Pain in the Arts

Pain in the Arts

This is a small 6-week art group for adults who experience daily chronic pain or prolonged illness. This may include (but is not limited to) people with arthritis, fibromyalgia, cancer, migraines, trauma or injury, lupus, Lyme disease and others. No art experience is necessary!

Living with chronic pain is an experience shared by many. Because it affects our body, mind, and soul, a multidisciplinary approach to pain is a highly effective way reboot our nervous system. Learning productive coping skills to manage symptoms and connecting with others to share and process our pain experiences will improve the quality of life of those living with chronic pain and conditions.

Participants will explore a range of mindfulness-based skills (breathing, body scans, and guided meditation) using a variety of art activities (collage, drawing and tangle art, paint, ink, self-care and journaling, storytelling and comics) and build their own mindfulness-based art kit for at-home use. Guidance on educational resources regarding creativity, chronic pain and mindfulness will also be available.

We do not currently have the next session of pain in the arts scheduled – if you’d like to be notified when we run the next session, please contact the office.

At first when I was introduced to this course I was hesitant to commit to a full 6 weeks. Having chronic pain means that you may never find the answers or relief you are looking for. Trying one thing after another to find some relief can be disheartening and frustrating at times. What I got from PITA was not more of the same but was, in fact, a fun and revitalizing experience. I was able to connect with others who completely understood and we could freely share and empathize with one another. We enjoyed trying out new ways of pain management where we stepped outside of our heads, and ultimately our pain, to gain relief through fun and creative projects that we can continue on our own. It was a new and innovative way of dealing with pain. I am glad I went through this program! Thank you Meg!

D.H.