The International Handbook of Art Therapy in Palliative and Bereavement Care

Michele Wood and colleagues present a rigorous and compelling argument for art therapy as a key tool in the palliative care arsenal. They offer an international, critical, and inclusive account of its value for patients, families, and staff in palliative care. This book presents a cross-cultural view of the discipline, approaching the field in a scholarly way. It will be of interest to all multidisciplinary members of the palliative care team, as well as patients. Faye Gishen, PhD, BSc, FRCP, SFHEA, FAcadMedEd Why is art therapy so effective in alleviating distress and suffering? How do art therapists support the palliative and bereavement care communities? These questions and more are expertly addressed in this comprehensive collection of chapters, covering the range of issues and detailing the ways in which art therapists from diverse settings around the world are uniquely equipped to help. Donna Betts, PhD, ATR-BC, past president, the American Art Therapy Association; clinical research advisor, Creative Forces, National Endowment for the Arts Military Healing Arts Network; adjunct associate professor of art therapy, George Washington University This book assembles a team of internationally-renowned art therapists who share a commitment to rigorous, analytically-derived but non-polarized expositions of their work. The contributors reflect on many aspects of art therapy, demonstrating how it can address spiritual needs in different groups of patients approaching the end of life. It is both illuminating, moving and intensely practical. Professor Sheila Payne, emeritus professor, International Observatory on End of Life Care, Lancaster University This book is a valuable initiative, bringing together such a diverse range of voices and contexts. It will undoubtedly make a significant contribution to the field of art therapy in palliative and bereavement care. Jill Westwood, PhD, MA (RCA), PG Dip Art Therapy, BA (Hons), fine art HCPC registered art psychotherapist; programme convenor, Department of Social, Therapeutic & Community Studies, Goldsmiths, University of London Art therapy in palliative and bereavement care is a rich and multifaceted practice. Art therapists who support patients and their families at the end of life must find courage in the face of suffering and hope in the healing power of creative engagement. Helping patients tell their stories while there is still time, express the truths of relationships, and leave behind an intentional legacy are among the gifts of this work. This handbook offers principles, research and case examples from art therapists in a dozen countries, including work with children, adults, hospice, community, and prison populations, and bereavement support for families. The topics included reflect the nuances of adapting art therapy practice to different cultures and belief systems. The handbook is an inspiring resource for any art therapist working in palliative care. Tracy Councill, art therapy program director, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Georgetown/Lombardi at Tracy's Kids Michele Wood and colleagues present a rigorous and compelling argument for art therapy as a key tool in the palliative care arsenal. They offer an international, critical, and inclusive account of its value for patients, families, and staff in palliative care. This book presents a cross-cultural view of the discipline, approaching the field in a scholarly way. It will be of interest to all multidisciplinary members of the palliative care team, as well as patients. Faye Gishen, PhD, BSc, FRCP, SFHEA, FAcadMedEd Why is art therapy so effective in alleviating distress and suffering? How do art therapists support the palliative and bereavement care communities? These questions and more are expertly addressed in this comprehensive collection of chapters, covering the range of issues and detailing the ways in which art therapists from diverse settings around the world are uniquely equipped to help. Donna Betts, PhD, ATR-BC, past president, the American Art Therapy Association; clinical research advisor, Creative Forces, National Endowment for the Arts Military Healing Arts Network; adjunct associate professor of art therapy, George Washington University This book assembles a team of internationally-renowned art therapists who share a commitment to rigorous, analytically-derived but non-polarized expositions of their work. The contributors reflect on many aspects of art therapy, demonstrating how it can address spiritual needs in different groups of patients approaching the end of life. It is both illuminating, moving and intensely practical. Professor Sheila Payne, emeritus professor, International Observatory on End of Life Care, Lancaster University This book is a valuable initiative, bringing together such a diverse range of voices and contexts. It will undoubtedly make a significant contribution to the field of art therapy in palliative and bereavement care. Jill Westwood, PhD, MA (RCA), PG Dip Art Therapy, BA (Hons), fine art HCPC registered art psychotherapist; programme convenor, Department of Social, Therapeutic & Community Studies, Goldsmiths, University of London Art therapy in palliative and bereavement care is a rich and multifaceted practice. Art therapists who support patients and their families at the end of life must find courage in the face of suffering and hope in the healing power of creative engagement. Helping patients tell their stories while there is still time, express the truths of relationships, and leave behind an intentional legacy are among the gifts of this work. This handbook offers principles, research and case examples from art therapists in a dozen countries, including work with children, adults, hospice, community, and prison populations, and bereavement support for families. The topics included reflect the nuances of adapting art therapy practice to different cultures and belief systems. The handbook is an inspiring resource for any art therapist working in palliative care. Tracy Councill, art therapy program director, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Georgetown/Lombardi at Tracy's Kids