Expressive Arts for Healing
Our volunteers and music therapist provide a variety of creative activities to support the expression of feelings of grief.
Music
At Safe Harbor, our music therapist uses the power of music to enhance the healing process. Children and adult groups share sadness, anger, pride and laughter through various musical activities. Music making often helps group members to gain respect and peer validation by sharing the deep emotions that have been brought alive through music.
Drumming, improvisation, song writing and recording are just some of the rewarding music therapy activities. Each child receives a CD to share with their loved ones. The safe environment created in this program opens the musical hearts of all our families.
“Thank you for showing the group that where words fail, music speaks.”– Facilitator
“Thanks for helping me create. This was cool.”– Participant
Listen to original music by our participants:
I Shed a Tear —
Artist: Music therapist and participants; Date: 2008
Never Leave Me —
Artists: Daniel, Bob, Mariah, Laura Lynn, Amanda, Alex, Devon, Samantha, and Brianna; Date: 2009
Pet Therapy
Safe Harbor has some energetic, loving and furry volunteers. Our therapy dogs visit groups to provide an opportunity to discuss what comforts and consoles each of us after a loss. Pets can be soothing and help children who are not as outgoing by allowing them to sit, quietly petting and reflecting. Our dogs can also be a lot of fun as they show off their tricks to the children.
Drama and Movement
We strive to provide many creative outlets for children and teens to express how they are feeling. Drama is a safe way for participants to bring up memories, feelings and hopes through play. It is sometimes relieving for a child to be able to put their feelings into a skit or puppet or even video. We can all surprise ourselves with the creativity hiding inside.
Art
Children, teens and sometimes even their parents/ caregivers enjoy visiting our art room. We often do projects to help children memorialize their loved one or to help let go of difficult memories and feelings. Children are encouraged to express through hands on creativity.
