Healing Through Art
Healing Through Art is an art therapy program, which provides a method of coping and self-expression for individuals touched by cancer (patients, caregivers, and family) that uses various forms of art to help the psychological and physiological side effects of a cancer diagnosis. Through this therapeutic outlet, participants may develop a non-verbal, visual vocabulary for expressing thoughts and experiences that are often difficult to express in words.
The goal of Healing Through Art is to improve health and promote emotional and physical healing by utilizing the creative visual art process as a therapeutic practice. The need for these services begins with the initial diagnosis, often extending well beyond the end of treatment, and addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, adjustment to treatment, post-traumatic stress, end-of-life concerns, and grief counseling. According to a study in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, art therapy was shown to decrease pain, tiredness, lack of appetite and shortness of breath, along with depression, anxiety, and drowsiness.
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Donations
The art therapy program at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint is funded through the generous gifts from patrons like yourself.
Opportunities for Patients and Caregivers
Healing Through Art is a collaborative effort between McLaren Flint and the Flint Institute of Arts that is dedicated to the promotion of healing through the creative visual arts process. This resource is provided free of charge to any family touched by cancer within the Greater Flint community. This includes individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers, friends, family, and spouses. No prior art experience is necessary, just a willingness to play, create, and explore. To reserve your spot and to learn about which programs are right for you, please contact Erin Simonetti at (810) 342-4206.
Individual Sessions: Those who are interested in exploring art therapy may schedule an appointment with the art therapist to meet privately in person or virtually online.
Art Therapy Group Sessions: The art therapist facilitates weekly art therapy groups to families touched by cancer. Therapeutic and educational themes are integrated to build a supportive and caring environment to share, heal, learn, and grow. Art Therapy Groups are provided in person or online. Registration is required. Find out when the next art therapy group session is held by clicking on the button below.
Art Therapy Session Dates
Want to learn more about the Healing Through Art programs? Fill out the form below and our art therapist will contact you with in two business days.
Goals:
- To facilitate health and wellness through the use of art therapy
- To add beauty to the healthcare site
- To provide an ongoing art experience, even after treatment ends
- To provide art therapy to individuals while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation
- To further McLaren Flint's commitment to the Greater-Flint Community to provide state-of-the-art treatment services to our patients through evidence-based practices
Meet the Art Therapist
Erin has a strong background in art therapy and mindfulness practices. She received her master’s degrees in Art Therapy at Wayne State University.
Erin Simonetti, M.Ed, ATR
Registered Art Therapist
Erin.Simonetti@mclaren.org