Karen Wakely, an art therapist at Stamford Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut, discusses the art therapy program she’s been running at Stamford Hospital for over 10 years. Rica Mendes, a breast cancer survivor and artist, talks about the benefits of art therapy. There is also a communal bonding that happens as they meet people going through similar situations.
Wonderful! If I may add to this , focusing on painting is living only in the moment. It is actually telling the brain that we are engrossed in the present task at hand and not in worry/ anxiety. This way the mind receives only positive messages which in turn change the hormones & cells which are essential to one’s recovery. Blessings to all!
I remember Karen Wakely as I used to work with her at Bridgeport Hospital. She paid Ted a portrait of Jim Morrison for me. My name is Annette Browne and I was recently looking at a picture of Jim Morrison and that’s what spiked my memory of her. Karen is an amazing Artist with an usual voice. Please tell her I remember her and thank you for the beautiful painting.
Thank you Rita and Karen, art has helped me a lot since I started painting in my indigenous cultural (modern) style, it is such a shame art therapy is not supported much in Australia. I am an occupational therapist and did art therapy for 5 years but could not get employed anywhere as an art therapist. http://kerriethomsen.com
Karen is an extraordinarly gifted artist. She painted a famous picture of Jim Morrison for me many many years ok when we both worked at Bridgeport Hospital. She also has a unique voice. She popped into my head when recently saw the picture of Morrison she painted.