Processing Grief One Brush Stroke at a Time
Experience healing through the power of art expression.
About the Program
What is Grief Art Coaching?
The Grief Art Coaching Program offers a unique and compassionate space for individuals navigating the pain of loss. Through weekly one-on-one art coaching sessions, clients work directly with Barbara Hawkins-Cleveland to explore their grief using a blend of talk therapy, creative expression, and reflective practice.
Clients are guided to connect their thoughts and emotions, channeling them into expressive artworks using acrylics and oil pastels. These creations—born from past and present experiences—serve as powerful tools for healing. What once felt too difficult to express in words often finds voice through art.
Who We Support
Who is Grief Art Coaching for?
The Grief Art Coaching Program supports adults experiencing profound emotional pain—most often mothers grieving the loss of a child. Some have lost children to gun violence, cancer, or pregnancy-related trauma such as miscarriage or abortion. Others are fathers and grandparents holding silent sorrow, or military personnel processing grief connected to their service. Many clients also carry trauma related to addiction or caregiving. The program also serves adults facing their own cancer diagnosis, using art as a way to explore fear, loss, and hope while navigating uncertainty.
Whether the grief is from a child lost or from the emotional toll of illness, each client is welcomed into a safe, creative space to express what words cannot. This work honors every form of loss—and the strength it takes to heal.
Stages of Grief
Grief Isn’t Linear—And Neither Are Our Sessions
Grief doesn’t follow a straight line—it moves, circles back, pauses, and shifts. In our art sessions, you’re invited to explore wherever you are—every stage of grief has something to say.
Denial
Anger
Accepetance
Depression
Bargaining
Client Reflections
Stories of Healing
Even With Empty Arms
Even with empty arms, I protect my bruised and sorrowful heart with the joy and hope that her life lends to me, even in her absence. Yet, grief is a fiery beast, hot and cruel wagging its war with fiery tongues it feeds from life that is lost…Beating heart despite empty arm beauty lies behind the fire Hope remains, it is the artery.
Mary K.
2-5-2025