The Year in Review

Music and art are universal languages that bypass cultural and social barriers.

The provision of medical treatment for physical symptoms is of utmost importance, but there is existential suffering that doesn’t get treated.  As disease progresses and patients near the end of life, the role of doctors decreases and the role of the psychosocial workers increases.  After the treatment of pain and other symptoms such as constipation, shortness of breath, etc, patients grapple with other symptoms like anxiety, depression, grief, and collusion.

Often, the patient does not have a voice in their medical care and sometimes don’t even know their diagnosis or prognosis. Cultural barrier do not allow for the treatment of mental health disorders.  There is no mechanism in place that allows patients to safely explore their psychosocial suffering or to receive treatment for them.

WSH uses expressive arts- music, art and movement therapy to act as a bridge to mental health care. It will be comfortable for the patient to engage in therapy using the arts.  This offering is for patients, their families, caregivers and the medical team involved in the patients care.