Transforming lives and generating empowerment

Ten projects for humanization in mental health

Abstract

Objectives: This Experience Report describes ten Mental Health Humanization Projects carried out by the author at the Professor Frota Pinto Mental Health Hospital (HSM), with the aim of providing welcoming environments and encouraging patients’ protagonism and cooperation so that they may become agents of improved ambience in the hospital units where they are hospitalized. Experience report: The projects are qualitative, conducted weekly, and based on the Catalyzing Affection Method a scientific approach developed by Nise da Silveira[1], grounded in the acceptance and respect of the patient’s individuality and autonomy whom she honorably referred to as a cliente and in an authentic and genuine therapeutic relationship. When the patient is accompanied empathically, consistently, continuously, and without aesthetic judgment by a therapist, they feel welcomed. This process allows the person, who is often rejected, to feel a sense of belonging. The therapist also employs nonverbal communication such as touch, gaze, and affectionate posture to convey support and understanding. It is important to validate the patient’s emotions and experiences to help them feel safer and more confident. Discussion: As a music therapist, the author also applies principles of Art Therapy, which closely align with the Catalyzing Affection Method. The findings demonstrate how art and genuine affection become powerful instruments and allies in tertiary mental health care, fostering well-being, socialization, autonomy, creativity, spontaneity, and self-expression, thereby making psychiatric hospitalization a more therapeutic experience.