Museotherapy – new trend in therapy of emotional disorders

Abstract

One of the newest methods of dealing with stress is museotherapy. It is a conscious use by art therapists of the positive impact of art collected in museums on the mental, physical, spiritual and social well-being of a specific person. This form of adjunctive therapy in the treatment of somatic and mental disorders offers unique benefits. It reduces the harmful effects of stress, improving quality of life with illness and future prognosis, and even accelerating recovery. Museotherapy increases awareness and, thanks to the participation of an art therapist, who establishes a bond with the patient, causes the patient to become more open, more likely to tell their own stories, and share their associations and emotions. This method also develops empathy, which is especially recommended for medical students and doctors as well. Museotherapy has already been introduced in the world to support the treatment of patients. In Canada and France there is a practice of the so-called “prescription museum” and “hospital museum”. In Poland, the pioneer of this therapy is Prof. Robert Kotowski, director of the National Museum in Kielce. This form of therapy is most often used by oncological patients, those with dementia (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other), hypertension, diabetes, chronic pain, people on the autism spectrum and also the disabled. Mentioned activities promote creativity and achieve well-being, reduce anxiety, pain, depression, loneliness and insomnia, facilitate overcoming life difficulties, increase self- esteem and acceptance. Modern medicine is also integrated medicine, which combines classical medicine with other forms of therapy, among which museotherapy has a special place.

Keywords

• museotherapy
• stress
• emotions
• empathy
• mindfulness
• somatic diseases
• mental diseases
• dementia