Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

Jenn – Your art completely belongs to you

Jenn explains the wonderful thing about art is that piece belongs completely to you and you have the power to do whatever you wish with it . She makes some suggestions as to what you may want to do.

Rev. Sky – “Weepies”

Rev. Sky talks about weepies, that they are OK and how to deal with them.

Claudia – Being stuck and art therapy

Claudia discusses remunating how art therapist can help create different positive perspectives

Janice – “Photographs”

Janice explains how photographs can be a doorway to help move forward.

Christian – “Remembering together in a meaningful way”

Christian discusses the power of memories.

Claudia – Waterlillies

Claudia talks about how she painted on panels big enough to hug to help her with her grief

Maureen – “Your experience of loss is unique”

Maureen explains how your experience of grief is your own.

Janice – “Feelings”

Janice talks about the importance of allowing our feelings as that’s the only way to get through them.

Jen – “Grief yoga”

Jen talks about how yoga may be beneficial.

Claudia – You do not have to be an artist to do art therapy

Claudia explains why you do not have to be an artist to benefit

A Million Other Things: Grieving a Drug Poisoning Death

Sister, father, son, niece, best friend – some of these words might be how you would describe your loved one who has died of an overdose or drug poisoning. People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) are not defined by their substance use – they are a million other things to those who love and miss them dearly. Drug poisoning and overdose deaths are stigmatized in our society. The focus is on how the person died, not who they are. Society still holds onto old notions and beliefs about drugs which come with a value judgment about people who use drugs, which further contributes to stigma. Not everyone who uses drugs is an addict and not all drug use is inherently problematic. People who use drugs deserve dignity and respect when we are remembering and honouring those who have died by overdose or drug poisoning.

Claudia – Defining an art therapist

Claudia talks about art therapy as a form of psycho therapy