Marnita Patton, MA, ATR, CCBT, CGT, CDP, Art Therapist at Pasadena Villa Orlando, led residents on several art activities revolving around the theme of peace. Residents and staff conversed about the recent events in Paris, and around the world. Everyone then discussed the message of peace and created peace doves. The staff also discussed six different works of art by Pablo Picasso all containing the theme of peace. Elements of design such as: line, color, and placement of symbols were discussed with each individual work and then all were placed out on the table for a compare and contrast discussion.
Next, everyone brainstormed and listed on poster paper all the synonyms for peace. Some ideas included: acceptance, tranquility, serenity, kindness, love, listen, nice, unity, unite, community and inclusion. A word or phrase about peace was selected from the list and used in a design project where clients cut out a card stock dove upon which to work.
In addition to an individual dove project, we had a group thumbprint dove. Each individual selected a different color of paint (colors were mixed and many created unique tints by adding white to their selected color). Residents added their thumbprint and their first name, at the bottom of the poster board to create a ‘legend’ of all that participated. Then many, many, thumbprints were added inside the large dove shape, creating an expression that all had a ‘thumb’ in doing!
Pasadena Villa programs set out to create a comforting and therapeutic environment. We do things a normal family would do. Our staff and residents learn and model appropriate social and communication skills, from daily mealtimes, to many fun and relaxing arts and crafting activities.
Our mental health professionals work directly with residents. They observe them in actual social situations and incorporate these observations directly into the resident’s ongoing treatment plan. This individual real life personalized attention makes the Pasadena Villa treatment experience more appropriate, relevant and beneficial for each of our residents, especially when compared to any other available adult residential treatment mental health services. As one of the very first programs in the country to base its treatment upon Social Integration, our mental health facilities offer help through a unique mix of individualized therapy and group residential programs with a clear focus towards achieving more independent living.
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 407-574-5190 for more information.
