Patients, caregivers living with neuro conditions find synergy through art therapy

On any given week, patients and family members can be found at IU Health Neuroscience Center expressing emotions and life events through art.

By TJ Banes, IU Health Senior Journalist, tfender1@iuhealth.org

Marilyn Hart says: “Art therapy helps me escape the real world. I only think about the art. My mind and body are void of pain and worries.”

Hart is a care partner to her husband, Ronald L. Hart, diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He is also a participant in art therapy. The group meets weekly for two hours and is facilitated by art therapist, Ashley Hildebrandt.

Participants have been diagnosed with a wide range of neurological conditions. They are joined by their care partners with a goal of self-expression, reducing isolation, and providing opportunities for critical thinking, thoughtful discussions, and increasing self-confidence, said Hildebrandt.

“We're often inspired by artists who have used their creativity to overcome obstacles in their lives, including notable artists who created innovative adaptive strategies to continue making art while experiencing debilitating neurological symptoms,” said Hildebrandt.

Ronald Hart was diagnosed with Parkinson’s six years ago and attends two art therapy groups. “When I’m doing art, my tremors seem less. I enjoy putting paint to paper and letting it free me from worries and pain,” he said. “I’m learning I do not need to be perfect when I create art, I just need to let go and create.”

At IU Health, Hart is in the care of Dr. Sarah Zauber. He has also gone through physical, occupational, and speech therapy through IU Health Neurorehabilitation & Robotics. He said Dr. Zauber is wonderful and the therapists at Neurorehabilitation and Robotics have put him through rigorous sessions that have proven beneficial.

In addition to Parkinson’s Hart suffered weakness on his left side and balance impairment resulting from a stroke. He no longer drives and participates in “Rock Steady Boxing” to improve his balance. The Harts have been married for 39 years and have two children, two grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

“My wife is my caretaker and the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life. She takes good care of me and tries the best she can. I love her very much and I love God even more,” said Hart.

Both Hart and his wife worked with other participants of art therapy to create an acrylic canvas piece that was part of a recent exhibit sponsored by IU Health’s CompleteLife Program.

The artist statement described the piece: “We who live with brain injuries find strength in synergy, facing challenges that others can’t see or understand. Yet when we come together something powerful happens. We share understanding, hope, resilience in our circle of support. Our stories matter, every small victory is celebrated and none of us feels alone. Together we remind one another that healing isn’t just about recovery, it’s about rebuilding identity, finding connection, and creating a community where resilience thrives.”

Marilyn Hart said art therapy helps her feel part of a community. “It has helped me find myself. I had for the most part no friends. I have met folks that have deep brain injuries, stroke, autoimmune issues, and folks with Parkinson's. I include my husband in this group because I have learned more about him personally and his Parkinson's through the process,” she said.

“The laughing in each session really lifts me up when I am having a difficult time in my life. It's like we can't wait to get together. I feel like I have blossomed and am improving my skills with the various materials used. Ashley is a marvelous therapist, teacher, and cheerleader. She has supported me throughout my trials and triumphs with my husband's Parkinson's,” said Hart.