In recognition of Creative Arts Therapy Week, Jamaica Hospital recently held its first annual exhibition of patient created art work.
The artwork, which was created by patients in Psychiatry units 2 and 3, was displayed in the main lobby of the hospital. Working with the therapists on these units provides patients with the opportunity to express themselves through their art in a way that they normally aren’t able to communicate verbally.
Creative art therapies utilize various art forms (art, music, writing, movement/dance, and drama) to help patients gain insight and awareness into their feelings, thoughts and behaviors in a non-threatening manner. Patients who receive inpatient mental health services participate in several creative arts therapy groups each day.
The displayed artwork was viewed by hundreds of employees, visitors, and patients, many of whom had no idea the program existed.
The hospital extends a special thanks to all staff members who work with these patients on a daily basis and who continually make the program a success.