Monday 14 May 2018
Robyn Volkers – Maggie's
You may be looking for ways to relieve stress, and the difficult emotions that can accompany cancer and its treatment. Using creative therapies can be one way forward.
Find out more from ²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s about cancer and creative therapies, and how you can use it to gain psychological benefits, relax and regain confidence.
Creative therapies can help work through difficult emotions that are sometimes hard to express verbally.
Therapists use arts and creativity to open up and explore these emotions in a safe environment. It can help make sense of events and understand your feelings.
Therapies can take place on a one to one basis or with others.
If in a group setting, you can gain insights from people going through the same experiences as yourself.
There are a range of therapies to try, including creative writing or art therapy, music therapy, drama, movement, and gardening therapy.
Other benefits include giving a sense of wellbeing and relaxation.
Creative therapies do not depend on skill or talent - it’s as much about the process as the product.
When you’re living with the impact of cancer and its treatment, it’s normal to experience a range of complex feelings.
So much may be happening, some of it which can feel out of your control.
Talking things through can help, but not everyone feels comfortable with ’talking’ therapies, or feel they can’t put their feelings into words.
Taking part in a creative activity can help ease and express those feelings.
Research shows that creative therapies may help relieve depression, anxiety and pain. For people living with cancer it offers a release and exploration, and improves quality of life.
You may be worried that you’re not good at art or music, or creative in any particular way.
However, it’s the activity itself which can open doors to communication, offers relaxation and helps build your confidence. You don't need previous experience to take part.
If you’re wondering where you can access creative therapies, there are a number of routes:
²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s recognises that you and your family need a space that is supportive and uplifting.
The environment has been put together creatively, and the focus is on you and how ²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s can help practically, and emotionally.
Many of our centres offer music therapy, expressive art, creative writing and gardening.
Your local ²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s will be able to let you know what is available. You can also find out more on our web pages about creative writing, and gardening therapy.
Read through our blogs and links to find out more about writing and other creative therapies, and their role in helping you through your cancer experience.
Visit your local ²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s centre, and find out about the range of creative therapies available, as well as our other workshops, courses and drop in session.
Last review: Nov 2021 | Next review: Nov 2022
Information about the effects of music on brain and making your own playlist to reduce stress
From Anxiety.Org
Last reviewed: 25 November 2021
Find out more about musical therapy and search for a therapist near you.
From British Association For Music Therapy
Last reviewed: 25 November 2021
Find out more about art therapy and how it can help with symptoms from cancer and its treatment.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 25 November 2021
Find out more about music therapy , what it involves and how it can help you when you have cancer.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 25 November 2021
An over view of the popular mind body therapies used by people with cancer in the uk including art therapy, music therapy and relaxation.
From Macmillan Cancer Support
Last reviewed: 25 November 2021
Find out more about art therapy and search for a therapist near you.
From The British Association Of Art Therapists (Baat)
Last reviewed: 25 November 2021
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