Art lifts moods in behavioral health treatment for women
On the front door of the outpatient site of Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health in Princeton, a colorful rendering of the Mona Lisa recently served as a welcoming entry point for patients with the words, “You are a masterpiece.” Inside, the walls and ceilings of offices, hallways, break rooms, and the lobby were filled with vibrant artwork produced by both patients and staff as part of a celebratory event: the Women’s Program Art Exhibit.
Artwork highlighting collaboration
Featuring the theme of collaboration, the exhibit was coordinated by Senior Allied Clinical Therapist Jacqueline Pidich, LPC, ACS, LPAT, Primary Therapist Danielle Andersen, LAC, ATR-P, and master’s level Art Therapy Intern Katie-Lynne Lussier, with the support of Jamie Benjamin, MA, LPC, NCC, clinical manager of the Women’s Program at Princeton.
Art therapy is an integral component of each patient’s treatment plan at Princeton House—even continuing virtually throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. But now, patients are no longer limited to supplies they’d find in their homes. During their care at Princeton House, they have access to in-person collaboration and discussion along with a broad array of art supplies, including many donated by entities such as Pond Road Middle School in Robbinsville and Firmenich Inc. in Plainsboro.
Through a wings project, patients expressed what they needed to fly in life, such as strength, resilience, and self-love. They learned new skills, including weaving, crocheting, paper quilling, and mask making. Collaborative projects included a kaleidoscope of flower mandalas and mobiles adorned with bright shapes.
Setting the tone for wellness goals
“The process of creating artwork was very grounding for the team and for patients,” said Benjamin. “This initiative set the tone that we’re all working together toward the same wellness goals. The pieces came together to create something bigger than ourselves, and you could sense an elevation in mood as soon as we hung up the finished artwork.”
“Art helps us come alive,” added Pidich. “It’s visually stimulating, self-soothing, and self-motivating. Creating art requires trust in the process and a mindful focus on the present. Paired with the expertise of an allied health therapist, it supports individual treatment goals and can be empowering in the healing process.”