Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centreillustration
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Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre
Wellness Centre
What is Wellness?
Wellness Centre Philosophy
Olivia's Vision
Look Good... Feel Better
Living With Cancer
Therapies
Cancer Support Group
Meditation
Relaxation
Music Therapy
Art Therapy
How you can help
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What is art therapy?
 Art therapy may be defined as the use of any form of visual art materials, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, photography and now computer art, for creative self-expression. Art therapy is different from art classes and traditional art in that the emphasis is on the process of creating rather than the end product. Art skills are not necessary and the work is not assessed.

Being a visual language, art therapy is especially useful in bridging communication barriers through the use of art making. Connections can be made through pictorial images with mind, body and spirit.

 How is Art Therapy used?
 Art therapy can be used in two basic ways (which are not necessarily mutually exclusive):
Art as therapy: here the emphasis is on the product. The therapeutic value is achieved in the process of creating the work, i.e. the art experience is the therapy.
Art in therapy (or art psychotherapy): the emphasis is also on the process of creativity, but the focus is more on verbal discussion and association to the image, interpretation and arriving at insight.

The symbolic quality of the art imagery and the focus on imaginative expression is used to encourage individuals to explore ideas, feelings and issues including:
  • Releasing / expression of thoughts and hopes for the future
  • Making sense of external confusion and dissatisfaction
  • Enhancing communication skills in relationships
  • Providing a point of interest for a conversation
  • Providing an opportunity for individuals to make decisions for themselves through choice of materials
  • Providing a non-verbal avenue for expressing feelings or experiences that may be too difficult to verbalise

 What are the benefits of Art Therapy?
 In palliative care, concerns about death are an additional source of anxiety and pain. Art therapy may provide an opportunity to express these feelings. Visual images are capable of working on many levels, expressing contradictory feelings simultaneously, such as fear and acceptance. It may also offer an opportunity to adjust to the effects of a diagnosis and the way in which the illness has changed an individuals life. These changes in perception may include:
  • Giving new meaning to a different body or body image change
  • Weight loss
  • Pain management
  • Changes in mood
  • Releasing emotions and anxieties

Anecdotal benefits of art therapy in palliative care include:
  • "Momentarily forgetting my illness"
  • "Being able to rise above the illness"
  • "Overcoming pain for a short while"
  • "Feeling normal for a time"
  • "Having some kind of control"

We acknowledge contribution of past Art Therapy student Susie Parry in the preparation of this material.

For more information on Art Therapy, or to register for a group, please contact Marg Shelley, Social Worker: (03) 9496 5560.



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