Exploring the Impacts of an Art and Narrative Therapy Program on Participants’ Grief and Bereavement Experiences

Abstract

Grief and bereavement impact nearly every individual at some point of their lives, often having short or long-term physical and psychosocial impacts. Yet, these issues are rarely the focus of discussion, intensive therapy programs, or policy initiatives (Corr, 2002; Doka, 2002). This research explores the impacts of a closed group art and narrative therapy program in Ontario for individuals experiencing a grief or bereavement process following the loss of a loved one. It explores the grief experiences of art therapy participants during their time in the program, the nature, extent, and impacts of social and community connections that were made, how the program influenced grief over time, and the overall effectiveness of the program. This study suggests that art and narrative therapy hold great therapeutic potential as a tool to help individuals going through a grief or bereavement process.