2. What is art therapy?
A mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well- being of individuals
(AATA, 2010)

3. Art Therapy Alphabet soup
Professional entry into art therapy requires a master’s degree that includes more than 1000 hours of supervised clinical placement and a thesis that includes original research. (MA)
Post graduate requirements include hours of supervised direct client contact and 100 hours of supervision. (ATR)
After passing a national exam board certification is granted through the Art Therapy Credentials Board (BC)
In Pennsylvania board certified art therapists are eligible to become licensed as professional counselors (LPC)

4. Art Therapy Addresses the developmental needs of the elderly
Facilitates communication
Facilitates socialization
Promotes health
Provides a way to move through loss and find personal strength
Provides a place to promote self esteem and share wisdom

5. Art therapy addresses the developmental needs of the elderly
The need to tell their story
To leave a legacy
To answer the question “Did my life have meaning?”
Addressing developmental needs reduces depression and hopelessness
(Newman & Newman, 2006)

6. Art Therapy Facilitates Communication
Between members who struggle to communicate verbally
Between generations
About emotions that are difficult to find words for
(Nishida, 2005), (Stallings, 2010), Weisberg, 2001)

7. Art Therapy Facilitates Socialization
Reducing isolation
Gives the experience of universality
Learning from each other
Sharing strengths
Sharing stories
(Weisberg,2001), (Waller,2002) (Rentz, 2002)

8. Art Therapy Promotes Health
It can
Reduce blood pressure,
Reduce anxiety
Reduce pain
Give energy
(Nainis,2006), (Waller, 2002), (Lacroix, 2001)

9. Creating art can soothe an agitated member OR bring energy to an isolated depressive member
(Elkis-Abuhoff ,2008) (Shore,1997), (Weisberg, 2001)

10. Art therapy provides a way to move through losses and find personal strengths.
(Stewart, 2004), (Waller, 2002), (Zammit, 2001)

11. Art therapy provides a place to share wisdom

12. Member artwork can be used in staff education and marketing and can bring LIFE visibility in our surrounding community.

13. Learn something new Adapt to change Problem solve Help another
The art therapist knows that if you can do it art, you can do it in your life. The artwork is a permanent reminder that you can:
Learn something new
Adapt to change
Problem solve
Help another
Accept help
Accept imperfections

14. Click anywhere on canvas to start video

15. Bibliography
American Art Therapy Association. About art therapy. Retrieved October 25, 2010, from
Elkis-Abuhoff, D., Goldblatt, R, Gaydos, M, & Corrato,S. (2008). Effects of clay manipulation on somatic dysfunction and emotional distress in patients with parkinson’s disease. Art Therapy. 25 (3),
Lacroix, L, Peterson, L & Verrier, P. (2001). Art therapy, somatization and narcissistic identification. Art Therapy. 18 (1), 2001.
Nainis, N. (2008). Approaches to art therapy for cancer inpatients: Research and practice considerations. Art Therapy. 25 (3), 2008.
Newman, B.M., & Newman, P.r. (2006). Development through life a psychosocial approach (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.
Nishida, N, & Strobino, J. (2005). Art therapy with a heomdialysis patient: A case analysis. Art Therapy. 22 ( 4),
Rentz, C.A. (2002). Memories in the making : Outcome-based evaluation of an art program for individuals with dementing illnesses. American Journal of Alzheimer’s disease and Other Dementias, 17 (3),
Shore, A. (1997). Promoting wisdom: The role of art therapy in geriatric settings. Art Therapy, 14 (3),
Stallings, J. (2010). Collage as a therapeutic modality for reminiscence in patients with dementia. Art Therapy. 27 (3), 136 – 140.
Weisberg, N. & Wilder, R. ( 2001). Expressive arts with elders: A resource. Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley.
Waller, D. (2002). Art Therapies and Progressive Illnesses: Nameless Dread. New York: Brunner-Routledge.
Zammit, C. (2001). The art of healing: A journey through cancer: Implications for art therapy. Art Therapy. 18 ( 1). 27 – 36.

16. Kenny Rogers “You Decorated My Life”
Special Thanks
Kenny Rogers “You Decorated My Life”
and to the LIFE members who gave permission to use their quotes and images for this power point and video.