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

By
Michaela J. Gagne

What is Art Therapy?

The profession of Art Therapy is dedicated to the belief that the process involved in creative expression is healing and life-enhancing.  Art Therapy and other Expressive Therapies are growing fields that utilize the arts as an alternative and/or complement to verbal counseling and therapy.  Art Therapy provides access to various parts of the brain, providing an alternate means for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.  It provides a unique method of processing and healing through visual expression of thoughts and feelings. 

While “therapy” or “counseling” may hold negative connotations in some people’s minds, Art Therapy can be seen as simply a means for personal imagination and exploration to take place…and not a single word has to be said!  Art Therapy requires NO artistic ability, only an open mind and the courage to simply create.

Where should I be in my grieving process?  What is right or wrong?

There is no right or wrong when it comes to your feelings and the way you are experiencing loss.  One of the most important pieces in the grieving process is acceptance.  You must accept and know that you are okay with where you are at in your grieving process.  Everyone experiences grief and its journey differently.  Grief is normal and needed in order to heal and grow.

Remember: “Grief is not the process of forgetting.  Grief is the process of remembering with less pain and more joy.” (-unknown)

How can the Expressive Therapies help me with my grief and loss?

Grief can be very difficult to express with words…Often words are simply not enough.  Art offers the opportunity to express emotions non-verbally, in a manner that can be less overwhelming and more containing than verbal communication.  Art can provide a sense of comfort and a means to discover personal inner strength.

Throughout history, art in the form of concrete symbols and images has often been made in the memory of someone who has died and as a means for the living to commemorate and remember.  Creativity can be a means to maintaining a special relationship, and it can be a means for coping with the trauma of death.  Art can be used to provide a safe, non-threatening outlet to simply express.

Everyone has different ways of coping with grief.  Art and other artistic forms of expression are just a few suggestions for this healing and growth process.

Editor's note:

• For this article, the author cites: Hill, M.A.  Healing Grief Through Art.  (2007).  Retrieved November 15, 2007, from http://www.drawntogether.com/healing.htm
• 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.