This Art Therapy in Hospices Week (organised by the British Association of Art Therapists), St Luke’s is shining a light on the important role that art therapy plays in palliative and end-of-life care.
Art therapy offers patients, their loved ones, and now children through our new Children’s Bereavement Service, a safe space to express thoughts and emotions that may be difficult to put into words.
At St Luke’s, Art Therapist Abbie Parry supports individuals through creative expression, helping them process their feelings, find meaning, and connect with others.
“Sometimes, some things are too painful to find the words for, or be able to express them. Art therapy provides a safe and non-judgemental space for patients and families to look at their feelings around illness, death and dying. It also provides a space to celebrate life, re-connect with yourself, find new ways of coping and building resilience in the face of adversity,” Abbie explains.
Through painting, drawing, making and creating, Abbie helps people explore their emotions in ways that can bring comfort and meaning.
“Using creative outlets offers a different way to look at things or express yourself. Making and creating are powerful ways of healing and tools for self-discovery.”
Her work also supports children and young people facing grief and loss.
“Through my role, I see first-hand the positive impact that art therapy can have on families to support their loved ones. I have seen children and young people build great resilience in the face of adversity and the loss of their closest loved ones,” she explains.
“I cannot express in words how much the power of creative support, either through 1:1 sessions, family sessions or the Children’s Bereavement Service, can have on the wellbeing of the children, young people and adults in our care.”
For Abbie, the role is deeply rewarding.
“The most rewarding part about my role is enabling the people I work with to rediscover themselves, find their identity again, discover new ways of relaxing or find empowerment and new leases of life. Hearing that people ‘feel hopeful rather than hopeless’, and being able to help patients and family to ease the pain of grief makes me feel very honoured to do the role I do.”
By highlighting Abbie’s work, St Luke’s joins hospices across the UK in recognising the vital role creative therapies play in supporting wellbeing at life’s most challenging times.