Art as a support for care

Art Therapy in Palliative Care: An Expression of the Soul

Art therapy offers people in palliative care a privileged space to express their emotions, fears, and hopes, without the weight of words.

Art therapy in palliative care is an accompaniment of life until the end. The work of the art therapist, who accompanies with their presence, attention, and listening, is done with the available energy of the palliative care patient.

Through artistic creation, each individual can:

• Find an inner refuge: Art becomes a way to center oneself, recharge, and connect with oneself.

• Communicate beyond words: Complex emotions, difficult to verbalize, find expression through colors, shapes, and materials, whether the expression is pictorial or more impulsive.

• Maintain a connection with life: Artistic creation stimulates the imagination, fosters creativity, and allows one to project oneself into the future.

• Accept the end of life: Art therapy helps to cope with illness, find meaning in the experience, and prepare for the future.

How does an art therapy session unfold? Art therapy is a personalized approach, adapted to each individual and their state of health. The art therapist offers various artistic techniques (drawing, painting, modeling, collage, etc.) and accompanies the person in their creative process. They create a safe and caring environment where everyone can express themselves freely.

Benefits of art therapy in palliative care

• Reduction of anxiety and pain: Artistic expression allows for the release of tension and soothes the body and mind.

• Improvement of self-esteem: Artistic creation strengthens feelings of competence and autonomy.

• Strengthening social bonds: Art therapy can be practiced in a group, fostering exchanges and sharing of experiences.

• Psychological support: The art therapist accompanies the person on their journey and helps them make sense of what they are going through.

Who is it for? Art therapy is for all patients in palliative care, regardless of their age, health condition, or artistic abilities. It can also be offered to loved ones to help them through this ordeal. Would you like to know more? Do not hesitate to contact me for any questions or to make an appointment.