art forms to try and convey the message. According to the journal of psychology, it is human nature to want to tell stories, to want to share parts of ourselves with others and make connections through various channels whichever format those expressions may take.

This is quite often found in children who have seen a traumatic action or have been through a traumatic action. In fact, in kids it can go a step further, with some kids completely shutting down after such trauma. In some cases, children may stop talking all together.

When these colors are used during therapy on people with Alzheimer it signals muscle memories within the brain and enters the brain s memory centre where patients can then link colors to specific memories, feelings and thoughts. When the colors are a lot lighter as is the case with watercolors they create a layer of serenity as the colors aren t as intrusive to the patient s mind.

Now, back to the use of water painting as an expression of emotion. The ancient art of painting dates back centuries ago, with the Mayans and their ancient paintings and the Egyptians and their hieroglyphics paintings as an expression have been going on forever. The uses of color paint are specifically therapeutic in that is uses color as a method of expression.

Colors emit emotions, they stir up certain memories, thoughts, and feelings by the mere sight of looking at them. This is called association and using a colour in one s artwork helps you to emote. Paintings tend to be a security blanket of emotions where you can simply tell how the artist was feeling on the sole basis of the colours they chose to use.

Feeling trapped after a trauma is quite a common occurrence in trauma victims. These feelings stem from a place of fear, and of refusing to feel emotions and be vulnerable. Art as a therapy form is a wonderful way to reopen communication channels.




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