HSCC now offers an Expressive Arts Grief Support Group for adults that uses creative activities to tenderly encourage expression, insight and growth in a supportive environment.  Members are offered new ways to tell their story, express emotions without words and feel connected and supported as they creatively honor their grief and loved ones.

This special group runs for 8 weeks and typically includes 6-8 participants along with 2 facilitators who have an art and grief support background.  The group is different than other bereavement counseling in that while there is some time each week to share with each other, much of the time participants are working individually while writing, painting, drawing, sculpting and through movement.  There is no previous art experience necessary to join the group and participants take their creations home with them.

In a recent group participants made hand molds to remember and acknowledge all they gave to their loved ones and to others, and what they wanted to receive for themselves and then they painted over both sides.

The new group session will begin in Scotts Valley on October 22, 2014.  If you’re interested in hearing more about the Expressive Arts Grief Support Group or to register, please call Shirley Sapena, Group Program Coordinator at (831) 430-3058.  For more information on grief support services available, visit our website at Hospice of Santa Cruz County Grief Support Services.