Doane House Hospice

Newly Diagnosed

“The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to.”

The above quote by painter, Frida Kahlo, who suffered from polio, and chronic pain and illness following a devastating accident at age 18, illustrates her drive to paint poignant and healing self-portraits throughout her life.  Art therapy is often used to promote physical healing and to give meaning to life following a difficult medical diagnosis, trauma to the body, or aggressive medical treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.  Such circumstances have powerful effects on mind, mood, and self-concept, and art therapy can help to enhance both medical and psychological care.

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The images created in a recent 8-week Newly Diagnosed Art Therapy Group helped the women to express and to contain otherwise overwhelming emotions.  They are powerful and creative expressions that address topics such as the immune system, pain and anxiety, shattered dreams, roadblocks and stresses, as well as those of hope, new found strengths and gifts, and the love of children and family.  As an Art Therapist, it is an honour to witness women making connections and finding and sharing their own on-going healing associations.  I have been inspired by their art making processes and by seeing such powerful and poignant images appear each week.

Upcoming Newly Diagnosed Art Therapy Program (Spring 2019)

Please call for more information