A local therapy program at will help adults with chronic illnesses explore the arts.

It鈥檚 called It鈥檚 a therapy program that uses music, visual arts, movement, theater and writing to help treat things like mental illness, arthritis and diabetes. Lisa Gallagher, the research program manager, says participants have seen success with these groups, with some feeling less chronic pain.

鈥淭hey鈥檝e formed great connections within the groups that have continued outside of the groups. They鈥檝e asked us to continue," she says. "Once the eight weeks is over, they鈥檝e asked for more."

It鈥檚 an eight-week-long controlled trial. Half of the participants will get art therapy starting on May 4, and the other half will begin in the fall. 

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