Strength and Diversity through a Self-Psychology Approach to Art Therapy

Abstract

This article describes the use of art therapy with the aging population. Emphasis is placed on the use of art therapy with the segment of the elderly population who have experienced severe mental or physical losses. The art process appeared especially useful with moderately to severely impaired elderly who had experienced severe anxiety in addition to dementia. Decision making was used as a means to empower the older adult to expand on existing self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-cohesion within their capabilities. While the moderately handicapped client could eventually initiate choices about colour, form and/or topic, the severely handicapped, regressed client required constant technical assistance and cueing to make decisions as to colour form and/or topic. Spontaneity with this client group was observed infrequently and was not emphasized. Perseveration of either colour, form and/or topic was observed with both the moderately and the severely regressed clients. Similarly group interaction occurred occasionally with this segment of clients while interaction with the art therapist occurred during each session.