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John D. was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, often without warning. The resulting nerve damage can cause muscle weakness and, in John’s case, paralysis.
After several months in acute-and then long-term nursing care, John came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for rehabilitation. He doubted his ability to complete three hours of therapy a day since he had been immobile for such an extended period, but in just three weeks he gained strength and mobility far beyond anything he could have imagined.
An even bigger surprise to him, however, was the impact of art therapy.
Before his illness, John had never considered himself creative. As a software developer with a background in construction, he had always leaned toward technical thinking, focusing on straight lines and precision. In art therapy, however, he discovered a world where he didn’t have to be perfect.
“I assumed I’d be terrible,” John admitted. However, as he allowed himself to draw or paint without judgment, something shifted. With each session, John grew more comfortable with imperfections on the page — and within himself. He learned to let go of expectations and embrace the experience.
The process of making art allowed John to be vulnerable in a way he had been resisting, even with himself. “I’d been trying so hard to stay strong, holding back tears,” he said. Art therapy opened him up emotionally and allowed him to process feelings he hadn’t yet confronted. It reminded him that, like life, recovery doesn’t have to be all work all the time.
Now John feels a deeper strength — not just in his body, but in his spirit.
“I didn’t think I needed art therapy,” said John. “I thought I just needed to get better at moving my limbs, but there's something about art therapy that triggers a lot of emotions and just helps you be a human and more accepting of yourself. You gave me exactly what I needed.”
About Art Therapy
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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s art therapy program uses the creative process of making art to improve physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of individuals of all ages. Art therapy is an example of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s quality of life programs, which are not covered by insurance but are offered at no cost or low cost to patients thanks to the generosity of donors.
