Ellen Paonessa is commencing research which will look at effects of art therapy on patients in inpatient settings.

Early this year Art therapy became the newest, psychotherapy-based, complementary therapy for residents of Kensington Hospice. Art therapy combines art makingandpsychotherapyto facilitate self-exploration and understanding through the use of colours, images, and the manipulation of art materials. Art Therapy provides opportunities to engage in art making as a way to express challenging thoughts and feelings, without necessarily having to rely on words. In palliative care, art therapy can support residents as they reflect on their present stage of life, to create gifts for loved ones, or formulate legacy work.

Art therapist, Ellen Paonessa, splits her time between Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Kensington Hospice. When at the hospice, Ellen provides art therapy sessions for residents throughout the day. Close friends, family members and immediate caregivers of the resident can also access art therapy as a way to process their own experience of sadness and anticipatory grief.

“When it comes to selecting materials, a large part of the work I do has to do with fit” says Ellen. She goes on to talk about the significance of selecting materials within the context of an art therapy session.

 “In addition to supporting the residents psychosocial needs, appropriately selecting materials to create the right paring of physical and psychosocial support, is integral. I embrace a person-centered approach and encourage residents to work with what’s calling to them. In the case that they’re requesting guidance, it is pertinent that the art material draws the individual to express easily-not too cumbersome; not requiring intense fine motor skills; not too heavy or overwhelming.”

In addition to her work as a clinician, Ellen is commencing research at both Princess Margaret and Kensington which will look at the effects art therapy on patients in inpatient settings. Her research specific to Kensington Hospice will examine the relationship between art therapy and quality of life, with clinical findings coming out early next year.

To help support the ongoing development of art and music therapy within our long-term and hospice care locations, click here.