Meaning Making and the Art of Grief Th erapy

Grief, understood in human terms, has existed as long as humanity itself, standing as it does at the intersection of attachment and separation, of love and loss. And for nearly as long the anguish and hope uniquely associated with the death of members of the community have found expression in art, from Paleolithic cave paintings to ritual chants, music and dances across cultures, and from religious art in innumerable spiritual traditions to secular poetry and prose. Our intent in compiling this volume was to explore this conjunction in the contemporary context of grief therapy, where a lively acquaintance with expressive arts modalities can make a profound contribution.