Art & Music Therapy for Patients

Art & Music Therapy for Patients Hospitals do not generally allow music in patients rooms, and many people wonder why. The fact is, not everyone appreciates background music. As much as music can be soothing and relaxing to some, it can actually be an annoyance to others. Music can stir a variety of emotions, from happy to sad. People hospitalized long term have a tendency to become very settled in routine, and can often lack the ability to display emotions. Music can trigger feelings that have not been felt in some time. Even if the emotions brought to the surface are a little reminiscing and sad, that is part of life, and it helps to motivate patients to move forward in their recovery process.

If you are given the option to select the type of music for your patient, consider the decade they can probably relate to the most, and you can almost never be wrong.

Art Therapy Art Therapy provides therapeutic, healing benefits for patients in hospitals and other medical settings, and is used with greater frequency to significantly reduce a broad spectrum of symptoms related to pain, anxiety, and discomfort. Art Therapy helps individuals cope with complex healthrelated issues, lifestyle transition, grief, expression and communication, and more. “Numerous case studies have reported that art therapy benefits patients with both emotional and physical illnesses. Case studies have involved many areas, including burn recovery in adolescents and young children, eating disorders, emotional impairment in young children, childhood grief, and sexual abuse in adolescents. Studies of adults using art therapy have included adults or families in bereavement, patients and family members dealing with addictions, and patients who have undergone bone marrow transplants, among others.

Related: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Facts Art therapy is a form of emotional support that can be helpful to people who are struggling with difficult and challenging situations. It involves using visual art materials with a trained art therapist to create pictures or objects that have meanings. Art therapy may help release bottled up emotions, and give new understanding and perspectives.

Art therapy is not about creating a fantastic piece of art. You don’t need to be able to draw or paint.

For people living with cancer, art therapy offers a way of communicating and

exploring confused or difficult thoughts and feelings. It can encourage positive feelings too, as people enjoy the control and expressive qualities of making art. It is supportive to share experiences with a trained art therapist and connect with other people who are in similar situations.

Art therapy may be very helpful for people who feel uncomfortable with touch or talk therapies. And it can be helpful in supporting families and friends affected by cancer.

There are currently some studies that prove the benefits of music and art therapy for patients, and they all indicate the same positive results. some hospitals are starting to implement programs that involve art therapy, and are using it for patients that have a stay longer than a few days.

Art therapists are trained to work with people with a variety of problems, including Chronic or life limiting illnesses, including cancer Mental health problems, including depression and addiction Relationship problems Eating disorders Learning disabilities Why people with cancer use art therapy  As with many types of psychological support, people with cancer use art therapy to help themselves manage their feelings, relationships and activities better.  Art therapists use a variety of techniques within a safe and confidential setting to help people  Express buried emotions  Adjust to a changing body image  Cope with grief  Cope with fear, anxiety and depression  Gain a sense of freedom and self confidence  Communicate more easily Art therapy can be a safe way for people with cancer and their families to explore emotions such as anger, fear and anxiety about the cancer and treatment. Some adults and children find it easier to express difficult emotions and painful times through being creative, rather than trying to talk things through.

For bedridden patients, adult coloring books are the new craze. They are very popular and can be purchased mostly anywhere books are sold. They make an ideal distraction for those in bed.

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