The TTAP Method at St. Thomas Aquinas and Cornell University

I thought I would share some interesting photos from the past three months in preparing for this trip. As a principle investigator with Cornell University and Weil Medical College I have been conduction a study on the TTAP Method. Additionally, I have been very active in "capturing" some images from both my students who are learning the TTAP Method and the participants at Cornell "doing" the TTAP Method. Here are some of those images, notice the concentration and the "flow" as the participants explore the creative arts in painting and mask making...

May Day in Finland- April 30- May 1 st, 2009

The Finnish have had a 100 year old tradition celebrating May Day,from the eve of April 30th through May 1, which has a very personal meaning to all Finnish people. May Day, in Finland is the celebration of freedom of the blue collar working class and the youth of this country. Every year on the eve of May Day, April 30th, crouds of people put on their "white graduation from High School", and croud the streets in celebration of this personal freedom! From what I could determine from having a number of conversations from the following individuals in half english-half finnish, over 100 years ago both workers and students were oppressed by the Finnish goverment,finacially and socially. The goverment allows alcohol consumption all day and all night. I am told that starting tomorrow morning, families will carry out blankets, and continue the party into the center park, and have picnics all day with live music, and dance shows. Here are some photos from the street...

Traveling to Helsinki, April 29th, 2009

Wednesday I left Chappaqua with 3 suitcases and a face mask! The trip was easy since the airlines allowed me to check my overweight luggage containing basically my traveling office including; Camera's, computers, hard drives, cables, presentations, and lastly clothes! Here are some images of the day...

Where will the TTAP Method(c) be Taught in Finland?

HAMK University of Applied Sciences: "HAMK University of Applied Sciences is a multidisciplinary higher education institution in southern Finland. We have five degree programmes delivered completely in English and over 100 partner universities around the world. Our activities also include applied research and development projects."

University of Tampere : "The hallmark of the University is sound, diverse research and teaching focussed on society, its economy, administration and culture and on the health and welfare of individuals."

SEAMK University of Applied Sciences: "Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences offers a total of 20 bachelor level and 7 master level degree programmes in the [varying] fields of study"

(All of the above information on the various universities was taken directly from the online data base provided from the institution itself. Click on the hyperlinks provided to be redirected to the corresponding website.)

What is the TTAP Method(c)?

Watch a video to find out!

History and Current Trends of Finland

Population trends: The Finnish population is characterized by an increasing proportion of individuals over the age of 65. There is a growing demand for services, particularly those related to caring for the elderly.

Art Therapy education in Finland: The first professional training of art therapists was organised in 1974 by the Centre of Extended Studies in the leading art and design school known as The University of Art and Design Helsinki.

Description of Art Therapy's use in Finland:The Finnish Art Therapy Association (FATA) aims to promote the practice and research of art therapy in Finland. A psychodynamic theoretical approach is taught in Finnish art therapy educational programs. The FATA website explains that art therapy may give new means for facing and processing psychological crisis and traumatic situations. Additionally, art therapy methods may be used to promote mental health.

Why bring the TTAP Method(c) of Art Therapy to Finland?

The TTAP Method(c)  is a 9 step methodology which aims to actively engage older adults and help preserve their cognitive functioning using this innovative, integrative approach to therapeutic art and for older adults. The approach also increases social interaction with its focus on dynamic group interaction. The TTAP Method(c) provides structure to creative art therapies but also encourages flexibility and individualization. Appropriate for working with both well elders and those facing illness or disability, this integrative approach is solidly grounded in brain health research, biopsychology, and humanistic aging theories.

Learning a bit of Finnish

In the various universities, the English language will be used as a primary means to communicate the information related to the TTAP Method(c). However, the bloggers hope to learn a few introductory phrases to be polite. Below is a video that will be used to learn some simple phrases due to its simplicity.