Art Therapy

art_therapy_header.JPG Art therapy is beneficial to clients who are experiencing a wide spectrum of emotional or mental disorders. Art and the creative process can work on such disorders like medicine works on the body, all that is necessary is courage and curiosity to make contact with the service with the imagination and the means to make a mark and derive the benefits.

Loraine O'Hagan began therapeutic art at CRMC in 2007, starting with half a day a week with two clients and now providing sessions on two days each week with up to a dozen clients.

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"Initially I had concerns about how accessible art could be as a therapeutic medium in such a multi cultural setting. But over and over I've witnessed the healing power of the connection to a creative spirit that lives in each of us. Using a variety of art materials such as pastel, charcoal, paints and paper or canvas - every client begins to explore their own unique journey that helps them create meaning from the inner pain of loss and exile."

Two clients share their personal experience of therapeutic art sessions.

My experience of Art Therapy - by Florence

I was moved from London to Coventry by the Home Office. I had lived there for 6 years and my life seemed destroyed as I left my family, friends and voluntary work. There were times I used to cry everyday and the only thing that kept me going were my three children still in Zimbabwe. One day I went to see my GP at the Meridian Centre and she referred me to the Therapeutic Arts Practitioner. I had no idea what to expect, but after the first session I realized that I can express my hidden emotions through painting.

Now art therapy is my soul remedy. Although I am a Christian I needed something physical to express my feelings. Therapeutic Art has helped me to realize that I am a person worth living a better life, even though I am waiting for my asylum claim to be considered. It is helping me cope with the harsh reality and I believe one day everything will work out.

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My Art Therapy - by Sara

I was referred to Loraine because I was suffering from the stress of what it means to have been an asylum seeker in Britain for the last several years - and still I have no answer to my asylum claim. I have been sent on to several British cities like a nomad, which has prevented me from having a sense of belonging, a sense of home and a sense of self.

Participating weekly with therapeutic art has allowed me to reconnect back to the person that I once was before this whole nightmare began. By re-awakening my creativity through painting and sculpting, I have been able to reconnect to my long held dream of writing.

Loraine O'Hagan can be contacted at art4all@therapist.net