Art and Expressive Therapy Projects for the Grieving and Healing Soul--Part Four

Bridge Drawing

A suggestion for creating an image to explore your loss, your grief, and your goals

By

Michaela J. Gagne

Fold a piece of paper into 4 sections.  Number each box 1-4 and using only images, create the following in a symbolic sense with regards to dealing with your personal grief and healing process.  There is no right or wrong in the images you create.  Abstract images and shapes can work very well.

1)    Where was I in my grief process when I had to initially deal with my loss?
2)    Where do I want to be in my grief and healing process?
3)    What is in my way to getting there?
4)    How am I going to overcome the obstacles I might have?

Hold a large piece of paper horizontally.  I suggest an 11”x 17” paper or larger, but smaller can work as well if this is not available.  Either draw or find a picture of a bridge.  The Internet is a great way to find a picture of a bridge if you are uncomfortable with drawing one.  Place the bridge in the middle of your piece of paper, leaving space above, below, and on both sides. 

Decide which direction you want to travel over your bridge.  If you are traveling from left to right, then use your images from Box #1 on the left side of the bridge and your images from Box #2 on the right side of your bridge (if you are traveling right to left, then reverse these instructions).  You may cut out and paste the images you have already made or use them to help you develop new images you would like to use in conjunction with your bridge. 

Use the images from Box #3 over, under, and on your bridge.  Place these images where they feel appropriate.

Decide where you are on your bridge.  Remember where you were and where you want to be, and draw your self or a symbol of yourself accordingly on the bridge.  Give yourself the tools you need from Box #4 to make sure you will later get to the other side of the bridge.  Feel free to add anything to any of the images or add more images.

Re-visit this drawing in the future and evaluate if you have moved on your bridge, either forward or backward, and why this has happened.  Determine if there is anything you want to change about your bridge or how you can accomplish your goals.  Journaling about your bridge can also be powerful and productive.

Editor's note: This article is part of a handout used by the author to teach art therapy to parents who have lost a child. The remainder of the handout will be published daily over the next few days.