Wednesday, August 26, 2009

8/25/09 Art Technique

Shaving Cream Painting
Population: Geriatric
Technique: Begin by gathering shaving cream (scented or original), food coloring, a paint tray liner or similar wide and flat plastic container, large popsicle sticks and thick paper. Spray shaving cream into your plastic container. Have members of the group drip food coloring onto the shaving cream. Next, have members of the group run a popsicle stick through the foam in order to mix some of the colors. Finally, place the paper into the foam and evenly press the paper down. Pull the paper out and scrape off the excess foam to reveal a marbalized brightly colored print. Encourage the group the use the prints as cards to mail to friends and family, cut up in order to create a brand new painting, or even create a group quilt. Discuss how it felt to have no control over what the painting looks like and how it felt to regain that control by turning the painting into another piece of art.

What art therapy techniques did you do this week?

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Thesis Art Task

Guardian Angel
Population: Geriatric
Technique: This task was used in my second to last thesis group. The materials used are clay (Sculpy offers a lot of color options and is relatively easy to use) and a small canvas bag that ties at the top. The topic tonight was about death and loss. We began by discussing losses in life, how one deals with the loss of someone close, how that death occurred, what emotions were felt then vs. now, and if they feel any signs of their loved one watching over them (assuming everyone in the group believes that their loved one has gone on to another place). We also discussed symbols and signs that our loved one is still here in some capacity.
The art task begins by asking everyone in the group to focus on one person in their life who has passed and what animal that person most resembled in behavior. Once everyone in the group has come up with an animal they are then asked to sculpt that animal out of clay. As everyone finishes the project, have each individual share with the group what their animal means and how it resembles their loved one. Finally, (a full ceremony is an option) place the animals into the small canvas bag and discuss what it means to be able to carry a piece of their guardian angel.

What are therapy techniques did you use this week?

Monday, August 17, 2009

8/17/09 Art Therapy Techniques

Gold Medals for Neighbors
Population: Geriatric
Task: The theme of the month is still "The Thrill of Victory", so what is more exciting than winning a gold medal? For this technique you will need ribbon, card board circles (about the size of a large gold medal), markers, paint, glitter, Elmer's glue and hot glue.
With the geriatric population I have discovered that it is best to ask a question to the group and encourage thinking of numerous responses to the question in order to get the brain moving first. In this case, ask the group what are some positive compliments people like to hear. Then, ask everyone in the group to look at their neighbor on the right and come up with a nice compliment for that person. Next, each person gets a card board "medal" to decorate using the idea of that compliment. Once the medal has been completed each person can present the medal to their neighbor and tell what the medal is for. Discuss with the group how it feels to get a nice compliment.

What art therapy techniques did you do this week?

Thursday, August 13, 2009

8/10/09 Art Therapy Techniques

Challenges and Obstacles
Population: Geriatric
Task: Read a poem using one of the "Chicken Soup" books. This week I used Chicken Soup for the Unsinkable Soul. The theme of the month is along the lines of "Go for the Goal" so I thought we could discuss overcoming challenges; particularly those that come up in life. Once the poem has been read the group is asked to create an image of a challenge that they once took on. The group also has the option to write a poem or feeling words about the experience. After the image and/or poem has been created each individual is then asked to share their creation and discuss their particular challenge along with what the outcome was, how they got through it, and if they may have done anything differently.

What art therapy tasks did you do this week?