Art Therapy
Art therapy sessions available at the Swedish Cancer Institute introduce people with cancer to the use of art-making as a way to express emotions, which can reduce the pain and anxiety one might experience while dealing with cancer. The class is also open to family members and caregivers.
What is art therapy?
In the video below, Art Therapist, Nicole Stiver explains what art therapy is and what to expect in an appointment.
Art therapy is a healing modality intended to integrate physical, emotional and spiritual care by facilitating creative ways for patients to respond to their cancer experience. Through the use of visual media such as painting, drawing and sculpture, people with cancer find ways to express emotions, reduce side effects, increase relaxation and improve their emotional well-being.
Benefits of art therapy
Art therapy is useful as a complementary therapy to help people with cancer deal with their emotions. A recent study found that art therapy reduced symptoms related to pain and anxiety in patients with cancer. Other benefits include:
- Provides an outlet for feelings
- Explores feelings that are difficult to put into words
- Aids in communication
- Increases self-awareness and self-discovery
- Reduces stress
- Helps build positive coping skills
What to expect
During art therapy, patients work with various art materials including pastels, paint, clay and construction paper to create everything from a sculpture to a painting to a collage.
Art therapy does not require any prior artistic training or experience. Swedish provides all materials needed for the sessions. Art therapy sessions are 45-minutes long, and patients meet one-on-one with the therapist.
Talk to Someone Or Make an Appointment
1-855-XCANCER
Network of Locations
.jpg.aspx)
Cancer services are provided at the Arnold Pavilion and at our locations in Ballard, Bellevue, Cherry Hill, Edmonds, Redmond, Mill Creek, Issaquah and Burien (Highline partnership).
 |
Listen and Learn
|
Stories of Hope
|
Join us on Facebook
 |
Swedish Cancer Survivors |
