Art and Healing in Difficult Times

When death takes away a loved one or a pet, those who remain often experience a range of emotions such as sadness, resentment, helplessness, and regret. Unable to express these feelings, they remain trapped in pain and grief. Art therapy does not change the difficult reality, but it attempts to help individuals organize their emotions step by step through creation and find an outlet for expression. This is especially true for children; when faced with the departure of a loved one, they may not know how to process their emotions or express themselves, leading to psychological and physical trauma. Through a series of art activities, art therapy can try to open a small window for them.

In contemporary Hong Kong, many people are also facing separation—the pandemic and social unrest have made life unbearable, and pain and separation have become lessons Hong Kong people have had to learn in recent years. In an era where things cannot be changed, how can artistic creation give meaning to suffering and nurture hope? How can people cope well in difficult times?

Registered art therapist Chan Nga-chi explores the importance of art therapy for society and individuals during difficult times in her new book, using her personal experiences and case studies to write about the application of art therapy in various situations. The book also recommends simple art creation activities that allow people to express their emotions through art in adversity.

Some contents of this book:

1 When a child faces bereavement and cannot express themselves, how does art therapy uncover their inner feelings? Is it anger or grief?

2 When a pet passes away, owners often blame themselves, feeling they didn't do enough. The author shares three experiences of losing pets and discusses how she emerged from the shadow of grief and pain to re-adopt pets.

3 The pandemic and social unrest have brought about separation; everyone faces different degrees of separation and loss. The author shares her experience of "internal resistance to external forces" and discusses the importance of paying attention to one's own physical and mental health while caring for others.

4 Using case studies as examples, discusses the functions of simple and interesting creative activities: art journals, "truth-telling" boxes, healing dolls, etc.

5 Explores how helping professionals, such as social workers, can prevent compassion fatigue while assisting others.