Creative Connections: Volume 2

Palliative Care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. This type of care is focused on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness - whatever the diagnosis. The overarching goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family/caregiver(s). Palliative Care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses, and other specialists who work with a patient's primary team of doctors to provide an additional layer of support. Palliative Care is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness, and can be provided together with curative treatment.

The Natalie Kutner Palliative Care Creative Arts Therapy Program promotes creative expression to help patients, families, and caregivers process the experience of serious illness. Through dedicated time at the bedside, the music and art therapists support individuals in using a variety of artistic media to enhance a sense of control, promote emotional and self-expression, encourage continued development of coping skills, or assist in the creation of memory keepsakes. Art and music therapists focus on quality of life, listening to patients - hearing what is important to them, while providing a supportive presence to family.

The Creative Arts Therapy team has the honor of walking alongside individuals, families, and caregivers during art and music creation and while “holding space” for conversation or quiet reflection. Art and music making allows people to shed light on their inner world, revealing layers of meaning, and to feel understood beyond the limits of words and the immediate circumstances of life. The photographs and music in this compilation tell just part of the rich narrative of each individual. Please click on the “My Story” icon to read more about the interactions, behind the art and music, between patients and families and the creative arts therapy team.