Art Therapies
Creative activities such as art and music help behavioral health patients toward healing and recovery.
Studies show that creative therapies can have a positive effect on mental health. Participating in art, music, and other creative endeavors can help behavioral patients express emotions that are sometimes difficult to communicate in words. Focusing on a creative activity can help with impulse control, while helping an individual practice mindfulness and “self-soothing.” The creative arts offer non-threatening ways to try new skills in a safe environment, encourage social interaction through shared activities, and provide a sense of accomplishment.
As part of patients’ treatment and recovery, Peninsula offers arts therapies including calligraphy, music, and other art activities.
Calligraphy Program
Peninsula Hospital has received a grant of $7,880 from the Tennessee Arts Commission that is providing calligraphy classes at the facility. This unique art therapy offers patients a creative experience that supports treatment and recovery. The grant was obtained with assistance from Covenant Health’s Office of Philanthropy.
Calligraphy is the art of creating stylized lettering or handwriting. The grant covers the cost of weekly sessions with an instructor and supplies for the patients. Calligraphy helps patients learn how art can promote well-being in their daily lives. Their comments about the program include:
“I learned to express myself and my feelings through color and flow.”
“It helped my depression by distracting my mind. It also helped my self-esteem.”
“I learned to relax. It was a great way to get my mind off stress.”
Healing to the Sound of Music
At Peninsula Hospital, art therapies also include music activities. Children, adolescents and adults in inpatient programs may participate in private group therapy sessions that include listening to music and music-making with drums and other instruments. The activities are funded by Covenant Health Foundation, which provides charitable support for programs and services across Covenant Health.
Music helps teach valuable life lessons that aid patients in their recovery. Whether struggling with substance abuse, family issues, emotional instability or medication management, every participant can learn from each lesson. The instructor uses music to talk through various “life lessons,” coping skills, identifying emotions and more. Sessions can also use pictures and guided imagery paired with songs.The experiences help patients share feelings and learn to cope with various aspect of “the journey of life.”
Recovery Education Center
Peninsula’s Recovery Education Center is an outpatient educational program that prepares participants for success in their life goals. The program helps patients develop recovery concepts and build resilience through training in emotional management, boundaries/healthy relationships, effective communication, mindfulness/relaxaton, addiction/codependency, spirituality and healthy social support.
Program therapists encourage creative expression through artwork to help patients with the emotional healing process. Using a variety of media such as painting, drawing, jewelry making and other activities, participants create artwork that expresses their personal journeys. Each year examples of their artwork are featured for sale at Artsclamation!, an annual fund raiser for Peninsula’s behavioral health services.
