53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, USA
Dec 15, 2024
About this Retreat
Lorraine Mangione is a professor of psychology at Antioch University New England in Keene, New Hampshire, where she teaches doctoral students in the Department of Clinical Psychology and has strong interest in loss and grief, spirituality in psychology, creativity and meaning-making, and women and life transitions.
Roz Forti is a clinical social worker who practices in Ludlow. She initially trained as a social historian, and continues to be interested in processes of social change. For the past several years she has been working with seniors in group settings around aspects of healthy living. She also has an interest in systematic barriers to community mental health.
Details of this retreat
Are you navigating the challenging waters of loss and grief? Join us for a transformative program that offers a supportive environment to explore your emotions through various artistic mediums. Guided by seasoned presenters, you’ll honor your loved ones and discover fresh avenues for healing and strength amidst your grief.
Soulful Expressions: Art as a Pathway Through Grief
This program is designed to provide a compassionate space where individuals who are navigating loss and grief can explore healing through creative expression and the arts. Participants will be guided through a journey that uses art as a therapeutic tool to express emotions, process difficult experiences, and find new ways to connect with their feelings of grief.
Through various artistic mediums such as painting, drawing, journaling, literature, music, cinema and other creative forms, participants will be encouraged to explore their unique emotional landscapes in a supportive group setting. No prior artistic experience is required, as the focus is on self-expression rather than technique.
Led by two presenters who work with loss, grief and living a meaningful life, this program emphasizes that grief is a deeply personal journey. Creative expression can help facilitate healing by allowing individuals to communicate what words sometimes cannot. Through creativity, participants will have the opportunity to honor their loved ones, process their emotions, and find a sense of peace and resilience amidst their grief.
Key Components:
Exploration of various art mediums to express grief and loss
Group discussions to foster connection and shared experiences
Guided meditations and reflective practices to enhance emotional awareness
No prior art experience necessary; all skill levels welcome
Program Objectives:
Provide a safe, supportive environment for participants to explore their grief
Foster emotional expression through creativity and art
Help participants process difficult emotions and memories in a constructive way
Promote healing and resilience through shared experiences and community