Hope everyone had a happy holiday!

In a few weeks a few of my students will begin to blog about their internships that they will be starting at different facilities. They will talk about their experiences and what they have learned. They will tell you a little about themselves as their internships get closer.

I wish you a very happy new year I am excited to see what the new year brings!

STUDY THE TTAP METHOD IN FINLAND THIS MAY!

Come join students from around the world, in an English speaking country and
learn the TTAP Method-
which has now been proven and published in 11 National and International studies to enhance cognition and social wellbeing!

The 5 day course will be tentatively scheduled for May 16 through May 20th with one or two weekends on the campus in the Town of Hammenalinna which sits on a lake with a 500 year old castle.

Finland is a wonderful country, with lots to see and visit. Part of the international experience includes visiting healthcare facilities using the TTAP Method in; Children’s' Hospital, Rehabilitation Centers, Drug and Alcohol treatment facilities and Assisted Living Communities and Long Term Care.

Estimated costs are as follows:
3 credit undergraduate Credits from STAC: $900.00
Round trip tickets: $750.00
Daily campus room and board( includes 2 hot meals) $20.00
Bus from airport to campus R/T: 20.00

Interested? Contact Dr. Linda Levine Madori ASAP at Llevinem@stac.edu or Levinemadoriphd@aol.com
There are only 10 spots and today 2 are already reserved- so act soon!

Generations Through Hands..

This is a sculpture of hands that was made for a nursing facility in Finland.
It represents the hands through generations, for youngest to oldest and back again.

TTAP Method on TV!

There are over 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's Disease, a condition that destroys brain cells causing memory loss. For patients and for their families the disease also destroys their quality of life. Dr. Linda Madori, leading expert on Alzheimer's Disease, has an innovative methodology called the TTAP Method -- Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming for Older Adults -- that helps those afflicted with AD disease have a better quality of life.
Object 1: Memory Box
The story behind it: The memory box was created by an 87 yr. old woman with mild Alzheimer's disease. The box was decorated with red decorations and has a photograph of a lock that the woman cut and glued onto the box. The memory that she created the box from was based on a positive experience the woman had going back 80 years when the woman was a child in the first grade. She remembered that she was very advanced in reading and writing. This memory made her very happy.
Object 2: Drawing of two rings overlapping
The story behind it: The drawing was made by a 67-year-old man with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Madori had a meditation session with the patient, who talked about the deep love he felt for his wife. Other positive memories include the first time he met his wife, how she had changed his life and how she visits him daily since he has been living in a facility away from home.
For more information about Dr.Madori's TTAP Method, visit www.ttapmethod.com.
WATCH THE INTERVIEW >>>

http://www.wpix.com/videobeta/b58baad4-7f95-413d-8b67-862d15f99db8/Health/TTAP-Method-Creative-Therapy-For-Alzheimer-s-Patients

Listen to a Podcast Interview with Dr. Levine-Madori

Click Here to listen to a Podcast interview with Dr. Levine-Madori over the TTAP Method©

"Art Therapist Melissa Solorzano speaks with Dr. Linda Levine Madori. With a quarter-century of experience in the field of gerontology, Dr. Levine Madori has explored the relationship of arts and aging. The Certified Recreation Therapist and Board Certified Art Therapist is the author of a new, breakthrough book, Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming for Older Adults.She has helped, those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s, having designed innovative creative arts programs and worked with the elderly, skilled nurses, caregivers, and residents of assisted living and senior housing."

(Description taken directly from the Creative Therapy Sessions website developed by Melissa Solorzano)

Visit the website, under publications to read about the 7 efficacy research studies conducted over the last two years.

A special thanks for Melissa Solorzano for spearheading podcasts for Art Therapists!

STUDY THE TTAP METHOD IN FINLAND!

I have been getting a number of emails asking
1 " Do I have to be in college to take the course"-
THE ANSWER IS NO- YOU WILL RECIEVE 50 CEU'S THAT YOU CAN APPLY TO RE-CERTIFICATION

2. "Can I take the course if I go to another school?"
THE ANSWER IS YES- YOU CAN TAKE THE 3 CREDIT COURSE AND HAVE IT TRANSFERED TO THE SCHOOL YOU WILL GRADUATE FROM.

