engleski

Art as therapy: Innovative approaches in psychiatric care

Different aspects of occupational therapy have been implemented in the care for psychiatric patients in the University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče since its foundation in 1879. During the recent couple of years, new and innovative approaches have been developed. We are presenting the use of art as therapy in a project based on creation of animated movies, a unique program used in our hospital. The project includes specialists from different areas employed in the hospital: academic sculptor, occupational therapists, professional associates, social pedagogues, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and technical service. However, the patients from all departments of the hospital are in the center of attention. As a part of this project, besides classical art disciplines, patients create stories, write scenarios, create scenographies, animate characters, compose and perform music for films created in the hospital. So far, 5 animated movies were created. In 2012, film “Bound to Fail” was presented at World WAPR Congress in Milano, and in 2016 film “Reclaiming Asylum” was presented at exhibition “Bedlam – the asylum & beyond” in London. Currently, 15-minutes long animated movie “The Unusual Bath of Mister Otmar” is in final phase of post-production. In conclusion, use of art as a therapeutic method in the care of psychiatric patients presents innovative and useful treatment method that can help in rehabilitation of patients, especially the ones who are in longer hospital treatment. Through this project and workshop, patients are able to learn and use different creative, communication and social skills that can help them to gain more self-esteem and self-confidence, as well as to help them in their everyday functioning.

art ; therapy ; innovative approaches ; psychiatric care

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