Exploring Creativity and Recovery

The connection between creativity and recovery has always interested Cora Hook, MS, CCC-SLP/L — in fact, it’s why she became a speech-language pathologist.

Cora is exploring that connection through a Good Shepherd Innovation Grants project, “Introducing Art-based Therapy Approaches Across Disciplines,” where community-based artists help therapists create arts-influenced techniques for patients.

“The arts can be one way that people find a way to connect or reconnect back to the community when therapy is finished,” says Cora, who treats at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation – CedarPointe.

The Good Shepherd Innovation Grants, which are open to all Good Shepherd employees, is a one-of-its-kind offering in the rehabilitation space. The program harnesses employees’ enthusiasm, natural curiosity and deep dedication by providing financial support and development opportunities for employee-led projects that improve patient care and define the future of rehabilitation.

‘Something Meaningful for Patients’

Through her Good Shepherd Innovation Grant project, Cora is connecting therapists with local artists in visual arts, theater, dance and music. In these sessions, therapists can discuss patient goals and how art can support achieving them.

For example, it could be through paper tearing, which features pinching and pulling in different directions. It’s a complex skill for kids to complete through occupational therapy. It’s also an art form: chigiri-e, which is the Japanese art of ripping paper and is sometimes called “painting with paper.”

“You can make cool, beautiful art so that the learning of the skills is incorporated into something meaningful for patients,” says Cora.

Ultimately, Cora’s goal is to create a continuing education course for therapists — and to instill arts everywhere in Good Shepherd. Currently, Good Shepherd’s Integrative Wellness Program offers a modern, comprehensive approach to individual health and healing, including arts.

The value of the arts, Cora says, is in spurring multi-modal thinking and ideation.

“You create meaning for yourself, which activates other parts of the brain, which is important for rehabilitation,” she says.

To learn more about the project, contact Cora.

Interested in bringing new ideas, fresh perspectives and solutions to the Good Shepherd team? Visit our Careers page for open positions and more information.