Arts & Health
SPDT has been at the forefront of the Arts & Health field since introducing its signature program, Caring for the Caregiver℠ in 1992. Additional SPDT programs include Meaning in Movement℠ for stroke survivors and their care partners, and Transforming the Doctor-Patient Relationship℠ for physicians and medical students. SPDT’s Community Connections programs are significant components of the company’s mission and have been cited as a “National Model” by The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and recognized for “Best Practices” by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Caring for the Caregiver
Inspired to provide caregivers with a creative outlet for the stresses of their profession while cultivating greater communication and understanding, Suzanne Costello and Stuart Pimsler developed their program, Caring for the Caregiver℠. Since its inception, SPDT has presented these programs throughout the United States, Canada, Israel, Russia, Taiwan, Bermuda, and Mexico. The participants from across the globe represent a broad cross-section of the healthcare community including physicians, nurses, medical students, hospice staff, social workers, therapists, counselors, and home healthcare providers.
By exploring the power of touch and movement to help people communicate and connect with others, these workshops seek to foster stronger relationships and understanding among teams of staff members as well as between caregivers and their patients. Through the integration of movement and voice, memories and stories, participants explore ways to express feelings associated with their profession. Caregivers are encouraged to share their personal stories and reflections on how they provide support in their daily work. Together they explore a series of improvisational movement and writing exercises at their own level of skill and comfort. No prior movement experience is required.
“A renewing and healing experience.”
Ashokakumar Patel, MD, Pulmonologist, Mayo Clinic
Life Stories
In this movement/story workshop for senior adults and veterans, participants give voice to their life histories. Through group sharing and gentle movement exercises, they find new ways to communicate their life experiences so that they may be heard, honored, and celebrated.
“This workshop was outstanding! Each participant was able to share themselves and their history. Great program!”
– Amanda Cahill, The Waters of Edina
Meaning in Movement
Meaning in Movement℠ is a workshop for stroke survivors and their partners, first introduced at North Memorial Stroke Center in Minneapolis. Participants are invited to share their life stories and experiences as stroke survivors. These stories are translated into movement to help find expression for the complex feelings and pressures that result from a stroke. Participants leave these workshops with a sense of accomplishment and pride in their commitment to live a full and generous life. Similarly, the stroke survivors’ care partners experience a new appreciation for the survivor as their support is re-emphasized.
