What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art as a way to communicate. It allows people to use art materials for self expression and reflection in the presence of a trained art therapist.
Art therapy can be used to help address the complex issues that can arise following the diagnosis of a life limiting illness. Sometimes it can be hard to talk about difficulties and feelings, so art therapy can allow people to express these in a safe environment, using art instead of spoken words.
Artworks by previous patients
You may benefit from art therapy if:
- You are struggling to adjust to diagnosis or treatment
- You are anxious or afraid
- You are feeling overwhelmed, sad or tearful
- You are confused or angry
- You are struggling to adjust to the changes that your disease and treatment have brought to your life
- You are finding it difficult to sleep
- You are feeling uncertainty about the future
- You are experiencing feelings of loss of control
- Your illness has brought to mind past issues or times in your life which you find unsettling.
No matter how you are feeling, art therapy can help you express your emotions, in an atmosphere of support and understanding.
Art Therapist Fay Mitchell
How do sessions work?
Sessions are weekly, they last for one hour, and they are done on an individual basis. The sessions are held in the art therapy room in the Sunflower Wellbeing Centre.
A range of art materials are available for use, and you can choose to use the time and space in the way that feels most comfortable for you. Some people like to paint quietly, engaging completely with the materials, while others may feel the need to talk more—most patients do both.
The role of the therapist is to be a facilitator and listener rather than an art teacher. The creative process is the focus of the session, and it is through this framework that feelings can be acknowledged and worked through.
How do I get referred?
Art Therapy is available at East Cheshire Hospice for inpatients and people in our community affected by a life-limiting illness.
Referrals can be made through your GP or healthcare professional, or by contacting the Hospice directly.
What have past users said?
“Art therapy has been very beneficial to me as it is easier to talk through the pictures and reflect on the depth of my mood. It is good to talk but more can be said when talking through the pictures.”
“I could talk but I’m not very articulate so the painting said what I couldn’t.”
“A combination of talking, painting and reflecting on the painting one to one has given me more hope somehow and makes me less frightened of the unexpected.”
“I find the sessions therapeutic at the time and this extends to outside of the sessions during the week. I also find the physical process helpful releasing tension and expressing and letting go of strong emotions”
