Caregiver Wellness: How Art Therapy can help you Reclaim your Narrative

Being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness (i.e., cancer), a progressive long-term disease (i.e., Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease), or suffering from a debilitating injury (i.e. loss of a limb), can be devastating. In fact, you and your loved one will likely experience intense distress as you try to figure out your new normal. And while it makes sense that coping with your loved one’s well-being takes precedence in the initial phase of caregiving, it is imperative that you do not lose your life’s narrative.  For example, attending doctor appointments, assisting with medications, and other necessary treatments long-term can end up encroaching on the time once carved out for activities that are separate from your loved one’s care. In the long run, spouses and adult children may find that the role of caregiver eclipses the role of husband, wife, daughter, or son.

It is important that you and your loved one are empowered to reclaim your life’s narrative. Participating in art therapy is one activity that both you and your loved one may find helpful.

Caregiver Wellness: U Model

Empowerment is a key component of the Caregiver Wellness: “U” Model a conceptual model, that incorporates the movement toward social, psychological, physical, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, and financial wellness among caregivers, while also incorporating the empowerment and resilience necessary to take charge of one’s health on a holistic basis.

What does it mean to be Empowered?

According to the Caregiver Wellness: “U” Model you are empowered when you fully engage in and execute healthy behaviors to improve your caregiving situation. In fact, once you are empowered you are better able to assist your loved one live life with greater fulfillment, you are more likely to take self-responsibility for your health and wellness, in addition to the well-being of your loved one.

Art Therapy: An interview with David Goff

In an interview, Caregiver Advocate and Life Coach David Goff shared his insights regarding the benefits of art therapy for caregivers and their loved one or client. David recently hosted a five-week art therapy program called “We See You.” This program was created by Mr. Goff and is tailored specifically for Veterans; however, it can be of benefit for caregivers and their loved ones as well.

What lead you to develop the “We See You” art therapy program? I truly believe art changes people. So, I try to use it as much as I can in my work. Over time I gained an interest and researched the challenges that many Veteran’s face during the transition from active duty service. I noticed that some Veterans isolated themselves and some were not inclined to share the traumas they experienced while serving, as they felt the civilians could not relate. So rather than addressing their distress and in some instances traumatic situations, some Veterans simply keep their feelings to themselves. We See You was designed to help Veteran’s express their feelings through art.

Would caregivers and their loved one’s benefit from art therapy? Absolutely! Art grounds your relationship with yourself and with others. Art also allows the use of our creativity and imagination which are two of the most effective life coping skills. It affords you the opportunity to express your ideas and feelings at times when words may just get in the way. You can express your ideas and sometimes find new perspectives that ultimately empowers you and your loved one to reclaim your life’s narrative. I truly believe that art heals you.

David is not alone in his belief that art therapy provides an opportunity for healing. In fact, art therapy affords the opportunity to connect with others and may help you recognize that you are not alone in your caregiving. For your loved one, art therapy has also been linked to improvements in anxiety, depression, and decreased pain.¹

What are the tangible benefits of art therapy? One of the tangible benefits I have seen is Veteran’s and caregivers being open to connecting and identifying the positive aspects of their lives outside of illness or being a caregiver. I have seen participants take steps to express their feelings with other participants. Some simply lose themselves in the joy of creating! It is a blessing to witness such joy.

The responsibility of caring for someone you love can be challenging. It is important that you are empowered to seek out moments to connect, refresh, and recharge. Art therapy might be a strategy that you can include in your plan for self-care.

Want to know more about how Art Therapy can be helpful for you and your loved one? Register for the upcoming webinar, Support Services for Caregivers of Veterans. During this webinar, Caregiver Support Coordinator, Joni S. Morin will share her expertise about supportive caregiver programs offered by the Veteran’s Administration. Caregiver Advocate, photographer, artist, and Life Coach David Goff will share insights about a five-week art therapy program called “We See You.” This program was created by Mr. Goff and is tailored for Veterans of all ages, backgrounds and experiences. This live webinar is scheduled for February 21^nd from 12-1pm CST.  Registration is free however, space is limited. Please register today!

Please visit the Texas Veteran’s Home website to see the pictures from the “We See You” art exhibit.  The photo that accompanies this article was painted by David and signed by each of the “We See You” program participants.

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¹Nelson, Bryn. 2017. “The Art of Caring: In Health Care Settings, the Arts and Creative Arts Therapies Help Patients and Their Caregivers Express Themselves and Find Relief from Pain, Anxiety, and Depression.” Cancer Cytopathology 125 (9): 665–66. doi:10.1002/cncy.21912.