The Art of Grief ― The Use of Expressive Arts in a Grief Support Group

Art and other expressive therapies are increasingly used in grief counseling, not only among children and adolescents, but throughout the developmental spectrum. Creative activities are commonly used in group and individual psychotherapy programs, but it is only relatively recently that these expressive modalities have been employed within the context of clinical grief work in structured settings. These forms of nonverbal communication are often more natural ways to express thoughts and feelings that are difficult to discuss, particularly when it comes to issues surrounding grief and loss. Packed with pictures and instructional detail, this book includes an eight-session curriculum for use with grief support groups as well as alternative modalities of grief art therapy.

J. Earl Rogers, JD, Psy.D., CT, is Director of Clinical Services, Comox Valley Hospice, where he also practices as a certified thanatologist and end of life counselor. Dr. Rogers also maintains a private counseling practice in Courtenay, British Columbia. He has served on the board of directors of ADEC, and is an active member of the ACA and several prominent US and Canadian hospice associations.