Navigating Grief: How Art Therapy Can Help Heal Complicated Losses

Grief is an inevitable part of life, but when it becomes overwhelming and persistent, it can evolve into what is known as complicated grief. The term was first coined by Dr. Holly Prigerson, who identified it as a distinct mental health condition. Over time, Dr. Katherine Shear expanded on this work, developing specific therapeutic approaches to treat it. Today, this condition is recognized as prolonged grief disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), highlighting its significance in mental health.

Understanding Prolonged Grief Disorder (Complicated Grief)

Prolonged grief disorder, previously referred to as complicated grief, is characterized by a persistent and pervasive grief response that includes distressing grief responses that last longer than 12 months after the loss. The DSM-5-TR includes this disorder as a formal diagnosis, underscoring its impact on mental health. Symptoms often include an intense yearning or longing for the deceased, difficulty accepting the loss, and an inability to move on with life. For many, especially those who have experienced traumatic losses—such as military personnel and veterans—the emotional toll can be devastating.

The Role of Art Therapy in Treating Prolonged Grief Disorder

Art therapy offers a unique and effective approach to healing from prolonged grief disorder. This therapeutic modality provides a safe and non-verbal outlet for individuals to express their deep-seated emotions. Through the creative process of making art, emotions that are often too painful or difficult to verbalize can be externalized and explored in a constructive manner.

In my practice at Flourish Momentum, I utilize art therapy to help clients navigate the complex emotions associated with loss. Whether through painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, and more, clients engage in a process that allows them to externalize, and process their grief, and integrate the loss in a way that makes bereavement more manageable, and in a way that relieves symptoms that have a maladaptive impact on life.

How Art Therapy Works

Art therapy is not about creating a masterpiece (although that may happen as a byproduct); rather, it’s about the process of creation itself. The act of making art can be a deeply cathartic and authentically expressive experience, enabling individuals to process their grief in a way that is both healing and restorative. By engaging in creative expression, clients can:

• Externalize Emotions: Art provides a medium to bring inner turmoil to the surface, allowing for a clearer understanding of one’s feelings.
• Facilitate Communication: For those who find it difficult to talk about their grief, art serves as a bridge to communicate emotions without the need for words.
• Promote Healing: The creative process helps in transforming painful emotions into something tangible, which can be worked through and resolved.
• Create Memorializing Objects: Art therapy often involves the creation of objects or artwork that can serve as memorials to the deceased. These tangible items can help individuals hold onto positive memories and create a lasting tribute, aiding in the healing process.
• Bring Up the Positive: Art therapy helps unearth the positive memories and emotions that often get buried beneath the pain of traumatic loss, allowing these to be reintegrated into the healing process.
• Integrate and Move Forward: By allowing these buried positives to surface, art therapy supports the integration of all emotions, helping individuals to move forward in their healing journey.
• Ground While Processing: When processing difficult emotions, there’s a risk of becoming flooded and overwhelmed. Art therapy provides a unique opportunity to stay grounded while working through these intense emotions. The act of creating art can create a sense of calm and safety, allowing the processing done in a session to go deeper and more effectively address difficult subject matter.

Complementary Holistic Modalities

In addition to art therapy, I integrate other holistic practices such as yoga, meditation, energy healing, and Feng Shui to support clients in their healing journey. These modalities work together to address the mind, body, and spirit, providing a comprehensive approach to wellness.

• Yoga and Meditation: These practices help clients stay grounded and present, reducing anxiety and promoting emotional balance. Additionally, through yoga, yoga nidra, and Energy Medicine Yoga we can release grief and co-occurring emotions that have gotten trapped in the body.
• Energy Healing: Techniques such as Reiki can help in releasing emotional blockages, facilitating the flow of healing energy throughout the body.
• Feng Shui: Feng Shui, the ancient practice of harmonizing one’s environment, plays a crucial role in addressing prolonged grief disorder. By creating a balanced and supportive living space, Feng Shui can help individuals feel more grounded and secure, which is essential when dealing with intense emotions.Moreover, Feng Shui empowers people to work with objects in their home that may be consciously or unconsciously triggering reminders of their loss. By adjusting these elements, individuals can create a more peaceful and supportive environment, facilitating the healing process.Feng Shui helps clients take control of the effect of their home and objects contained within on their overall well-being.

Tailored Support for Military Personnel and Veterans

Having worked extensively with military personnel and veterans, I understand the unique challenges they face, particularly when it comes to processing trauma and grief. My experience has shown that art therapy, combined with holistic healing practices, can be particularly effective in helping service members navigate the complexities of grief, including prolonged and disenfranchised grief.

To delve deeper into the use of art therapy for treating complicated grief in military populations, I contributed a chapter on this topic in the book Art Therapy with Military Populations, edited by Paula Howie. This chapter provides detailed insights and practical approaches for using art therapy in this specific context, drawing on my years of experience in the field.

Supporting Others Through Different Types of Grief

While my work with military populations has provided deep insights into treating complicated grief involving aspects particular to this community, art therapy is equally powerful in addressing complicated grief among other populations as well. For example, those caused by the sudden loss of a family member, the emotional toll of cancer of chronic illness, or the loss of identity following a major life change. Various sources of grief, though they may differ in their origins, share common threads of pain, loss, and the need for healing. Art therapy provides a creative and non-verbal pathway to process these complex emotions, allowing individuals to express and work through their grief in a safe and constructive way. Whether it’s creating a piece that memorializes a loved one or exploring the shifting sense of self after a life-altering diagnosis, art therapy can help individuals find meaning, peace, and a way forward.

Learn More Through Podcasts

If you’re interested in diving deeper into how art therapy can be a powerful tool for healing, I invite you to listen to my recent interview on The Resilient Life podcast with Ryan Manion. In this episode, I discuss how art therapy provides a safe space for individuals to process trauma, express emotions, and find resilience. Listening to this episode can offer further insights into how you or a loved one might benefit from these therapeutic practices.

Start Your Healing Journey Today

At Flourish Momentum, I am committed to helping individuals find peace and healing through a blend of holistic practices tailored to their unique needs. Whether you are struggling with prolonged grief disorder or simply seeking to reconnect with your wholeness, I invite you to explore how art therapy and other holistic modalities can support you on your journey to wellness.

Need Support?

If you or someone you know is experiencing complicated or prolonged grief, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Contact Jackie or book a free call to discuss in real time the services that would best suit you.

In the meantime grab a free resource that will begin to support you on your own time. Subscribe to our newsletter for insights, tips, and resources that can help you flourish in mind, body, and spirit.