3. "How long is the course?"
THE COURSE ITSELF IS 5 DAYS, HOWEVER YOU CAN CHOOSE TO BE IN FINLAND FOR ONE OR MORE WEEKENDS, STAYING ON THE COLLEGE CAMPUS.

Any other questions, please contact me, Dr. Levine Madori at Llevinem@stac.edu

The TTAP Method receives second Fulbright Scholarship Award to create Certification Training.

Students at HAMK University are learning how the TTAP Method(c) affects the brain in a very direct way. By experiencing each of the nine steps through experientials, the students learn first hand what it means to give and receive therapeutic stimulation and person centered programming. Charts and graphs make learning about TTAP Method(c) steps, brain region, and learning styles easy.

Every day of in class learning is complemented with educational filming. Footage is obtained daily to be edited into a five part documentary that have now been edited and featured through LTV Television in Long Island, New York. Go to LTV.org for more information on schedule dates.

TTAP Method Cornell Study and St. Thomas Aquinas College

I thought I would share some interesting photos from the Cornell University and Weil Medical College study, which was conducted in January through May 2009. View these "capturing" 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.

This research study will be presented at the Gerontological Society Annual Conference in November, 2010. For more infomation go to geron.org.

Stages of Life Through Drawing

These are the stages of life, the assisted living facility we visited in Finland has a deaf community and they drew these to show the stages of life.

I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving and that you enjoy spending this time with your family and friends!

Teaching the Finish Students a Little American Fun

The American students taught the Finish students how to play American card games!

New Orleans Here I Come!

Off to the Gerontological Society on Aging in New Orleans - to present the now 11 research studies on the TTAP Method improving cogniton while cutting health care costs!

HAMK University, Finland and The TTAP Method

HAMK UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES, HAMEENLINNA, FINLAND

This week starts the four day certificate course on the TTAP Method for working professionals in the fields of gerontology, specifically Art Therapists, Recreation Therapists, Nurses, Administrators and health care providers. Collen Ryan, featured below, a Recreation Therapist who graduated St. Thomas Aquinas College in 2008 and has been utilizing the TTAP Method at Westchester Valhalla Medical Center with those in Skilled Nursing Care as well as Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, with adolescents. Colleen presenting a case study in which she sucessfully conducted the TTAP Method with individuals diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorders.

The participants conducted experientials with sharing memories about berries which were handed out to each participant. This use of objects enhances detailed levels of communication while allowing each individual to learn an enormous amount of detailed information in a short span of time. Below are images of these conversations.

Below are artworks of the participants, after expereincing a guided imagery.

Some of my students went to London after their trip to Finland. These are some pictures they shared with me of the London Eye.

Study the TTAP Method in Finland, May 2011!!!

I have been getting a number of emails asking
1 " Do I have to be in college to take the course"-
THE ANSWER IS NO- YOU WILL RECIEVE 50 CEU'S THAT YOU CAN APPLY TO RE-CERTIFICATION

2. "Can I take the course if I go to another school?"
THE ANSWER IS YES- YOU CAN TAKE THE 3 CREDIT COURSE AND HAVE IT TRANSFERED TO THE SCHOOL YOU WILL GRADUATE FROM.

3. "How long is the course?"
THE COURSE ITSELF IS 5 DAYS, HOWEVER YOU CAN CHOOSE TO BE IN FINLAND FOR ONE OR MORE WEEKENDS, STAYING ON THE COLLEGE CAMPUS.

Any other questions, please contact me, Dr. Levine Madori at Llevinem@stac.edu

Nursing Home in Finland

These patients are doing art activities to stimulate their brains.

Earn 3 credits in MAY this Summer in Finland!!

Come join students from around the world, in an English speaking country and
learn the TTAP Method-
which has now been proven and published in 11 National and International studies to enhance cognition and social wellbeing!

