Hunterdon Hospice Youth Art Bereavement Program: Healing Children Through Art
Published February 28
The Hunterdon Hospice Youth Art Bereavement Program is for children ages 5 to 18 who have experienced a loss. The 12-week series will be held every Thursday beginning March 6th to May 22nd from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at The Senior Center at 4 Gaunt Place, Building 1 in Flemington. The fee for the program is $30 per family.
The Hospice Youth Art Bereavement Program is sensitive to the differences of a child’s response to death and loss. “The creative arts therapy model focuses on teaching children healthy coping skills and how to deal with their grief. Since art therapy does not necessarily rely on verbal communication, a child who is shy or not able to articulate their feelings can work through their grief by using art,” stated Patricia Watts-Scheffel, LCSW, Facilitator of the Hospice Youth Art Bereavement Program.
Children are assigned to groups based on their development age. “Being with peers who have had similar experiences normalizes the grief process. Through this interaction children learn to emphasize with others, which can give them insight into their own pain. Listening and observing other children’s expressions of grief may also help them openly express their own grief,” explained Watts-Scheffel.
While children are involved in the art program, parents can attend a special bereavement support group to help them cope with their own grief. In addition, the group helps parents learn about their child’s perception of loss, as well as interventions for coping with their own grief.
Goals of Youth Art Bereavement Program
• Realize that there are many feelings associated with grieving, and that it is acceptable to express either one or all of them.
• Feel comfortable in a safe environment where they can talk about their feelings.
• Experience some of their memories in a positive way.
• Create a positive self image.
• Use various methods to help them cope when they are feeling down or confused.
• Communicate their thoughts and feelings to the important people in their lives.
• Recognize that living goes on despite the grief caused by death
“I have had the privilege of working in the Youth Bereavement Program for the past 11 years. For the past four years, as Coordinator, I have been able to witness families find support, which helps them heal after the death of a loved one. So often, in our society, those who are suffering after the loss have very little support. This program helps children by providing art therapy projects and by giving them the opportunity to talk about their feelings. The parents group provides adults the opportunity to gain insight into their children’s grief process and find support for their own grief,” explained Watts-Scheffel.
The Hunterdon Hospice Youth Art Bereavement Program is supported by funds provided by the United Way of Hunterdon County and Merck. To register or for more information call (908) 788-6600.