Traumatic Brain Injury and Art Therapy

Providing Art Therapy to people that have experienced Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is more than just offering a leisure pastime. Art Therapy increases social interaction, augments communication, stimulates right-brain activity, and supports expression of feelings - including feelings about medical trauma issues - in a safe manner. Making art supports cognitive skills such as memory, problem solving, attention, and decision making. Art Therapy involves practice in fine motor control and eye-hand control.

In Michigan some auto insurance companies may provide coverage for medically necessary Art Therapy for TBI patients.  Visit my Blog

 

With people that have experienced stroke or other traumatic brain injury, Art Therapy offers several advantages:

•   Making art on a regular basis improves quality of life, giving you something to look forward to

•   Increases social interaction

•   You can develop new skills (explore new materials – it’s not all about drawing a picture of something)

•   Develop & strengthen compensatory skills to increase communication

•   Art can be used as a communication tool (e.g.  in discussion of art product)

•   Art making may re-awaken memory, talent, etc.

•   Improve dexterity and muscle control

•   Increase use of more involved hand for stabilizing / assisting

•   To enhance emotional or literal expression

•   Boosts self-esteem

Susan Boyes, ATR-BC, LPC, is a Board Certified, Nationally Registered Art Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Michigan. Susan helps people of all ages to navigate difficult changes.  Susan also provides Art Therapy for people that have experienced Traumatic Brain Injury.

Center for Creative Growth serves the communities in southeastern Michigan, including: Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Jackson, Saline, Tecumseh, Pinckney, Washtenaw County, Livingston County, Barton Hills Village, Belleville, Bingham Farms, Brighton, Canton, Commerce, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Hartland, Highland, Howell, Livonia, Milan, Milford, New Boston, Northville, Novi, Plymouth, Romulus, South Lyon, Sylvan Lake, Waltz, White Lake, Whitmore Lake, Wixom