Healing Through Art - Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint

Healing Through Art is a therapeutic art program led by a Registered Art Therapist, providing free creative and supportive services for families impacted by cancer. The program serves patients, caregivers, survivors, family members, friends, and others in the community whose lives have been impacted by cancer. Through art therapy and expressive arts experiences, participants are given opportunities to explore emotions, process difficult experiences, reduce stress, build coping skills, and connect with others. No prior art experience is necessary- the focus is on the therapeutic process rather than artistic ability. WHO WE SERVE: The program is available to individuals and families in the Genesee Country community and surrounding areas that have been impacted by cancer, including: - People currently receiving cancer treatment - Cancer survivors/thrivers - Caregivers and family members - Individuals grieving the loss of a loved on to cancer - Others whose lives have been affected by a cancer diagnosis. WHAT WE OFFER: - Individual art therapy session by appointment -Group art therapy sessions (2-3/month) OUR APPROACH: Cancer can affect much more than physical health. A diagnosis can bring fear, uncertainty, grief, stress, changes in identity, and challenges that can sometimes be difficult to put into words. Art Therapy offers another way to explore and communicate those experiences. Through the creative process, participants can develop a visual language for thoughts and emotions that may be difficult to express verbally while building practical tools for coping and emotional wellness. You do not have to consider yourself an artist to participate. There is no expectation to create a particular type of artwork or to have artistic experience. The emphasis is on exploration, expression, and the individual's own experience. ACCESS: Healing Through Art is a grant-funded program offering services at no cost to eligible participants.