Finding Healing, Hope and Community During Cancer Journey Through Art Therapy

Cancer can be a scary and difficult journey as patients can often feel a sense of loss of control over their lives and anxiety over what the future holds. Through art therapy offered as part of our Focus on Healing program, patients are able to find healing, strength, beauty, hope and most importantly- a sense of community.

The group gathers every Friday, and in between painting, coloring or putting together a collage, they find a safe space to explore their feelings, share stories of triumph or fears about their cancer diagnoses and treatment, while connecting over their shared experiences.

Unlike a typical art class, "the focus is less on the product but more about the process," shares Sue Sweet, Marriage & Family Therapist and Registered Art Therapist with over 20 years of experience. "As a cancer survivor, I know firsthand how art can offer healing on so many levels. I used it in my own journey, and it has helped me tremendously. The art provides a medium to communicate some of the most difficult emotions and experiences in the cancer journey. It's a safe space for them to explore the emotions that come with their diagnosis and talk about things that they may be afraid to share, sometimes even with their own families. Cancer can feel isolating, but here, they find a sense of belonging, knowing that they are not alone, and they are with people who know exactly what they're going through."

According to the American Art Therapy Association art therapy “engages the mind, body, and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal articulation alone.”

Sweet says the process of art-making helps patients process their emotions, “sometimes they lead to participants sharing their thoughts or whatever challenge or joy they’re facing. They share their emotions over universal subjects such as the fear of cancer coming back, or what it was like going through radiation. And they end up sharing tips and tricks about what worked for them. They share their strengths, and they share their sorrows. It’s a very supportive community.”

Knowing that patients often feel a loss of control, Sweet says she offers participants choices, even in the simplest ways. “They can choose the type of medium, whether it’s on canvas, paper, they can choose from a variety of colors and shapes, what images to include, and so much more. I like to give them choices so they can feel empowered, have fun and feel stimulated.”

Focus on Healing Art Therapy program

We're proud to offer the Focus on Healing Art Therapy program, free of charge to cancer patients and their families to support their health and wellbeing. The 8-week art therapy program is held from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Alex Rorabaugh Center at 1640 South State Street in Ukiah. A new series starts on March 29, 2024.

To register or to learn more, call (707) 671-5122 or email us.