By Amy Wooten

Staff Writer

Treatment for HIV/AIDS isn’t just about medication. Many local agencies take a more holistic approach, offering alternative therapies like massage and art therapy to better the lives of those living with this disease.

For instance, for over a decade, dozens of clients at Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV) have benefited from the organization’s art therapy program. Through this program, clients explore issues related to HIV and learn more about themselves and each other.

The month-long “Viewpoint: BEHIV Art Therapy Exhibition” kicked off with a special benefit reception on Nov. 4 at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted. Proceeds from ticket sales and artwork sold during the reception will help BEHIV continue its art therapy program.

The reception allows BEHIV to continue the program, which attracts an average of between 6-8 people each session, for an entire year.

BEHIV art therapist Dan Anthon said he is thankful that the organization thought of a creative way to allow the program to survive. Often, when cutbacks occur, the arts are the first on the chopping block.

“They could have just eliminated the program,” Anthon said.

BEHIV’s art therapy services take place at Evanston’s Creative Arts Therapy Studio. Art therapy, a program the agency has offered for over 11 years now, allows clients to explore issues related to HIV.

Those at BEHIV have seen how much the art therapy program helps clients. Having a creative outlet and being surrounded by people who understand the issues allows clients to come out of their shells and grow as individuals. People learn to self-evaluate, build self-esteem and many other important steps.

Anthon chooses to keep the group focused in art and technique, “and deal with the things that come up for people when they come up,” he said. The psychological content within an artwork or the context is discussed in a subtle way.

For some clients, the program allows them to engage with others for the first time in a long time.

“There is a whole socialization process that pulls people out of their depression,” Anthon said.

For example, one longtime art therapy participant, Anthon said, didn’t get along with anybody when he first started, but now he is an important member who gladly takes other under his wing.

“It was neat to see him change,” Anthon said, adding that such a metamorphosis is actually quite common, and many seasoned participants often look over newcomers because they identify with what they are going through.

The exhibition runs throughout Nov. at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted. For more info, visit behiv.org.