In one of our classes, we were assigned to create a packet or book of interventions that would work for a specific population. I looked into adolescents and superficially looked grief.
This book is specifically for the population of adolescents who are grieving. The adolescent or teens population age range is between 13 -18. Adolescence is already an important developmental time period where individuals are learning who they are and understanding their identity. Loss and grief can mean anything from death, parental divorce, parental marriage, parental incarceration, or loss of a positive support system (Finn, 2003; Jongsma, Peterson, McInnis, & Bruce, 2014). Unfortunately, death or death of a loved one is something everyone will face at one point in their life (Finn, 2003). When this loss occurs and grief is unresolved, many teens may struggle and lead to trouble accepting the death, detachment, excessive bitterness, difficulties moving on, and loss of self (Spuij et. al., 2012). Other behavioral issues that can come from unresolved grief and loss can be lack of appetite, nightmares, restlessness, inability to concentrate, irritability, tearfulness, or social withdrawal (Jongsma, Peterson, McInnis, & Bruce, 2014). While teens may face these symptoms, as well as many more, it is important to help them understand that grieving is a process, that they are not alone, and how to heal. Helping clients understand the significance of the event, maintain emotional balance, and preserve self-image and self-efficacy are important goals during treatment (Muselman & Wiggins, 2012). Cultural consideration is always important to understand when working with clients. While grief and loss are universal, there will be many cultural differences between how clients mourn (Bardot, 2008). The therapist must always be aware of any possible cultural or individual differences in how one may face unresolved loss. Culture is an important factor that helps better understand individuals' experiences of loss and grief (Lopez, 2011). The therapist should be competent when dealing with other cultures and aware of the effect it may have on the client’s experience with loss and grief.
These interventions within this book may be implemented for those struggling with grief and loss. The specific settings these interventions can be used within after school programs, school settings, grief groups, or outpatient counseling setting. Each art intervention can be used in an individual setting or group setting depending on the client and therapist. I will add the interventions In other posts so check them out!
Paper Weaving
Grief Bottle
Growth
Greif Meander Book
Let it Flow
Metamorphosis
Memory Box
Moving Forward
References
Bardot, H. (2008). Expressing the inexpressible: The resilient healing of client and art therapist. Art Therapy, 25(4), 183–186. https://doi-org.uc.opal-libraries.org/10.1080/07421656.2008.10129547
Feen-Calligan, H., McIntyre, B., & Sands-Goldstein, M. (2009). Art Therapy Applications of Dolls in Grief Recovery, Identity, and Community Service. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 26(4), 167–173. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.uc.opal-libraries.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ868053&site=ehost-live
Finn, C. A. (2003). Helping Students Cope with Loss: Incorporating Art into Group Counseling. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 28(2), 155–165. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.uc.opal-libraries.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ770626&site=ehost-live
Jongsma, A. E., Peterson, L. M., McInnis, W. P., & Bruce, T. J. (2014). The adolescent psychotherapy treatment planner. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Lopez, S. A. (2011). Culture as an Influencing Factor in Adolescent Grief and Bereavement. Prevention Researcher, 18(3), 10–13. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.uc.opal-libraries.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ943736&site=ehost-live
Muselman, D. M., & Wiggins, M. I. (2012). Spirituality and Loss: Approaches for Counseling Grieving Adolescents. Counseling and Values, 57(2), 229–240. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.uc.opal-libraries.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ981393&site=ehost-live
Spuij, M., Reitz, E., Prinzie, P., Stikkelbroek, Y., Roos, C., & Boelen, P. (2012). Distinctiveness of symptoms of prolonged grief, depression, and post-traumatic stress in bereaved children and adolescents. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 21(12), 673–679. doi: 10.1007/s00787-012-0307-4
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