Given the painful Cambodia civil war history, many older generations did suffer emotionally from undiagnosed mental conditions without resolution. On the other hand, there is a trend that the younger generations are moving to the cities to attend school or look for job, leaving the elders alone at home.

 

With the advice from an experienced professor, we decided to hold a series of life review workshops for the elders living in Samrong Village. Art therapy training workshops were arranged in advance so as to better prepare ourselves to conduct the workshops efficiently. The life review workshops included:

1. Assisting the elders in making a life review booklet, which illustrates different aspects of their life story;

2. Bringing together the elders to participate in creating a combined drawing.

 

By adopting the nonverbal and natural techniques of art therapy, it enhanced the elders’ cognition to express their underneath emotion. 

 

Through providing opportunity for the elders to recall and share their own story with the others, we encouraged them to reflect and face their unique story in more wide and open way. With positive affirmation, it is hoped that faith and hope for a better future can be instilled into their mind and soul.