The International Handbook of Art Therapy in Palliative and Bereavement Care offers a multicultural and international perspective on how art therapy can be of help to individuals, groups, families, communities, and nations facing death and dying as well as grief and loss.

Over 50 art therapists from around the world write about the transforming power of art therapy in the lives of those facing terminal illness, dementia, loss, and grief. They offer practical descriptions and techniques for working with adults and children to guide professionals, including those new to using art therapy and creative approaches in end-of-life care services.

This international handbook is essential reading for arts therapists, social workers, medical personnel, faith leaders, and psychologists interested in a collaborative and accessible approach to working with patients and families affected by loss.

About the Author

Michele J.M. Wood BA (Hons), PGDip, MA, MClin. Res., SFHEA is an HCPC Registered Art Psychotherapist with 30 years of experience as a practitioner, supervisor, educator and researcher. She is an international authority on art therapy in palliative care.

Becky Jacobson LPC, ATR, LMT has provided art therapy within hospice, bereavement, mental health, and community-based programs locally and internationally. Her work focuses on combining psychotherapy, mindfulness, and creative self-expression.

Hannah Cridford BA (Hons), MDes, MA is an HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist, working in two hospices in the UK. She was awarded the Corinne Burton Memorial Trust Scholarship in 2010.

Reviews

"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

Book Information
ISBN 9781138087330
Author Michele Wood
Format Paperback
Page Count 460
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 958g