The 5 day course will be tentatively scheduled for May 16 through May 20th with one or two weekends on the campus in the Town of Hammenalinna which sits on a lake with a 500 year old castle.

Finland is a wonderful country, with lots to see and visit. Part of the international experience includes visiting healthcare facilities using the TTAP Method in; Children’s' Hospital, Rehabilitation Centers, Drug and Alcohol treatment facilities and Assisted Living Communities and Long Term Care.

Estimated costs are as follows:
3 credit undergraduate Credits from STAC: $900.00
Round trip tickets: $750.00
Daily campus room and board( includes 2 hot meals) $20.00
Bus from airport to campus R/T: 20.00

Interested? Contact Dr. Linda Levine Madori ASAP at Llevinem@stac.edu or Levinemadoriphd@aol.com
There are only 10 spots and today 2 are already reserved- so act soon!

The Food of Finland

The American students learn Finish cooking and learn how to make a Finsh meal.

The TTAP Method recieves second Fulbright Scholarship Award to create Certification Training.

The TTAP Method recieves second Fulbright Scholarship Award to create Certification Training.

Students at HAMK University are learning how the TTAP Method(c) affects the brain in a very direct way. By experiencing each of the nine steps through experientials, the students learn first hand what it means to give and receive therapeutic stimulation and person centered programming. Charts and graphs make learning about TTAP Method(c) steps, brain region, and learning styles easy.

Every day of in class learning is complemented with educational filming. Footage is obtained daily to be edited into a five part documentary that have now been edited and featured through LTV Television in Long Island, New York. Go to LTV.org for more information on schedule dates.

The TTAP Method by St. Thomas Aquinas College Students at Bergen Regional Medical Center

In December 2009, students at St. Thomas Aquinas College presented findings that support earlier research by Levine Madori, 2007; Alders, 2008; Levine Madori, 2009 on the TTAP Method enhancing cognition and social interactions. Students coordinated, planned and implimented weekly 90 minute TTAP Method sessions with those individuals diagnosed with moderate to severe Alzheimer's Disease on a locked unit. The last session, was a party, with Jazz Music from the 1950's playing. The photo's shows residents dancing in beat to the music, enjoying the celebration.

Helsinki, Finland

Before we left Finland to go back home we went to Helsinki to have some fun!
We really enjoyed our trip, so many memories!

Exploration of Sensory Stimulation through the TTAP Method

The TTAP Method structures the group process towards a dynamic balance between the needs of the individual, the interaction in the group and the therapeutic goal intergrating the Theme Centered Interaction, (i.e. I, We, It: Balance). Students at HAMK International Summer School started their own exploration of themes as a way to connect the group enhancing therapeutic interactions. Below students are first given the directive to explore the outdoors with the focus of utilizing touch, taste , smell, sight and sound.


In this movie clip, you are witnessing students (with closed eyes), experiencing various collected found natural items, including flowers, branches, leaves, bark, stones, roots, etc. Through this experiential, students are able to explore heightened sense of awareness in the mind-body connection.

Students in Finland Climbing to New Heights!

The German students set up the ropes course.

The American students climb there way to the top.

The German students do this all the time back in Germany.

The American students were surprised how high up they were at 40 feet and most of them made it across without falling. They had a great time in Finland!

Listen to a Podcast Interview with Dr. Levine-Madori

Click Here to listen to a Podcast interview with Dr. Levine-Madori over the TTAP Method©

"Art Therapist Melissa Solorzano speaks with Dr. Linda Levine Madori. With a quarter-century of experience in the field of gerontology, Dr. Levine Madori has explored the relationship of arts and aging. The Certified Recreation Therapist and Board Certified Art Therapist is the author of a new, breakthrough book, Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming for Older Adults.She has helped, those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s, having designed innovative creative arts programs and worked with the elderly, skilled nurses, caregivers, and residents of assisted living and senior housing."

