The Art of Recovery: Processing the Twelve Steps through Art Therapy

Posted 13-06-2014

There is a new group being offered at Pasadena Villa Orlando called Processing the Twelve Steps through Art Therapy.  Marnita Patton, MA, ATR, CCBT, CGT, CDP, Art Therapist at Pasadena Villa Orlando, leads residents on an exploratory and creative approach to the twelve steps that can provide deeper meaning to twelve step work. This group is useful not only for those first learning about the twelve steps but also for anyone working a lifelong program of recovery. Although there are studies on how therapeutic art can help with recovery; it cannot currently be considered evidence-based mental health treatment. However, the approach leaves each resident with unique creative outcomes that will continue to motivate, inspire, and be a springboard to further awareness.

There are a variety of art directives or projects that aptly highlight each of the twelve steps. Creative expression allows for safe exploration of feelings, discovering and practicing new coping skills, and learning new ways of thinking enhances cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy. Reflective questions are part of the group and extend purposeful introspection beyond the initial group setting.

The use of art materials can channel emotions and create healthy distractions, particularly when recovery becomes a struggle. Involvement in the creative process can be a personalized meditative experience and can work toward clearing the mind by refocusing self-destructive impulses into something more productive and positive. The work done in this group can be further explored in an individual therapy session with a sponsor, trusted friend or family member.

Currently over twenty percent of our residents receive quality assistance with 12-step and recovery services in addition to mental health residential, transitional and support services. We also provide other less intensive mental health services, such as life skills training  other individualized therapy programs.

The Villa Orlando and Pasadena Villa’s Smoky Mountain Lodge are adult intensive psychiatric residential treatment centers for clients with serious mental illnesses. We also provide other individualized therapy programs, step-down residential programs, and less intensive mental health services, such as Community Residential Homes, Supportive Housing, Day Treatment Programs and Life Skills training. Pasadena Villa’s Outpatient Center in Raleigh, North Carolina offers partial hospitalization (PHP) and an intensive outpatient program (PHP). If you or someone you know may need mental health services, please complete our contact form or call us at 877-845-5235 for more information.

Sources:

• Ps.psychiatryonline.org
• Psychcentral.com
• Nami.org – CBT
• Nami.org – DBT