OU Art Therapy Students create therapeutic murals at Bethesda

Bethesda unveils therapeutic murals

Bethesda recently celebrated new therapeutic murals for children healing from the trauma of sexual abuse. 

 Over the last five months, local artists and students from the University of Oklahoma worked to create therapeutic art murals at Bethesda, a nonprofit agency in Norman. The art murals were created in therapeutic group rooms that facilitate the growth and healing of children who have suffered the trauma of sexual abuse. 

On May 17, the Board of Directors of Bethesda and community supporters, like Von Allen of United Way of Norman, gathered to unveil the new therapeutic art murals. 

 “It only takes a second to see that the art has a therapeutic purpose,” said Travis Humphrey, executive director of Bethesda. “The murals become a resource to help our clients regain self esteem, learn healthy coping skills and process the abuse they have suffered.” 

 The murals were made possible through a grant provided by the Norman Arts Council. Bethesda provides essential therapeutic services to children who suffer from trauma caused by sexual abuse. “The demand for services continues to rise,” Humphrey said. “It is our goal to make sure all children can heal from the trauma of sexual abuse. The murals create an environment that facilitates healing for children.” 

 To learn more about Bethesda, visit bethesdaok.org