Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art as a way to communicate. It allows people to use art materials for self expression and reflection in the presence of a trained art therapist.
Art therapy can be used to help address the complex issues that can arise following the diagnosis of a life limiting illness. Sometimes it can be hard to talk about difficulties and feelings, so art therapy can allow people to express these in a safe environment, using art instead of spoken words.
No matter how you are feeling, art therapy can help you express your emotions, in an atmosphere of support and understanding.
The sessions are held in the Art Therapy room in the Sunflower Living Well Centre and are:
A range of art materials are available for use, and you can choose to use the time and space in the way that feels most comfortable for you. Some people like to paint quietly, engaging completely with the materials, while others may feel the need to talk more—most patients do both.
The role of the therapist is to be a facilitator and listener rather than an art teacher. The creative process is the focus of the session, and it is through this framework that feelings can be acknowledged and worked through.
Art Therapy is available at East Cheshire Hospice for inpatients and people in our community affected by a life-limiting illness.
Referrals can be made through your GP or healthcare professional, or by contacting the Hospice directly.
“Art therapy has been very beneficial to me as it is easier to talk through the pictures and reflect on the depth of my mood. It is good to talk but more can be said when talking through the pictures.”
“I could talk but I’m not very articulate so the painting said what I couldn’t.”
“A combination of talking, painting and reflecting on the painting one to one has given me more hope somehow and makes me less frightened of the unexpected.”
“I find the sessions therapeutic at the time and this extends to outside of the sessions during the week. I also find the physical process helpful releasing tension and expressing and letting go of strong emotions”
To find out more about Art Therapy, please contact our Sunflower Living Well Centre on 01625 665685 or email dcoffice@echospice.org.uk
Thank you so much for choosing to support East Cheshire Hospice. You may never know how much your gift means, but we know that it will make the world of difference to our patients and their families.
East Cheshire Hospice, Millbank Drive, Macclesfield Cheshire, SK10 3DR | admin@echospice.org.uk | 01625 610 364
Copyright East Cheshire Hospice 2025 – All Rights Reserved
Registered Charity No: 515104
Sitemap | Gift aid | Privacy policy | Accessibility policy | Manage contact preferences
