Art's therapeutic value

We don't often have the chance to see the world through the eyes of someone with cerebral palsy. Yung Chen paints a vivid picture for Amanda Leek.
Yung Chen, 27, is confident and articulate, sharply dressed and professional. He clutches the painting which is on sale at the Arts Therapy Open Morning at IRIS Rehabilitation in Sandringham. His huge grin is infectious. He's proud of his work, which includes many paintings he has exhibited and sold, drama productions under Drama Therapy and videos in which he has acted.
Slowly, but sure of himself, Yung answers our questions about what he paints.
"It's not just how I feel, it's also about landscapes. Where I go every day; what I see when I go out to the country quite a lot."
He paints for a particular reason. "I want to convey a positive message," he says.
"We are all living our lives just the same and the only difference between me and other people is that I'm in a wheelchair. What's inside is more important than what's on the outside."
Yung's favourite piece is displayed in the foyer of Auckland Central Police Station. Two months ago, four people at IRIS took part in Work With Purpose, a programme which led to work experience in the police station's forensic unit.
They found the skills required for painting in art therapy were similar to the skills required for fingerprinting and forensic research.
In exchange, the exhibiting artists produced a display of four paintings on four topics relating to police work. This was unveiled on September 21.
The profession of arts therapy is in its infancy. It was officially classified as an occupation in Australia and New Zealand only in 2006. IRIS Rehabilitation, part of the Cerebral Palsy Society, added arts therapy to the diverse range of therapies for all disabilities last October, thanks to Marion Gordon-Flower.
Marion finds most people taking art therapy at IRIS usually want to continue with their art after they leave. Also, IRIS differs to other traditional art therapies because participants are encouraged to sell their work and enter it in exhibitions. Paintings and clay sculptures are sold while music and drama productions are presented to the wider community.
Marion became interested in the programme after seeing the effectiveness of teaching art to help people overcome mental health conditions. She works closely with one person and quickly gets to know their strengths, their focus and the direction they want in life.
She says the therapy is rewarding both for the therapist and the client.
"I love what I do."
At IRIS, people set goals to achieve. One of Marion's clients wanted to go out without a care worker.
The motivation to attend art therapy was so great she overcame her fear of venturing out alone.
Marion cites Yung as a prime example.
"I'm really seeing him grow before my eyes."
However, recognition of the profession is limited because of the private nature of the therapy. Marion's open arts therapy sessions today are designed to give an insight into its benefits.
Drawing benefits
I'm sitting in the magical, quiet sanctity of a spacious, white room. There is a mix of education and healthcare workers, teachers and exhibiting artists who have cerebral palsy.
We are gathered around a semi-circle of tables, eyes closed. I am paying attention to my breathing and my own imagination. When we are told to draw what's on our minds, I open my eyes and the crayons and paper we are given make me feel like a kid again. 
A tidal wave of rainbow colours sweeps out on to my piece of paper in the peaceful few minutes. Adults around me concentrate intently.  Once I see the  joy on people's faces, and the self-conscious pride when they show their work, the practical benefits are beyond doubt.
When the pieces of art are shown and I see grounded calm and imaginative fervour, the reasons to advocate the new profession jump off the canvas. - Amanda Leek