“Therapy through art” event

In the context of its Educational-Research Programs, the Psychiatric Clinic of the General Oncology Hospital of Kifissia “Oi Aghioi Anargyroi” invited PAMEMMAZI and its volunteers Eva Grigoriadou, Art Therapist at PAMEMMAZI and Kandia Bouzioti, Music therapist, Music and Vocal Psychotherapist at PAMEMMAZI,  to present the role of various forms of art therapy in mental health. The event was held on April 1st, 2019 at the Event Hall of the General Oncology Hospital of Kifissia “Oi Aghioi Anargyroi”. Both speakers are part of the PAMEMMAZI team and provide patients at the “Oi Aghioi Anargyroi” Hospital with Art Therapy and Music Therapy sessions respectively, according to the program calendar issued every month.

Dr Michalis Trellopoulos, Psychiatrist and Director of Ε.S.Y., opened the event with an introduction about existing therapies through art, such as Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Drama Therapy and Dance and Movement Therapy.

Ms Eva Grigoriadou provided a brief set of information about the history of Art Therapy, talked about ‘art brute’, touched upon research findings about how this particular therapeutic approach can contribute to mental well-being and presented a case study about one of her patients at the Ayr low secure psychiatric clinic in Scotland where she worked as an Art Psychotherapist. To end her presentation, she facilitated an interactive workshop themed “Patients whom you met in your professional path and that have emotionally challenged you”.

Ms Kandia Bouzioti provided a historical background of Music Therapy, spoke about this particular therapeutic approach and showed a video of a patient who benefited from Music Therapy. She also talked about PAMEMMAZI’s work in the hospital, and enabled health professionals to encourage patients and their families to engage in our programs. Ms Bouzioti completed her presentation with an interactive relaxation activity that she often uses as a relaxation technique during Music Therapy sessions with patients, using an ocean drum and a rain stick

Big thanks to Dr Michalis Trellopoulos for inviting us and giving us the opportunity to present the beneficial effects of art in mental well-being.