Art Therapy For Grief And Loss

Introduction

Loss and grief are emotions we experience at some point in our life. This can be due the the death of someone we know and love, the ending of a relationship, or a significant transitional change in life. Navigating the emotions we feel when we experience loss can be very overwhelming. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing, art therapy is a tool that has been recognised as a way to help individuals process grief and find a path towards healing. In this article, we will be discussing more about the use of art therapy for dealing with grief and loss.¹

Grief and loss 

Grief is a natural emotional response to the loss of a close person, such as a family member or a friend. Grief can occur after a serious illness, a divorce, or any significant loss. It usually involves a range of emotions such as intense sadness, shock, numbness, denial or even anger. 

The emotions experienced during grief manifest physically, mentally and spiritually,  affecting every aspect of a person's life. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross developed the five stages of grief, which are known as denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. It is important to remember that grief isn't a linear emotion, and it is very normal to feel and express these emotions in different orders.²

Grief can have major impacts on a person's mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, insomnia, and even physical ailments. Understanding the complexity of grief has shown us how important it is to have effective and versatile interventions that can support individuals on their healing journey. 

Forms of loss

Loss can come in some of these forms:^1,2

• Death–losing a family member, friend, someone close, or a pet. Death can evoke intense emotions such as sorrow and longing
• A relationship ending–breaking up with a partner or ending a friendship can trigger feelings of loneliness, heartache and even rejection
• Health issues– having a chronic illness, getting into an accident, having a disability, or receiving a terminal diagnosis can cause a person to feel a feeling of loss and uncertainty
• Losing a job can disrupt a person's sense of identity, purpose and their financial independence
• Major and minor transitions in life such as relocating to a new place, retiring, graduating, and transitioning into being an adult can evoke a sense of fear for the unknown future and a loss for the past

Art therapy

Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy delivered by trained art therapists or psychotherapists. Art is used as the main form of expression alongside talking with a therapist. Art therapy has been introduced to reduce distress and improve social, emotional and mental health by promoting self-compassion and a sense of self-worth.³ It has been used for people of all ages and at any stage in life, including individuals who have suffered difficult personal or cultural experiences such as an illness and/or a disability. It helps individuals deal with complex and confusing emotional issues that individuals cannot put into words. In the UK, art therapy is protected by law.

The role of art therapy 

Art therapy offers people a safe and supportive space for people to explore their feelings, emotions, memories and experiences through a creative outlet. Unlike traditional talk therapies that rely mainly on verbal communication, art therapy engages a person's mind, body and soul which allows deeper exploration and insight.^4,5

Art therapy mediums include: 

• Drawing
• Sculpting
• Painting
• Writing 
• Collages

These mediums allow people to externalise their inner feelings, forming and expressing their emotions which they may struggle to articulate through words. This method is particularly effective for individuals who find solace in working with their hands or expressing themselves visually. This process can provide a sense of relief and release for people with pent-up emotions. 

Benefits of art therapy for grief and loss 

There are many benefits of using art therapy as a way to deal with grief and loss. Through art therapy, people express themselves using a creative outlet and tangibly process their grief.^6,7

Expressing emotions

Art therapy allows people to express complex feelings that can be overwhelming and indescribable without words. Art enables people to communicate their feelings tangibly and symbolically, fostering greater understanding and acceptance. 

Self-awareness 

Engaging in creative expression can deepen their level of self-awareness and insight into one’s thoughts, feelings and coping mechanisms. Through art, therapists can uncover patterns, beliefs and conflicts contributing to a person’s grief experience. 

Healing 

Art therapy people encourages individuals to foster a sense of wholeness and coherence. This process helps people reconnect with lost or hidden parts of themselves, promoting healing and empowerment. 

Reducing stress 

Creating art helps people to relax, be mindful and reduce their stress levels. This is useful in managing the physical and emotional distress of grief more effectively. Art provides a distracting outlet, offering a temporary respite from intrusive thoughts.  

Support

Art therapy can be conducted individually or in groups, providing opportunities to connect with others experiencing grief and gain additional support. Sharing artwork fosters empathy, validation and a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Considerations and challenges 

Despite the benefits associated with art therapy for grief and loss, it is not without limitations and challenges. Cultural sensitivity is paramount in art therapy practices, as people from different cultures and backgrounds have their own beliefs, values and customs regarding grief and healing. Art therapists need to be considerate of these differences and respect cultural diversity. 

Tailoring art therapy to each person’s needs is important because no two people experience grief in the same way. Each individual’s experience of grief is unique, art therapists must remain flexible,  adapting interventions to suit each individual’s grief journey. This includes exploring different artistic modalities, adjusting the pace and intensity of sessions and providing extra support as needed. 

Summary 

• Art therapy offers a powerful means of navigating the complexity of grief and loss by providing a creative outlet to express emotions, reflect and heal
• It enables individuals to regain confidence, reconnect with their inner selves and cultivate resilience. This creative outlet offers a transformative avenue for healing, growth and renewal
• While art therapy is effective, it is essential to tailor it to each person’s needs at all times