Expressive Therapy for Geriatrics

 

Mrs. Manjula S.¹* and Dr. Nalini Jeyavanth Santha²

¹Doctoral Student and Associate Professor, Sacred Heart Nursing College, Madurai

²Principal, Sacred Heart Nursing College, Madurai

 

ABSTRACT:

Long life is a sign of good health.  The ageing of the world’s population-in developing and developed countries – is an indicator of improving global health.  The aging process will affect the old age people physically, psychologically, socially, spiritually. As ageing progress, aged people become less active in physically as well as mentally.  From the literature review it is quite evident that expressive therapies are beneficial to improve psychosocial and physiological well being and quality of life of elderly.  For elders, using art to communicate, full of wonderful materials and structures that bring surprise and satisfaction.  Nurses can play a pivotal role in improving their well being.

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

“Old age is not an illness;

It is a timeless ascent,

As power diminishes

We grow toward the light”

                                                            - May Sarton

Aging is a normal progressive process, beginning at conception and ending in death. Today worldwide estimation is about 600 million persons aged around 60 years and above, this total will be doubled by 2025 and will reach virtually 2 billion by 2050. They suffer from physical, psychological, social and economic problems. The elderly benefit enormously through group activity. They are at a point in life when circumstances cause an outlet to relieve important feelings or thought that are new and confusion.  Expressive therapies are useful for the elders to communicate, ventilate emotions and enhance wellbeing.

 

Definition:

Expressive therapy is an established mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making, music, movement, drama and writing to improve enhance the physical, mental and emotional well being of people at all ages.

 

The expressive therapies (ET) modalities are a blend of experiential personal growth and counseling (therapeutic) methods developed in Australia by Mark Pearson and Helen Wilson and others since 1987, which support the emotional healing of  adults, adolescents and children.

 

Formerly called emotional release counseling, ET includes a range of approaches that explore the hidden causes behind many of the conflicts in life.  Through the inner-life skills Expressive Therapy helps clients access a wider range of intrapersonal skills and resources.

 

History of Expressive Therapy:

The idea of using the arts as an adjunct to medical treatment emerged in the period from the late 1800s to the 1900s alongside the advent of psychiatry.

Expressive therapy began circa 1970 at the Leslie College and Graduate School in Cambridge MA Paolo Knill, a leader in the field, founded the International Network of Expressive Therapy Training Centers. 

 

Aim:

It allows deep healing by involving the mind, the body and the emotions in a context of respect for each individual’s spiritual nature.

 

 

 

UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS AND EXPRESSIVE THERAPY PROCESS:

 

 

Who it is for:

        Any one can benefit from therapeutic arts:

·        Children

·        Adults

·        Adolescents

·        Elderly

Having an outlet to explore, express and empower what may be happening in a creative manner allows for the release of painful and prolonged emotional, physical and mental barriers to growth and well being promoting wellness.

 

How it Works:

Expressive Therapy uses a range of self-discovery processes to bypass the logical mind and tap into that world we know exists but cannot seem to comprehend consciously.  This experiential and holistic way of working involves more than ‘just talking about the problem’ and provides the opportunity for real and lasting change.  It is based on the belief that each person has their own inner wisdom and that the expert on who we are and what we need is actually inside us.  This allows a client on who we are and what we need is actually inside us.  This allows a client to not just express in words a particular issue, but to them feel the energy of their inner experience.  When we connect with and really feel this energy we become open to new ways of understanding the problem.  This method allows a feeling of release, insight, increased energy and a sense of well being and resolution.

 

The main principle that unites the Expressive Therapy approaches is the belief that we all have an inbuilt movement in our psyche towards healing and wholeness.  This therapy methods aim to encourage and cooperate with this natural impulse.  We each have an ‘inner healer’, so therapeutic and self discovery work supports the wisdom of these parts to come forward and direct our healing journey.  Expressive therapy allows for deep healing by involving the mind, the body and the emotions in a context of respect for each individual’s spiritual nature.

 

Benefits of the Expressive and Creative arts to the elderly:

·        Mental clarity and growth

·        Staying engaged in life

·        Accesses and releases trapped emotions

·        Social support and interaction

·        Reduces stress, fear and anxiety

·        A sense of well being

·        Establishing a new positive identity

·        Improves physical health

·        Nurtures a sense of self and renewed self esteem

·        Enriches relationships

·        Improves cognition

·        Serves as a stimulus to sort through life charges and losses.

 

Activities presented by the Expressive Therapist:

Drawing, painting, card making, sculpture, group interaction, collage, poetry, art, imaginary storytelling, music, games, scrap booking, journal writing, dance movement etc.

 

Expressive Therapy: Enhancing the Lives of Older adults

Expressive Therapy promotes wellbeing at every age.  Active older adults relax, explore, share, and enjoy expressive therapy’s creative and social aspects. It is rewarding, appealing and fun! For older adults, expressive therapy helps individuals cope with complex age-related issues including mental and physical illness or limitation, lifestyle transition, end-of-life decisions, grief, expression and communication.

 

Model Expressive Therapy Programs:

As we age, our bodies, minds, activities families, friends, and living environments change in many different ways.  Expressive therapy helps seniors in any setting, through any stage, by providing a safe, supportive, creative and positive experience to help ease transition, confusion, depression, fear, and pain.

 

Implementation Tools:

There are a number of accessible options for implementing an appropriate, thriving expressive therapy program “Expressive therapy addresses many of the challenges facing older adults and can be adapted for practice in a variety of settings. It celebrates new skills and builds a renewed sense of life satisfaction while also providing a safe way to explore loss, depression, anxiety, and changes in health”                                         - Toni Morley, ATR-BC

 

Outcomes and Applications:

There are a number of important social and health benefits that are advanced through expressive therapy.  Research and study clearly reveal expressive therapy’s positive impact with regard to health, cognition, social interaction, trauma, stress reduction, anxiety, confidence, abuse, and life’s many challenges.

 

CONCLUSION:

Many senior citizens in developing and developed regions of the world are still striving to fulfill needs that related to the survival, freedom and identity. The elderly benefit enormously through group activities.  Expressive therapy is the way to improve their wellbeing.  The nurse can assist in successful aging, equip them with better coping skills, feelings of worthiness to lead an exemplary and contented quality of life.

 

REFERENCES:

1.       Cathy A Malchiodi, “Expressive Therapies”, Guilford Publications, 2005.

2.       Ann Schmidt Luggen, National Gerontological Nursing Association, “Core curriculum for Gerontological Nursing”, Mosby Publication, 1996, Missouri.

3.       Bradon Thomas ‘Expressive Art Therapy for elder patients”2013.

4.       Mauk  L. Kristen “Gerontological nursing Competencies for care” Jones Bartlett publishers,Sudburry,2010

5.       www.wellness.com

6.       www.expressivetherapies.com

 

 

Received on 25.02.2014           Modified on 10.03.2014

Accepted on 20.03.2014           © A&V Publication all right reserved