[Download Now] Art Therapy for Grief and Loss – Pamela G. Malkoff Hayes

Art can be used to communicate and process difficult emotions.

The worlds of art and psychology meet in art therapy. Every creative endeavor creates a self-portrait that can be interpreted to provide further insight and aid in personal growth. Individuals and therapists can reach a deeper understanding of personality, fears, obsessions and motivation by making and interpreting art. Art therapy can help people with grief and loss. Taking time to create thoughts in a drawing or painting encourages an open connection to the grief in a way that talking alone may not. The art task creates a concrete entity that is separate from the self and therefore provides a distance from the overwhelming sense of loss that may be obstructing the healing process.

The course will teach participants how to use art therapy with clients. Art therapy techniques will be demonstrated and participants will complete art projects based on symptom management. Attendees will look at research and case studies that show the effectiveness of art therapy. You will leave with many new skills and interventions.

1. Review the stages of grief.
2. Implement at least eight different art therapy projects specifically designed for the treatment of grief and loss.
3. Define many different types of loss.
4. Recognize the importance of tears and crying.
5. Assess stress levels related to loss and bereavement.
6. Understand the communicative power that art provides during the stages of grief.

There is a description of grief.

• Types of grief
• Causes, symptoms and treatments
• Stages of bereavement
• Benefits of tears
• Identifying stress levels
• Moving through loss

Art therapy techniques are effective.

• Mandala drawing
• Collage

Case studies and research.

• Case studies
  • Child moving from abusive home to adoptive home
  • Woman experiencing the death of a loved one
  • College student moving towards independence
• Research participants
  • Demographics
  • Intake interview
  • Procedures
• Overview of art therapy projects
• General expectations and outcomes
• History, treatment and art therapy
• Results and conclusions

Art activities and participation.

• Four hands-on activities
• Participants will engage in the art therapy process for grief/loss

Resources

• Handouts
• Art materials
• Digitally projected examples

Delivery Method