(Description taken directly from the Creative Therapy Sessions website developed by Melissa Solorzano)

Visit the website, under publications to read about the 7 efficacy research studies conducted over the last two years.

A special thanks for Melissa Solorzano for spearheading podcasts for Art Therapists!

International Research Meeting on the TTAP Method outcomes in 8 NEWLY released studies today, October 29th, 2010

At HAMK University 12 Professionals in Healthcare researching the TTAP Method included Faculty from HAMK University, University of Tampere and University of Seinajoki shared their research using the TTAP Method over the past 6 months with those individuals with all stages of Alzheimer's Disease.

The reported research findings on the case studies presented and filmed today include: *Increased Socialization
*Increased feelings of self worth and a reason to live
*Increased sharing of positive emotional memories
*Increase in group support after the program was finished
*Increased time spent in programming.

A general feeling from the professionals that the TTAP Method enhances both socialization and cognition, in that the action process model aides in the "going within" through the meditation and then outwardly verbalizing these powerful memories within a supportive group process. Healthcare Professionals researching the TTAP Method included Faculty from HAMK University, University of Tampere and University of Seinajoki and a general feeling from the professionals that the TTAP Method enhances both socialization and cognition, in that the action process model aides in the "going within" through the meditation and then outwardly verbalizing these powerful memories within a supportive group process.

Benefits to the Therapists and educators was documented and discussed included the following
• TTAP Method aides in giving structure to the action of the Therapist, more confident about planning the program.
• TTAP Method was found easy to implement ad most researchers have been providing programming for an average of 15 years, through their own expertise they reflected that the method enriched the programming results.
* TTAP Method enhanced the quality of lives of the individuals living with Alzheimer's disease.
• TTAP Method was powerful in connecting the activities with meaning, this brought much more reminiscing up during programming.
• Nursing and other interdisciplinary staffs were shocked to see programming go for upwards of 2 hours.

The TTAP Method on the News, WPIX channel 11

There are over 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's Disease, a condition that destroys brain cells causing memory loss. For patients and for their families the disease also destroys their quality of life. Dr. Linda Madori, leading expert on Alzheimer's Disease, has an innovative methodology called the TTAP Method -- Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming for Older Adults -- that helps those afflicted with AD disease have a better quality of life.
Object 1: Memory Box
The story behind it: The memory box was created by an 87 yr. old woman with mild Alzheimer's disease. The box was decorated with red decorations and has a photograph of a lock that the woman cut and glued onto the box. The memory that she created the box from was based on a positive experience the woman had going back 80 years when the woman was a child in the first grade. She remembered that she was very advanced in reading and writing. This memory made her very happy.
Object 2: Drawing of two rings overlapping
The story behind it: The drawing was made by a 67-year-old man with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Madori had a meditation session with the patient, who talked about the deep love he felt for his wife. Other positive memories include the first time he met his wife, how she had changed his life and how she visits him daily since he has been living in a facility away from home.
For more information about Dr.Madori's TTAP Method, visit www.ttapmethod.com.
WATCH THE INTERVIEW >>>

http://www.wpix.com/videobeta/b58baad4-7f95-413d-8b67-862d15f99db8/Health/TTAP-Method-Creative-Therapy-For-Alzheimer-s-Patients

Arx Art School in Finland

This is a picture of some of the artwork that was painted by disabled children. This is one of many walls covered with paintings at the school in Finland.

The Veterans Home in Finland using the TTAP Method

In these photos are war veterans that are experiencing the TTAP Method. They have a machine that makes sounds that are commonly heard, such as birds chirping and dogs barking. They are listening to animal noises and talking about the memories that the sounds bring back. One of the bird sounds reminded one veteran of a song they used to sing in the war. He begins to sing and soon enough all the men in the group are singing as well. He knows every word to the song and it was from so long ago, but just one sound triggered something in his long term memory and it was as if he was actually back in his war times.

The TTAP Method shows the impact it has on long term memory and reminiscing

The movie, shown below, was taken after a TTAP Method(c)Therapeutic Session.

