Nowon-gu Operates Group Art Therapy Program for Elderly Living Alone 'Yesullo-Barabom'

A total of 10 sessions from February to June to prevent depression and promote emotional stability among seniors
Various counseling programs in operation since the opening of the nation's first Nowon Senior Counseling Center
Program results from the second half of last year to be published as a book through crowdfunding in February

Nowon-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it will operate an 'Art Therapy Program' to help the psychological and emotional stability of elderly people living alone and improve their quality of life.

In 2023, the district opened the 'Nowon Senior Counseling Center,' the first self-governing district-run center in the country, providing professional counseling for various issues faced by the elderly generation, such as suicide, depression, and sexual problems. In addition to individual psychological support through personal counseling and case management, the center offers various thematic and media-based group counseling sessions, including art therapy, horticultural therapy, well-dying, insomnia treatment, and psychodrama, to help seniors achieve psychological stability.

The art therapy group counseling program, 'Yesullo-Barabom,' is jointly planned and operated by the Nowon Senior Counseling Center and the art therapy specialized company, Ma-eum Areum Cooperative.

This program targets elderly people aged 65 and over living alone who were recruited in advance and will be conducted over a total of 10 sessions from February to June. Under the guidance of art therapy experts, seniors will be helped to safely express their emotions through various artistic approaches and find emotional stability through creative activities.

The program consists of ▲Self-Portrait (drawing a self-portrait to re-recognize the precious self through the face) ▲Mind Garden (selecting yarn that suits one’s mind to decorate a garden reflecting the speaker’s feelings) ▲Scenery I Want to See (recalling and drawing a desired scenery through meditation) ▲Our Exhibition (making a celebration cake for oneself who has lived well so far), among others.

Through art activities, seniors naturally express their emotions, gain opportunities to objectively re-recognize their lives, and accept their selves. Additionally, through group activities, they are expected to improve interpersonal skills, experience social support, relieve loneliness, and regain the joy of relationships.

Ma-eum Areum Cooperative is a specialized company established to promote psychological and emotional care in the local community and activate the social economy through art therapy services. Last year, with the cooperative’s talent donation, group art therapy counseling for seniors was conducted, and the results will be published as a book titled ‘Yesullo Barabom’ through crowdfunding in February. The book will include works created by participating seniors, sharing their lives and emotions.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “Through this art therapy program, elderly people living alone will be able to look back on their lives positively and build new relationships.” He added, “We will continue to support seniors to live healthy and vibrant lives in old age through solidarity and cooperation with local community organizations.”