In July 2024, Brooklyn White obtained her Art Therapy Practitioner Certification so that she can marry her passions of creating art and serving the Parkinson's community simultaneously.
Brooklyn has always had a passion for creating art. She received her Art minor from Maryville College with a special emphasis on graphic design. She has utilized these skills throughout her professional career, and has spent her past time painting with her chosen medium of acrylics on canvas.
Brooklyn believes that the practice of art making and creating can greatly benefit those living with Parkinson's on many levels - from mind, body, connectedness that helps reduce anxiety and stress -- to applying artistic techniques to aid in the control of motor symptoms commonly found with Parkinson's, including tremor and freezing. Art Therapy can bring hope, optimism and enjoyment to those living with Parkinson's.
As a result, she has created programs and classes with specific techniques that can be applied to Parkinson's patients. "Research has suggested that utilizing certain artistic techniques, and practicing them consistently over time can help reduce both motor and non-motor symptoms," claims White. "For example, working on large spaces is much like the common LSVT BIG Physical Therapy practices - encouraging us to think and move with larger motions. Achieving mind-body-connectedness through art can also help us reach a meditative state that can help reduce stress and anxiety - often a key contributor to tremor. And, working in circles can help us focus on a specific area that with concentration can also help with reducing freezing."
Brooklyn's programs and classes are available to be hosted at Parkinson's Support Groups throughout the State of Alabama, and also at Community Centers. "While recognizing one art therapy session will not achieve these benefits, my goal is to show techniques and various mediums that can be utilized and practiced at home," says White. "Art therapy can even benefit the person who has never picked up a paint brush. It's not about the outcome, but the journey. And with a little help, practice, and a few supplies -- art can be done as therapy in the home quite affordably."
Classes range from drawing to music, painting landscapes or still-life's guided or unguided, and even creating fun wood crafting projects like bird houses and door signs. In some cases, classes may be supported by grant funding. Fees vary based on the program selected, number of people participating and the supplies required.
To learn more about how your community center or Parkinson's support group can host an Art Therapy session for those with Parkinson's, or other aging movement disorders - please contact Brooklyn at brooklynwhite1218@gmail.com, or by calling 1.205.706.7320.
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