The many and varied benefits of Art therapy in paediatric palliative care

Introduction:

As the provision of paediatric palliative care widens in this region there is increased interest in exploring as many ways to engage with children and their families. To help them express their experiences of being, or caring for, a child with a life-limiting condition.

Art therapy within the multi-disciplinary team can often bring a unique perspective of utilising the art-making process.

All health professionals in paediatric palliative care have the child and family foremost in their approach. However, at times there is a cost to ourselves.

Do we give ourselves time to reflect on that?

Methodology:

• Short overview of art therapy and its application in paediatric palliative care with clinical examples and short case studies.
• Engagement in experiential art making- no art experience necessary. (Art materials provided within registration packs).
• Time to share with like-minded professionals in break out rooms.

Aims / Objectives:

• An opportunity to learn a little more about the application of art therapy in paediatric palliative care.
• To provide an opportunity for the sharing of insights, initiatives and resources in using creative approaches and their benefits to the children and their families.

Key Learnings:

• A broader appreciation of what constitutes art materials and their uses in a therapeutic framework.
• Valuing the process of art making as well as the creative outcome.
• To reflect on the resilience, we bring and the boundaries we put in place for this critical work.