Abstract
Although fertility is fundamental to spiritual health, it is often taken for granted. When a desired pregnancy fails to occur, stress and grief frequently follow. Visual expression of feelings through “art therapy” has proved a powerful healing tool for women brave enough to give it a try at the McMaster University Fertility Clinic. The objective and subjective findings of this ongoing project suggest that through simple visual self-expression, stress, anxiety and hopelessness may be reduced. This form of art therapy also provides a joyful social experience of sharing with other women, who are dealing with these issues.
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Acknowledgment
This work would not have been possible without the skill and passion of Alicia Mann da Silva, the group’s art therapist. Thanks also to the staff of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and in particular, Jacqueline Steudler and Dale Shepperd for their encouragement with this project.
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Hughes, E.G. Art Therapy as a Healing Tool for Sub-fertile Women. J Med Humanit 31, 27–36 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10912-009-9098-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10912-009-9098-0