Art therapist brings passion to her profession

Julie Rousch, art therapist at Kansas City Presbyterian Manor.

Julie Rousch, art therapist at Kansas City Presbyterian Manor.

By Julie Roush, Art Therapist

Hello my name is Julie Roush, and I am an art therapist practicing at Kansas City Presbyterian Manor. I graduated from Emporia State University with a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in art therapy. Emporia State is the only master’s art therapy program in the state. I have been contracting with Naturally Yours Traveling Art Therapy since the spring of 2007.

I have always enjoyed art and thought psychology was interesting. My undergraduate adviser recommended that I talk to the new professor for the art therapy department, and I just knew that is the direction I wanted to go. I get to explore various ways to make art accessible for each person I work with as well as see the different ways they can benefit emotionally, spiritually and physically. When the people I work with experience success so do I. It may not look the same each time — and to an observer it may just seem like another art class — but there is always more going on.

Yvonne Sanders watercolors during an Art Therapy session.

Yvonne Sanders watercolors during an Art Therapy session.

Art therapy often provides a way for participants to reclaim a small feeling of independence and freedom that comes with making choices. It gives everyone the chance to be creative. Art therapy also allows an open door for residents to build relationships, converse and express themselves creatively in a way they may not have since they were much younger. Sometimes, a participant can tell you exactly what he or she wants to put on that page, the size, the shape, the color and the placement but does not have the dexterity to do the physical work. However, the work is actually already done because they are using their minds to design exactly what they want.  I see a spark of excitement in their eyes when I walk in.

I have been coming to Presbyterian Manor since January 2014. I am scheduled to be here the second and fourth Thursdays at 10 a.m. I am rotating through the various floors to visit each and make it super easy for those on that floor to join the group. There are no requirements to be part of the group other than a desire to enjoy the hour creating. I bring in a variety of tasks, painting, drawing, clay and sometimes collage. Currently we are gearing up for the Art is Ageless show in May. Keep in mind that you do not have to be an artist to participate. Anyone who would like to participate should let the activity person for their floor know they are interested or contact Tina Ashford.

Ann Davis enjoys the art therapy at Kansas City Presbyterian Manor.

Ann Davis enjoys the art therapy at Kansas City Presbyterian Manor.

 

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