Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association

Hospice and Palliative Care information in Alberta

Donate
  • Home
  • About Us
    • AHPCA Team and Board of Directors
    • In the News
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Careers
    • For AHPCA Board Members
  • Resource Directory
    • AHPCA Resource Directory
    • AHPCA Resource Directory Map
    • AHPCA Directory by Community
    • AHPCA Directory by Service Category
    • New Listing or Update an Existing Listing
  • Membership
    • Why join AHPCA?
    • Membership Registration
    • Student Membership Registration
    • Join by Mail
  • Information
    • Living Every Season
    • You’re Not Alone
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Advance Care Planning
    • Online Resources
    • Jean Stone Scholarship
      • 2020 Jean Stone Scholars
      • 2019 Jean Stone Scholars
      • 2018 Jean Stone Scholars
    • Dr. Donna Wilson Caregiver Award
      • 2020 Recipient
      • 2019 Recipient
      • 2018 Recipient
    • Marketing and Media Strategies Webinar
    • Fundraising
    • AHPCA Memorial Garden
    • ‘You Cared’ Certificate
  • Roadshow
    • 2020 Virtual Roadshow Wrap Up
    • What is AHPCA Roadshow?
    • 2020 Roadshow – Postponed to Spring 2021
    • 2019 Roadshow Wrap Up
    • 2018 Roadshow Wrap Up
  • Events
    • Event Calendar
      • Add Your Event
      • Current Palliative Events
    • AHPCA Roadshows
      • 2019 Roadshow
      • 2018 Roadshow
      • 2017 Roadshow
      • 2016 Roadshow
      • 2015 Roadshow
      • 2014 Roadshow
      • 2013 Roadshow
    • Grief Yoga 2018 Wrap Up
    • AHPCA Death Cafe February 2019
    • Imagine Conference
      • Imagine 2019 Wrap Up
      • 2018 Imagine Conference
      • 2017 Imagine Conference
      • 2016 Imagine Conference
      • 2015 Imagine Conference
      • 2014 Imagine Conference
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Art from the Heart – the role of art therapy in palliative care

December 7, 2016 Posted By AHPCA


In this second in our series of blogs about complementary therapies and palliative care, 
Art Therapist in training – Dorothy Mackintosh – tells us how art therapy has the power to improve quality of life for loved ones and caregivers alike.

Art therapy and art as therapy became my life-line after my own diagnosis of cancer six weeks after arriving in Canada. I experienced first-hand the healing and catharsis that art therapy and art as therapy provides. I love to spend time working in my art journals, painting, and learning new art techniques as a way of taking care of myself, working out solutions to difficult problems and simply enjoying the creative process.

My background is in nursing, working in both Scotland and Australia. Last year, I made the decision to change my career path and go back to school to become an art therapist. This has been one of the best decisions that I have made! I love what I am doing and I see every day just how much of an impact art therapy makes to people from all walks of life.

So – what is art therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that utilizes an individual’s own creative process in order to improve their overall sense of wellbeing. It can take many forms – including drawing, painting, sculpting, and fabric arts. Within palliative care, art therapy supports people in many different ways. Through the use of art making, people are able to release emotions and anxieties leading to a sense of catharsis, and so improving their quality of life.

One of the main aims of art therapy and the creation of art is to support people to make sense of their current situation and give meaning to their lives. Maintaining a sense of self is a key element at the end of life, and making meaning through the creative process can be a profound and healing experience for many.

Creating means empowerment
For some people, art therapy provides an opportunity to adjust to the effects of their diagnosis and the way that the illness has changed their lives. For example, if a person has lost their independence, taking an active role in the art making may increase feelings of empowerment and self-worth. The art also becomes tangible evidence of a life that is still worth living. Many people at this stage of their lives feel motivated to resolve and heal personal issues, with the art therapist becoming their compassionate witness.

It can help caregivers too
Art therapy can also give essential support to the families and staff who give so much of themselves while in the care-giving role. For families and staff alike, art therapy is an outlet for emotional expression and self-care, which can help prevent them from burning out. For families, being able to create art with or about their loved one can help with the healing process, as well as leaving them with precious memories and a sense of peace. It is important to remember that making art is not about being a “great artist”, it’s all about the process and the relief and enjoyment that it can bring!

Dorothy Mackintosh

Dorothy Mackintosh is a student Art Therapist and facilitator at Wellspring Calgary and Dulcina Hospice, Calgary.

 

Share this post:

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on Pinterest Share on LinkedIn Share on Email

Filed Under: It's About LIfe......

Have an upcoming Palliative or Hospice related event?

Let us know the details of your event and we will add it to the AHPCA Event Calendar Page. Add Your Event
Donate to AHPCA

Search the Website

Shop and Share

Help out AHPCA by using the Shop and Share service through regular online purchases. Support our fundraising by clicking this button to create a ShopandShare.ca account:

We will get a percentage of every online purchase you make, and it won't cost you a penny more!

AHPCA Virtual Roadshow Fall 2020

Watch for details coming in September 2020!

It’s About Life…(AHPCA Blog)

Grief and Bereavement – Helping Yourself and Others

Remembering You: Self-Care During Difficult Times

Ten Tips on Navigating Through Global Grief and Life

Advance Care Planning and COVID-19: Personal Directives

Follow us on Facebook

Alberta Hospice Palliative Care

1 day ago

Alberta Hospice Palliative Care
Despite losing our traditional rituals, we can still grieve during the pandemic. There are some creative ideas in this article for ways to be united in meaningful ritual, even over Zoom memorials. ow.ly/CJeH50DGLob ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Alberta Hospice Palliative Care

2 days ago

Alberta Hospice Palliative Care
Collectively, we're grieving far more than COVID-19 deaths, say experts. 'We grieve the loss of living our lives,' says grief counsellor Darcy Harris. ow.ly/rovl50DGK6i ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

CRA Charitable Registration #89146 8373 RP0001

Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association. Copyright © 2021 All Rights Reserved.