Modern Grief Therapies - Art

When my husband died over a decade ago, local resources for widows largely centered on talk therapy and grief support groups. Back then, I don’t remember hearing about offerings such as art therapy, etc., in spite of the fact that creative arts therapies have been around for decades. In recent years, though, they have increased in popularity.

As part of my ongoing search for resources for widows and in response to a recent loss, last weekend I attended a one-day workshop that focused on creative ways to process and express grief. As a writer, I have found putting pen to paper to be quite cathartic; however, art, dance, and drama are definitely not within my comfort zone. Thus, I was pleasantly surprised to find that a lot of stress and sorrow was relieved during the creative arts workshop. I left with a feeling of peace about my recent loss and an appreciation for the compassionate souls who bravely shared their own stories as we collectively expressed our grief through creative arts.

If you are a fresh widow, you may not be familiar with the newer therapies that have arisen in the grief space. In the next few blog posts, I will attempt a brief explanation in plain language of a number of therapies I have learned about in recent years. Today’s subject is art therapy.

Art therapy is usually led by someone who has been trained in psychology and art. Credentialed art therapists possess a Masters degree. An ATR credential means they are “art therapist registered.” If their credentials are ATR-BC, that means they are also “board-certified.” The Art Therapy Credentials Board oversees board certification nationally of art therapists.

Grief counselors, death doulas, and other practitioners who are not art-therapist credentialed may incorporate various art therapy techniques into their practices but cannot call themselves “art therapists.” Expressing emotions through painting or drawing, making memory boxes, or creating collages are just a few approaches a counselor might use in treating a client.

During a session, the grieving person uses art materials (paint, clay, pencils, mixed media, or many other items) to create something that represents what they are feeling or experiencing. The therapist or counselor may offer guidance during this process.

The focus isn’t on creating a “work of art,” but on how the process of creating art itself may aid the griever in dealing with stress, trauma, or other emotions. The meaning of the final piece may be known only to the griever, or they may be asked to share and discuss it with the facilitator and/or others in a class or workshop.

Research has indicated art therapy may help with processing trauma, stress reduction, and other benefits. Neuroscience researchers assert that art-making enhances brain function and emotional regulation.
An interesting review study can be found on the following NIH/National Library of Medicine web page:
Role of Art Therapy in the Promotion of Mental Health: A Critical Review - PMC

The American Art Therapy Association has a comprehensive Fact Sheet about art therapy. Click on the link below.
What is Art Therapy? - American Art Therapy Association

In the Seattle area, a few options for art therapy include:   Art Therapy PNW, which offers individual and group therapy, workshops, and, in some cases, remote sessions.  Protea Wellness features multiple therapists specializing in art therapy.

There are also various individual licensed therapists who offer art therapy. Psychology Today has a list that can be found using the link below:
Find Art Therapy and Psychologists in Seattle, WA - Psychology Today

Widows can also Google “art therapy for grief in Seattle” to find an art therapist or a counselor who incorporates art therapy into their practice.

Many practicing artists use their art techniques to process their own grief and share their grief story with others. (An example would be Death Dancer’s remarkable “Perspectives on Death, Dying, Loss and Living” exhibit during the Fall 2025 Olympia Arts Walk.)

​In my next post I will talk about dance/guided movement therapy for grieving individuals.
 
Copyright ©2026 Seattle Widow Resources. All rights reserved.