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Frequently Asked Questions with Noell Hammer, Founder, Art Without Boundaries™, MnemeTherapy™
A: No. Art Therapy is a psychological process and uses expressive or creative art with the goal of exploring feelings. Our goal is provide a rewarding experience and we use everyday, pleasurable experiences in a unique combination such as singing and painting, movements, story telling, and praise, components that don't require supervision and licensing from the government. Instead of exploring feelings, we try to achieve whole brain synchronization and sustained attentive focus. This may stimulate neuroplasticity, or the ability to move functions and create new neural pathways. The word "therapy" comes from the Greek "therapeia" meaning "a service, an attendance" which, in turn, is related to the Greek verb "therapeuo" meaning "I wait upon." Therapy was (and is) a service for those in need. In our case, we provide a service to those with issues pertaining to the brain.
A: In 2000, I was hired as Executive Director of a small Alzheimer's Association Chapter. For an upcoming fund raiser, I started painting with Alzheimer's patients and began to notice patterns between the way people painted and their verbal and spatial skills. When the chapter territory was assigned to a larger chapter, the "Making Memories" program was dropped and later our chapter office was closed. At the request of Sarah Rowan, a former board member and friend, I went to Aiken, South Carolina to paint with her husband, Dr. Joe. At Mattie C. Hall Rehabilitation Center we had our first documented testimonial of dramatic improvement. Surprised and thrilled that this could help people, I began to document what I was doing and seeing. Later, I started using "the process" as a private practice and continued to see amazing changes that took place in just 30 minutes. After many requests for training, I incorporated AWBF in 2005 with the mission to train artists in the process that I called Mnemetechnic Therapy. In 2010, we changed to a professional association, where membership is required to practice MnemeTherapy®. Membership provides training, certification of competency and continuing education.
I'm sure people had trouble pronouncing psychology at first as well. You are probably familiar with another word, Mnemonic device. A memory help. MnemeTherapy™ is from Mnemosyne, short name, Mneme, [pronounced NEMMA rhymes with EMMA] the Greek goddess of memory and mother of the nine Muse. I liked the idea of that our process encompassed her daughters as well, not only memory, but the Greek attributes for music, art, movement, history and story telling. Alas, we neglect Erato's erotic poetry and Urania's astronomy, but...τέτοια είναι ζωή! (such is life) So you don't get the wrong idea, we are only using her name like musicians use Muse or psychologists use Psyches. This is not a new cult worshipping a mythological Greek Titan.
hard to believe.
Painting." We tell the client it's a lot like a cooking class. We know the recipe for the painting and we give them the ingredients and instructions on how to do it. What we don't get into is that it's the act of painting that's important. MnemeTherapists are trained to use painting as an assessment tool, noting horizons, boundaries and other "tells". Based on information gathered from the brain, the therapy then sends information to the brain and in a state of sustained attentive focus, often the brain responds with its own assessment and course correction. To learn more about the process visit our page Directed Painting
area would be interested. Should I go and talk to the administrators about the program?
discouraged because they were asked lots of questions they couldn't answer and basically got shot down before they got off the ground. We have a proven system of getting you in front of the decision maker and will give you the answers you'll need for the questions they'll ask. The best homework you can do is find out if you have plenty of nursing homes, assisted living, adult day centers and autistic programs within driving distance. If you want to start the application process, start here
(rules apply:) We also have a sister organization, The Wellness Workshop, where students can train free to become a Wellness Workshop Coach and earn extra income Q: If I donate to AWBA do I receive a tax benefit? A: Yes, The Art Without Boundaries Association has tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. You may make a donation on line by clicking here |
Mnemosyne (Mneme) the Greek goddess of memory and mother of the Muse |
Without Boundaries, President, MnemeCorp, Inc |
AWB In the News |