Art Therapy & Instruction

Cockey's art therapy classes enable residents to connect with the world and each other. Residents who previously refused to participate in activities of any kind attend Elizabeth's classes and participate, following instructions and discussing what they would like to paint next.

Elizabeth keeps her classes simple and says she has seen miracles happen with people who began to talk, laugh, and interactive with others once again.

She believes that many residents get back some of their self worth by participating in her classes and is blessed to help others grow and overcome illness.

To schedule an art therapy class with Elizabeth Cockey, contact Elizabeth.

Benefits of Art Therapy

  1. Improved cognitive memory function, especially short term memory
  2. Improved motor coordination, and consequently more independence with dressing, eating, and using the toilet
  3. Less dependence upon medication for stress-related disorders such as depression
  4. Greater ability to transition into a new environment or community
  5. Reduction in delusional thinking, especially in the afternoon when many are subject to "sun downing" (e.g., Grandma said, "I have to go home and feed the baby now.")
  6. Renewed interest in living
  7. Improved sense of self and renewed self esteem
  8. Higher quality togetherness with family members, especially when patient is non-verbal
  9. Greater socialization and social skills among members of the art therapy group
  10. Sense of accomplishment

What is Art Therapy?

Many family members ask me that when we’re discussing art programs. They want to know how art will support an independent senior transitioning to a retirement community, or help their loved one suffering from debilitating ailments.

Art may seem an unlikely resource for recovery and rehabilitation, but its impact on those suffering from depression, or cognitive impairment disorders as a result of stroke and dementia is shown to be positive and measurable: improved motor skills, and enhanced memory and creativity.

Art Therapy is used in many clinical settings, especially when individuals are non-verbal or unable to communicate about traumatic experiences. This form of therapy is also the means by which an individual can express himself. Painting (shown here in the gallery) and sculpting are activities that everyone can accomplish, even those confined to a wheelchair. Some of my patients have lost the use of one arm, can’t see very well, are depressed, confused or might be unwilling to participate when they are introduced to art therapy.

I have never met an adult who wasn’t daunted by painting a picture at first, especially if she never painted one before. Most haven’t. Like all other adults, they want the painting to "look right," and they will become very critical of their work, even in late stage dementia. My assistants, volunteers, activity staff and myself all strive to continually reinforce the notion that they can become real artists one paint brush stroke at a time. I use large white sheets of construction paper and non-toxic tempera paints that I purchase at the local craft store.

When someone paints a picture, various areas in the brain are used to achieve the desired result. Those regions affecting memory and coordination are stimulated. Groups of individuals painting together often develop a sense of camaraderie that was not present before. These are the same people who were previously depressed or had isolated themselves from others.

Art becomes an important connection between individuals or is a way to communicate for those who are non-verbal. Creating art stimulates the various parts of the brain that have become inactive due to cognitive impairment disorders. Over time and with practice what was lost can be recaptured through the combination of art therapy and other more traditional methods such as psychotherapy and medication.

Dr. Majid Fotuhi, MD, PhD, a neurology consultant for the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital concludes “we have the opportunity to take control of our health, improve cognitive ability, protect our memory and possibly reverse or delay the onset of memory loss during the second half of our life.”