Art Therapy at Medical Center, Navicent Health helps cancer patients

“These classes are gonna be tremendous for cancer patients and survivors,” says the program’s instructor.

Christine Greer teaches the free class at Peyton Anderson Cancer Center, Navicent Health.  It is held every month on the fourth Friday.

“We want to make sure that they’re able to express their emotions,” explains Greer. “They’ll benefit from healing and also from teamwork.”

Patients usually participate in the art therapy after they complete their infusion or chemotherapy sessions.

“I think that Christine has just wonderful energy,” expresses Darcey Berry, a Genetic Counselor at the center. “I think she connects really well with her patients.”

Berry believes cancer not only affects the mind and spirit but also how patients perceive the world.

“I think this is a safe place for patients to be able to express their emotions,” adds Berry.

According to Megan Allen, the hospital’s publication coordinator, the nurses who work with cancer patients noticed their stress levels reduced as a result of the therapy.

“Their blood pressure would go down, their mood, would improve and it helped with treatment, it helped the treatment to take better actually,” comments Allen.

The Medical Center, Navicent Health has held art therapy classes for patients since 2012.  Now, they are expanding the program to include patients from other medical facilities and cancer survivors.

They are also looking to add other programs, including musical and massage therapies.