Dados do Resumo

Título

Oncological art therapy project 2023/2024 at A.C.Camargo Cancer Center

Introdução

Health care emphasizes addressing not only the physical but also the emotional, psychological, and social needs of individuals. According to Ordinance No. 849/2017, Integrative and Complementary Practices promote natural health recovery through empathetic listening, therapeutic bonding, and integration with the environment. Given this framework, this study explores Art Therapy as a complementary practice in oncology, focusing on its benefits for patients and caregivers during treatment.

Objetivo

This practice aims to promote self-awareness, emotional and social well-being for oncology patients through creative expression. Expressive activities provide access to subjectivity, as a positive means to process illness, internal conflicts, and intrapersonal issues, enhancing emotional balance.

Métodos

The art therapy process employs expressive methods like collage, painting, cutouts, and materials such as pencils, markers, and colored paper, with optional inclusion of poetry, music, and texts to enhance the experience. Each therapy cycle, involving on average forty-five patients, comprises six sessions: Four sessions are conducted online, and two held in person to foster deeper interpersonal connections. Patients are introduced to themes that encourage self-reflection, and the facilitator provides guidance on utilizing artistic materials and techniques to express their emotions and thoughts creatively. Following the creative activities, patients engage in group discussions to share their artwork, cultivating a supportive environment where participants can gain insights from each other's experiences. This structured combination of creative expression and group reflection is designed to assist patients promoting emotional healing and personal growth.

Resultados

The research yielded numerous positive outcomes, as reflected in patient testimonials. Participants reported that the art therapy group significantly strengthened their sense of unity, with one patient noting, “We became like a family, sharing love, experiences, weaknesses, moments of strength, and hope.” Many patients found the expressive activities particularly liberating, with one of them stating, “Expressing my feelings through painting or writing is freeing and reduces my anxiety. Art therapy has brought a sense of acceptance into my life and boosted my confidence.” The collaborative nature of the sessions also fostered personal growth and solidarity, as highlighted by another patient: “Group work empowered me and encouraged me to seek strength, self-knowledge, solidarity, and empathy.” Overall, the art therapy program facilitated emotional healing and enhanced personal development, contributing to a supportive community and improved well-being for participants.

Conclusões

The Art Therapy sessions effectively used artistic expression to foster transformation, confidence, and motivation. Addressing anxiety and stress, it proved valuable for cancer patients' mental health, as the therapy sessions encouraged personal expression through creativity, leading to positive changes, transforming personal experiences into artistic expression, promoting emotional balance and self-esteem, reducing negative impacts of cancer treatment, and contributing to a supportive community

Palavras Chave

Art Therapy; Oncology; Integrative Practices