Doane House Hospice

Child Bereavement Art Therapy Program

Art Therapy programs at Doane House Hospice allow bereaved children to honour the most precious memories associated with their parent, grandparent, sibling, or friend.

Bereaved children need time to explore the concept  of death and to  find a safe, non-judgmental space to work through feelings of loss.  This series of paintings,  entitled “Daddy in the Driveway,” was completed over a period of eighteen months.

---

 

Daddy’s Favourite Team

---

Art making provides a safe and appropriate way to express a wide range of emotions.  Spontaneous images give form to a multiplicity of feelings and hopes, and bring a sense of relief, control, and understanding.

Bereaved children confront difficult topics such as cancer, cremation, and spiritual or religious concepts, yet easily comfort or sooth themselves by painting or creating favourite friends and objects .

Bereaved children need time to explore the concept  of death and to  find a safe, non-judgmental space to work through feelings of loss.  This series of paintings,  entitled “Daddy in the Driveway,” was completed over the period of eighteen months.

Both spontaneous art making and the presence of others in the bereavement program allow children to face the reality of grief and loss and to share feelings and precious memories of their loved one.