Grief Art Therapy

Rooted in the understanding that creativity can offer a meaningful pathway through loss, Grief Art Therapy provides a compassionate and supportive space where individuals can explore their grief through artistic expression.

Through a gentle, creative process, participants are invited to express emotions, honour their experiences, and find moments of reflection, connection, and healing in community.

Our next Grief Art Therapy group will be held on:

Dates: December 4, 11, 18 (Fridays)

Time: 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Location: Heartspace Counselling and Art Therapy

Room 307, 304 West Cordova Street, Vancouver
(5-minute walk from Waterfront station)

What does it look like?

Grief Art Therapy is a guided creative experience , facilitated by our Therapeutic Arts Practitioner, offering a supportive space to explore and express grief through art-making.
Through thoughtfully guided creative activities, you are invited to express emotions, explore memories, and connect with your grief in ways that words may not allow.
No previous art experience is needed.
All art materials, along with tea and light refreshments, are provided. (Please let us know about any allergies or sensitivities during registration.)
This is a compassionate space to slow down, explore the many layers of grief, and find opportunities for reflection, expression, and connection.
Held in a supportive community, you are welcome to participate at your own pace, with no expectation of creating something beautiful or having all the words to describe what you are experiencing.

Benefits

Emotional expression: Exploring and expressing complex feelings of grief through creative approaches when words may be difficult to find.
Honouring memories: Creating space to remember, reflect, and honour the people, relationships, and experiences we carry.
Self-discovery and resilience: Developing a deeper understanding of your grief while discovering personal strengths and ways to navigate loss.
Connection and support: Experiencing a sense of belonging and understanding through shared creative expression in a compassionate community.

Common questions:

Why are you offering Grief Art Therapy?

Grief can be difficult to put into words, and creative expression can offer another way to explore and process loss. Art can create space for reflection, emotional expression, and connection. We hope to provide a supportive space to explore grief and honour each person's experience.

What kind of materials do we use?

Materials and creative activities are thoughtfully selected by our Therapeutic Arts Practitioner to support each session's exploration.

We offer a variety of creative materials, including acrylic paints, watercolours, pencils, coloured pencils, markers, ink pens, and mixed-media supplies.

Do I need to have any art experience to join?

No prior experience is necessary! Grief Art Therapy is open to everyone, regardless of artistic background or skill level. The focus is on the process of creative expression, not the end result. Come as you are, with an openness to explore.

What do I need to know before attending?

Grief is a deeply personal experience, and engaging in creative work may bring up unexpected emotions or memories. You are encouraged to participate at your own pace, and honour your boundaries. Your experience is welcome here.

Who is the facilitator?

Sessions are facilitated by Rachel Aussem (she/her), Registered Social Worker, Therapeutic Arts Practitioner at Heartspace Counselling and Art Therapy.
With a background in counselling, Rachel brings a person-centred, trauma-informed approach to supporting individuals and groups through creative exploration and expression.
For inquires and session details, please email:
rachel@heartspace-counselling.com

What is the process like?

Grief Art Therapy is a facilitated therapeutic experience guided by our Therapeutic Arts Practitioner. Sessions incorporate creative processes to support the exploration and expression of grief.

While group sessions offer opportunities for shared reflection and connection, individual support can also be offered when a participant needs more one-to-one guidance.

How can I register for Open Studio?

For adult participants, we kindly ask you to register for yourself on EventBrite.

For youth participants, please email Stephanie to register.

A guardian/parental consent form will be sent to complete.

For inquiries and more information, please email stephanie@heartspace-counselling.com

Looking for more individual support?

For those seeking more personalized support, Rachel also offers individual grief and loss counselling through in-person and online sessions.

You are welcome to book a complimentary 15-minute consultation to explore whether working together feels like a good fit here.

GRIEF
ART THERAPY

Dates TBC

What past participants said:

"The space was well equipped and inviting.
[The facilitator] took the time to create warmth with tea and some snacks. It was a comfortable environment that I felt able to be myself in."
— Sarah

"I appreciate the calming and inviting space that nurtures creativity to unfold. I found it to be a very calming and introspective experience that allowed me to slow down and reflect."
— LN

"The studio has a calming, cozy atmosphere that feels very welcoming. The guidance was gentle, and the whole experience felt relaxed, almost like a casual hangout, without any pressure for conversation. I felt completely at ease, even in silence, and the overall vibe was soothing. I really appreciated the freedom and space, having dedicated time carved out to create on a blank page without the pressure of needing to make ‘good’ art."
— J. C.

"Creatively refreshing!! I liked the huge selection of mixed media options, the ambience of company and non-directive guidance. It was so nice to connect with folks and ease into the weekend. Thank you for accommodating my needs and sharing your space!"
— Linda

"It gave me a place to ground and reflect at my own pacing. I liked exploring myself at my own pace through the tools."
— Omar

"I liked the collection of various oracle cards. Just looking at them was so much fun! They gave me inspiration."

"It was a precious time to connect with myself. Stepping away from work and assignments to freely express myself was truly enjoyable. The welcoming atmosphere among everyone participating also made me feel very relaxed."
— Arisa

"I was able to look inside myself. Thanks to [the facilitator], I came to like expressing myself through art. I liked the friendly atmosphere
and clear explanations. I had a great time.
Thank you."
— Akiko

"I liked the ease of the container. It was stress-free and opened up my mind to a new outlet."
— AF

"[The facilitators] went above and beyond to make sure I felt comfortable and aware of all they offered and allowed me to feel safe to be vulnerable. Can't wait to join again."

"I feel so fortunate to have a space to express, create and heal that is so warm, welcoming and nourishing! I liked the plethora of materials, the heartfulness of the hosts, the curated snacks and the calm vibes. Thank you for all that you do! I’m so grateful for this space and your loving care!"
— Seda

(All art and feedback shared with participants' consent.)

Junk journaling art open studio heartspace counselling and art therapy.jpeg

"To create is to live twice."
— Albert Camus

"Expression is the restorative order of life."
— Cathy Malchiodi

"It is in playing and only in playing that the individual child or adult is able to be creative and use the whole personality, and it is only in being creative that the individual discovers the self."
— David Winnicott, Playing & Reality

"Through creativity, the goal of life is to allow one's true self and individuality to blossom."
— Diane Ehrensaft