ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the development of an art therapy group for children whose families have been living with chronic illness. The art therapy program was developed by a “grass roots” support group for children with cancer and their families. It is held at a public art gallery in Canada and has shown great success. The structure and setting for the group, the criteria for participants, interactions with parents and the use of a spontaneous art therapy approach (rather than group projects or specific directives) are highlighted. Included also are a description of the psychodynamic approach the group has taken on and its benefits, observations of artwork created, common themes that have emerged, the importance of art materials chosen, and the significance of abandoned art pieces. The chapter concludes with a discussion of participants’ personal growth as perceived by the parents, the children themselves and the art therapist.
