Group Art Therapy

Group Art Therapy to Turn Depression, Grief & Loss into Expression, Hope & Creativity

Depression affects 17 million Americans each year according to the National Institute of Mental Health, and there are several factors that affect one's depression: age, genetics, health conditions, trauma, stressful life changes, substances and medications.

Some people have a clear sense of why they become depressed. Others don't. Some of the more direct causes are:

• Postpartum Depression
• Major surgery, heart attack, stroke
• Loss of a loved one via death or divorce
• Recovery – substance abuse and alcoholism
• Chronic Illness – Asthma, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Crohn's Disease, MDA etc,
• Brain injury/Brain Damage
• Disabilities
• Loss of creativity (Common in artists, writers, photographers, etc.)
• Loss of self

Did you know?

• Two-thirds of people suffering from depression do not seek necessary treatment
• 80% of all people with clinical depression who have received treatment significantly improve their lives
• The economic cost of depression is estimated at $30.4 billion a year but the cost in human suffering cannot be estimated

Depression and alcohol problems often go together, and can be a deadly mix.

Art therapy can be especially helpful in combating depression related to alcoholism, loss and medical illnesses. The process of artistic self-expression helps recovering individuals to address personal issues, develop healthy social skills, learn self-management of certain behaviors, combat stress, increase self-esteem, and gain insight and self-awareness.

Grief is a natural response to death or loss. Each year, between 5% and 9% of the population sustain the loss of a close family member. But that's not the only kind of loss that can cause grief.

People can feel loss when:

• A loved one dies
• They become separated or divorced from a loved one
• They lose a job, position, or income
• A pet dies or runs away
• Kids leave home
• They experience a major change in life such as getting a divorce, moving, becoming an "empty nester," or retiring

While we all experience grief and loss, each of us is unique in the ways we cope with our feelings.

A serious or chronic illness can cause tremendous changes in lifestyle, and limit an individual’s mobility and independence. Living with a chronic illness is a big challenge, and periods of grief and sadness are to be expected as you come to grips with your condition and its implications.

Depression, disability, and chronic illness form a vicious cycle. Chronic medical conditions can bring on bouts of depression, which, in turn interfere with successful treatment of the disease.

The most important thing to remember is that depression is not your fault. It's not a flaw in your character. It's a disease that can affect anyone -- and regardless of the cause, there are many good ways to treat it.

Art therapy is where the worlds of art and psychotherapy meet. By making and interpreting art, individuals and therapists can reach beyond censored and conscious feelings to a deeper understanding of personality, fears, obsessions and motivations. Taking time to construct thoughts in a drawing or painting encourages an open connection in a way that talking alone may not. In addition, the art task creates a concrete entity that is separate from the self, and therefore provides a distance from the overwhelming sense of loss that may be obstructing the healing process.

It's been said that our creativity and ability to heal ourselves originate from the same place. During group art therapy sessions, these two processes are triggered and provide a communication medium which can help you overcome emotional conflict or stress. By analyzing an image along with the process of its creation, repressed feelings and conflicts can be revealed which, in turn, provide a talking point between yourself and your therapist. Discussing this process can help you understand the root of the problem and help you make changes to your behavior or way of thinking.

The Healing & Creativity Group will process grief, loss, living with an illness and major challenges or adaptations. You're not alone; this group empathizes with one another to provide support. Discover the healing power of self-expression through fun and creative activities. Explore your emotional depths and face depression, sadness and isolation head-on. Space limited to 10 participants.

What others are saying about "Healing & Creativity"

"Through my art, I've learned to face my emotions. I no longer let my emotions bottle up and it's made all the difference" - Bill, 36

"Art therapy has helped me pay tribute to my late husband and put all of the things I never got to tell him into something I can touch and feel." - Brittany, 29

"As a recovering alcoholic, Angelina has helped me see that my life isn't over. It's just beginning!" - Anthony, 42