Grief is a journey often fraught with intense emotions and painful adjustments, especially after the loss of a beloved animal companion. As you navigate this difficult path, anyone who has experienced the bittersweet journey of love and loss of a pet knows that these furry (feathered and scaly) friends are more than just animals; they are family!
In search of comfort and healing, many grieving pet owners turn to creative outlets such as art therapy to express their feelings and work through the barrage of emotions they are experiencing. More than just an artistic activity, this therapeutic practice harnesses the power of creativity to help individuals process their feelings that might otherwise be too difficult and often too painful to express verbally.
What is Art Therapy?
Officially, art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The process itself is guided by a certified art therapist who combines the knowledge of human development, psychological theories, and counselling techniques with the creative process to explore a person’s feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behaviour and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem.
On a more personal level, it can be something as simple as picking up a pack of colouring pencils and a mandala colouring book. Then, setting aside 60 minutes and just allowing yourself to be in the moment of “colouring,” choosing colours that represent your emotions and letting them bleed out on the pages of your book.
The Healing Power of Art in Grief
The benefits of art therapy in grief, particularly following the loss of a pet, are profound:
- Emotional Expression: Art therapy provides a safe outlet for expressing grief and other complex emotions. Many people find it easier to communicate their feelings through images rather than spoken words, especially when those emotions are overwhelming or contradictory.
- Stress Relief: Engaging in artistic activities can reduce stress and promote relaxation, offering a form of self-care. By immersing yourself in creativity, you can enter a meditative state, which can help soothe your anxiety and provide a break from the cycle of grief.
- Improved Coping Mechanisms: Through creating art, you can learn to cope with feelings that are otherwise difficult to bear. Instead of suppressing your emotions, externalising your feelings into physical creations can make them more manageable and prevent unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol abuse.
- Enhanced Self-Discovery: Art therapy encourages self-discovery, helping individuals understand their emotional reactions and triggers. This deeper awareness can lead to insights into one’s personal grief journey and overall emotional state.
- Connection and Commemoration: Creating art can be a way to maintain a connection to your departed animal friend, giving you a lasting tribute to express your love and memories in a tangible form.
Types of Art Therapies to Explore Grief
There are many different forms of art therapy modalities that can be particularly helpful for those grieving the loss of a pet. Here are seven popular ones:
- Painting and Drawing: One of the most popular and well-known modalities. Using brushes or pencils to create images can be a cathartic expression of grief. The colours and strokes can reflect a range of emotions from sadness to love, helping you visualise your journey through grief.
- Sculpture: Working with clay or other materials to create three-dimensional art can be particularly powerful. Using your hands to mould and create can help transmute pain into a tangible form shaped by your emotions.
- Collage: This involves making a composite picture by cutting and joining several images. It can be especially helpful for expressing complex emotions that stem from various memories and feelings associated with your pet.
- Digital Art: For those who are more inclined towards technology, digital art offers a modern medium to express grief. This can include graphic design, digital painting, or even animation. There are many programs available. One great option is Canva (*I am not affiliated to them)
- Photography: Capturing moments or creating setups that symbolise or remember your lost pet can be a meaningful therapeutic activity.
- Art Journaling or Scrapbooking: Combining images and words in a personal art diary can be a reflective and ongoing practice that helps you process grief over time.
- Sandplay: This lesser-known form of art therapy allows the individual to create scenes using sand and miniatures in a small sandbox. This method is useful for expressing thoughts and feelings that are too difficult to verbalise.
Implementing Art Therapy in Your Grief Journey.
Starting with art therapy can be as simple as choosing a medium that feels most natural to you and setting aside regular time to engage with it. Here are three tips for integrating art therapy into your life to help you on your journey of healing.
- Find a Space: Dedicate a comfortable space in your home where you can engage in your art without interruptions. This space should be where you are free to explore and express yourself without worry or judgement.
- Set No Expectation: The goal of art therapy is not to create a masterpiece but to express yourself. There is no right or wrong, no perfect or imperfect. This is your moment to be perfectly imperfect and allow your creations to reflect your real emotions.
- Consider Professional Guidance: While art therapy can be self-directed, working with a certified art therapist can provide deeper insight and more structured therapeutic benefits if you are really struggling through your grief. Organisations like The American Art Therapy Association and directories such as Psychology Today’s Art Therapy Listings can help you find a professional.
Additional Resources for Support
- Pet Loss Support: The Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors and The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement offers grief resources and support groups for pet owners.
- Memorialising Your Pet: The Rainbow Bridge is a beautiful online community where you can create a virtual memorial for your pet or add your tribute to our Tails of Tribute Blog section.
- Books on Grief and Art Therapy: Consider The Art Therapy Sourcebook by Cathy Malchiodi (Amazon) or Grieving Mindfully by Sameet Kumar
Final Thoughts
Art therapy offers a profound avenue for healing after pet loss. It provides not only a diversion from pain and grief but also a productive method for processing complex emotions and memorialising a beloved animal companion.
If you are struggling and need support, I am here to help. As a certified and registered pet bereavement counsellor, I offer compassionate guidance tailored to your unique journey. You are not alone in this. Feel free to reach out to me via my contact page. or visit my Coaching and Support page to learn more about how I can support you.
As you embark on your creative journey, remember that with each brushstroke, image, and sculpture, you are one step closer to healing and peace.
