HeArt and eMotion
.... is an 8 week expressive art and dance movement therapy programme for people living with dementia.
It will be facilitated by Maeve Larkin and Grace Beer and held in your Aged Care or community facility.
HeArt and eMotion evolved over 3 years, originating as “Moving Art” an art and dance movement therapy program funded by the Australian Government's Dementia Community Support program, held at Cooinda Village, Benalla, in 2011 and 2012.
In Moving Art, the art and dance movement were held separately and linked by common themes. In the follow up program held in 2013 the art and dance were combined and co-facilitated which proved to be very successful.
Maeve and Grace found that the combined approach addressed the psychological and emotional needs of participants more effectively. They found that participants engaged more quickly with the art work and with each other after they had moved their bodies, and that the sharing of experiences in the closing circle had an added richness.
Anticipated Benefits of HeArt and eMotion include:
* Improved social and cognitive function
* fostering of self expression
* stress management
* improved sense of self .
In Moving Art, the art and dance movement were held separately and linked by common themes. In the follow up program held in 2013 the art and dance were combined and co-facilitated which proved to be very successful.
Maeve and Grace found that the combined approach addressed the psychological and emotional needs of participants more effectively. They found that participants engaged more quickly with the art work and with each other after they had moved their bodies, and that the sharing of experiences in the closing circle had an added richness.
Anticipated Benefits of HeArt and eMotion include:
* Improved social and cognitive function
* fostering of self expression
* stress management
* improved sense of self .
HeArt & eMotion Facilitators
Maeve Larkin
I have had a lifelong interest and love of dance which I have shared with the community as a dancer, teacher, dance movement therapist and workshop presenter. Over the past 10 years I have used dance therapeutically and creatively with people living with dementia in local Aged Care Facilities.
In 2011 I attended a seminar where expressive arts therapists, dance movement therapists and music therapists shared their skills with each other in co-facilitated workshops. I could see tremendous benefits in combining arts therapies and was keen to test out my ideas. In 2013, expressive arts therapist, Grace Beer and I co-facilitated Young at HeArt, a project working with people in early to mid stages of dementia, at Cooinda Village, Benalla. The project proved to be an enriching and life affirming experience for all involved.
As well as providing group Dance Movement Therapy in the community, I also have a private practice where I combine counselling and DMT skills to foster the expression of feelings, that cannot be accessed through words.
Maeve Larkin
I have had a lifelong interest and love of dance which I have shared with the community as a dancer, teacher, dance movement therapist and workshop presenter. Over the past 10 years I have used dance therapeutically and creatively with people living with dementia in local Aged Care Facilities.
In 2011 I attended a seminar where expressive arts therapists, dance movement therapists and music therapists shared their skills with each other in co-facilitated workshops. I could see tremendous benefits in combining arts therapies and was keen to test out my ideas. In 2013, expressive arts therapist, Grace Beer and I co-facilitated Young at HeArt, a project working with people in early to mid stages of dementia, at Cooinda Village, Benalla. The project proved to be an enriching and life affirming experience for all involved.
As well as providing group Dance Movement Therapy in the community, I also have a private practice where I combine counselling and DMT skills to foster the expression of feelings, that cannot be accessed through words.
Grace Beer
Trained as a professional Social Worker forty years ago and for the past fifteen years a practising and exhibiting Artist, I have developed a blend of the two disciplines. I now have my own private practice in which I work as a Visual Artist and as a Counsellor. In my counselling work, I facilitate the expression of feelings and experience in creative ways, which leads (amongst other things) to reduction of anxiety, an increase in self-understanding and self-confidence, and enhanced communication skills.
Creativity is innate to us as human beings and when we create, we express our humanity and our individuality. Like all other human beings, people with dementia need to express their feelings in a meaningful way, need to feel valued and respected for who they are now, and need to feel that they are part of a caring community. Facilitated visual art as a group activity is an ideal way to meet these needs and I am proud to be able to offer this service.
Trained as a professional Social Worker forty years ago and for the past fifteen years a practising and exhibiting Artist, I have developed a blend of the two disciplines. I now have my own private practice in which I work as a Visual Artist and as a Counsellor. In my counselling work, I facilitate the expression of feelings and experience in creative ways, which leads (amongst other things) to reduction of anxiety, an increase in self-understanding and self-confidence, and enhanced communication skills.
Creativity is innate to us as human beings and when we create, we express our humanity and our individuality. Like all other human beings, people with dementia need to express their feelings in a meaningful way, need to feel valued and respected for who they are now, and need to feel that they are part of a caring community. Facilitated visual art as a group activity is an ideal way to meet these needs and I am proud to be able to offer this service.
What to expect
Each programme has a theme such as “The Seasons” which is explored each week through movement and expressive art activities.
At the beginning participants are welcomed into the space and introduced to the theme with warm-up movement activities. In the warm-up participants have the opportunity to contribute ideas and movements for the group to share. In this way each person can feel they have something to offer, no matter how small.
After this opening segment, participants are invited to the art tables and guided to explore the day's theme in simple, structured expressive art activities. Participants use different techniques such as drawing, painting, collage, use of symbols and writing to express their thoughts and feelings. Volunteers, who are also participants, offer encouragement by modelling for and chatting with participants.
At this time there is usually much talk and laughter as participants engage with one another, talk about their work and reminisce.
The Closing Circle integrates discoveries, ideas and feelings through a voluntary sharing of movement and art work.
What Participants have said about their experience
- I enjoyed meeting other people, companionship, all of it.
- Remembering years of pleasure of the past. Drawing flowers reminded me of my garden.
- I have always loved learning. It is wonderful to learn again.
- We all did it together.
- There was something for everyone.
- The stories, remembering about school days, playing with feathers in the school yard.
- I have had a wonderful time and talked to a lot of people.
- Put another good one on like that and I will come.
Contacts for further information and to Register
Maeve Larkin
Phone: 0357 672323 Mob: 0405 564 985
Email: maevelarkin001@gmail.com
Website: www.kineticcounselling.com
Postal: 2587 Benalla Tatong Road, Tatong Vic. 3673
Grace Beer
Phone: 0357 682619
Email: art_of_grace@yahoo.com.au
Postal: 128 Castle Hill Road, Moorngag Vic. 3673
Maeve Larkin
Phone: 0357 672323 Mob: 0405 564 985
Email: maevelarkin001@gmail.com
Website: www.kineticcounselling.com
Postal: 2587 Benalla Tatong Road, Tatong Vic. 3673
Grace Beer
Phone: 0357 682619
Email: art_of_grace@yahoo.com.au
Postal: 128 Castle Hill Road, Moorngag Vic. 3673