Step #1-Conversation, Step 2-Meditation and going within, Step 4- Sculpture and Step 3- painting. The ability to have individuals go within and reminisce about the past and share those details through personal exchanges has now been proven to enhance overall well being and cognitive abilities.

TTAP Method in the News, Channel 11, WPIX

There are over 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's Disease, a condition that destroys brain cells causing memory loss. For patients and for their families the disease also destroys their quality of life. Dr. Linda Madori, leading expert on Alzheimer's Disease, has an innovative methodology called the TTAP Method -- Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming for Older Adults -- that helps those afflicted with AD disease have a better quality of life.
Object 1: Memory Box
The story behind it: The memory box was created by an 87 yr. old woman with mild Alzheimer's disease. The box was decorated with red decorations and has a photograph of a lock that the woman cut and glued onto the box. The memory that she created the box from was based on a positive experience the woman had going back 80 years when the woman was a child in the first grade. She remembered that she was very advanced in reading and writing. This memory made her very happy.
Object 2: Drawing of two rings overlapping
The story behind it: The drawing was made by a 67-year-old man with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Madori had a meditation session with the patient, who talked about the deep love he felt for his wife. Other positive memories include the first time he met his wife, how she had changed his life and how she visits him daily since he has been living in a facility away from home.
For more information about Dr.Madori's TTAP Method, visit www.ttapmethod.com.
WATCH THE INTERVIEW >>>

http://www.wpix.com/videobeta/b58baad4-7f95-413d-8b67-862d15f99db8/Health/TTAP-Method-Creative-Therapy-For-Alzheimer-s-Patients

Channel 11, WPIX, October 11 at 8:00 AM

The TTAP Method will be featured on Channel 11, WPIX on Monday Columbus Day October 11, between 8 and 9 am, 2010.

Watch the interview of Dr. Steve and Dr. Linda discuss the innovative TTAP Method , a multimodal approach (stimulating the individual emotionally, behaviorally, cognitively, sensorially and physically) and designed to reach the remaining strenghts of those with Alzheimer's disease.

The second TTAP Method Certification Training which was held in Chicago, at Edward Hospital in April of 2010. Today, Thursday October 7th the administration released early findings of the 6 month study on a Geropsyciatric Unit.

Ms. Trish Bendel, Edward Hospital Administrator States "I can tell you that we have decrease from having an average of 40 one to one supervision shifts a month down to an average of 4.6. This is an annualized savings of about 78 thousand dollars. Our fall rates (residents who Fall on the unit) have gone from an average of 5 per month to an average of 3!!!
The TTAP Method has been extremelly beneficial as these results demonstrate.
These results speak to the emotional, physical, and financial benefits the TTAP Method has on the care and treatment of those afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease.

Go to www.ttapmethod.com to learn more about the Certification Training's offered.

Students at St. Thomas Aquinas College learn the TTAP Method

I thought I would share some interesting photos from the Cornell University and Weil Medical College study, which was conducted in January through May 2009. View these "capturing" 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.




This research study will be presented at the Gerontological Society Annual Conference on November 20, 2010. For more infomation go to geron.org.

HAMK University, Finland and the TTAP Method

HAMK UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES, HAMEENLINNA, FINLAND

This past May a week long Certification Course on the TTAP Method was given through the Continuing Education Department at HAMK University. The course is designed for working professionals in the fields of gerontology, specifically Art Therapists, Recreation Therapists, Nurses, Administrators and health care providers.

Collen Ryan, featured below, a Recreation Therapist who graduated St. Thomas Aquinas College in 2008 and has been utilizing the TTAP Method at Westchester Valhalla Medical Center with those in Skilled Nursing Care, and Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, with adolescents. Colleen presenting a case study in which she sucessfully conducted the TTAP Method with individuals diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorders.

The participants conducted experientials with sharing memories about berries which were handed out to each participant. This use of objects enhances detailed levels of communication while allowing each individual to learn an enormous amount of detailed information in a short span of time. Below are images of these conversations.

Below are artworks of the participants, after expereincing a guided imagery.