Before exploring the healing potential of art therapy, my world was a palette of vibrant colours as a make-up artist and wig dresser at the West End, London. Crafting stunning visuals for theatre performances was thrilling. Yet, around five years ago, I paused my career to embrace the joys and challenges of motherhood. This shift left a void where my creative passions once thrived. Paul, my cherished partner, led me to painting. He gifted me an easel and a set of colourful paint and urged me to express my feelings through art. As I started painting, I discovered that the colours on my canvas were more than simple decorations – they were manifestations of my deepest emotions and silent thoughts. The painting evolved into an essential outlet for me. It helped me navigate the complexities of motherhood and personal evolution. Life was good. Can Art Therapy Help with Grief? When I faced the sudden loss of Paul, my world fell apart. The grief was suffocating. In those darkest moments, the spectrum of colours clung to hope for me. My involvement with colour therapy deepened – I explored chromotherapy more thoroughly to learn how various shades could aid healing. Combining these colours with yoga and meditation enhanced my coping strategies. It transformed my art into a refuge where I could discover peace and resilience. So yes, in my opinion, art therapy – and specifically colour therapy – can help with grief. Before I go a bit further in explaining all the ways that colour therapy might help you, here is a poem from my newly published book “My Journey Through Grief: A Personal Path of Loss, Love, and Healing Through Poems” that describes how I feel about healing through colour therapy the best. This poem is called Colour Your Grief: In the palette of emotions, grief has its hue. A unique, vibrant, and true colour. It paints our world with shades of blue, And yet, within it, there’s beauty to pursue. Colour your grief with the tears you shed. Let them flow freely, like rivers ahead. Each drop holds a story, left unsaid, A testament to the love that’s not dead. Colour your grief with the warmth of red. The fire within keeps you ahead. Let it fuel your strength as you tread Through the darkest nights, where hope is spread. Colour your grief with the golden light. That illuminates the path in the darkest night. Find solace in the memories, shining bright, And let them guide you like stars in flight. Colour your grief with the green of growth, For even in sorrow, there’s room for both. Allow yourself to heal, to find new hope, And let your spirit bloom like a flower’s oath. Colour your grief with vibrant hues Of laughter, love, and moments you choose. Embrace the spectrum, the highs, and lows, For your heart will grow in colouring your grief. So let the canvas of your grief unfold, With every colour, every story it holds. Embrace the journey as you gently mould A masterpiece of healing, bravery, being bold. What is Colour Therapy? Colour therapy, or chromotherapy, is a method of healing that uses the colour spectrum to improve mental and emotional well-being. Each colour radiates distinct wavelengths and energies and uniquely influences our psychological state. The effect and meaning of colours vary. For example, blue often brings a sense of calm, red can energise, and yellow tends to uplift spirits. This therapy utilises these energies to help harmonise and improve our emotional health. How Do Colours Affect Mood? From my own experiences, I've learned that colours deeply affect our moods. Take green, for instance—it has a remarkable soothing effect on me. This colour evokes the fresh start that nature offers. It brings peace and tranquillity to my soul. It also symbolises growth. The power of colours like green extends beyond mere aesthetics—they shape our feelings. Do You Need to Be an Artist to Benefit from Art Therapy? Allow me to clear up a widespread misconception: artistic talent or experience is not a prerequisite for benefiting from art therapy. Colour therapy focuses on expressing your inner experiences rather than artistic technicality. It’s designed for anyone who wants to explore their emotions through a creative lens. It is surprisingly freeing to express your feelings through paint or pencil on canvas or paper without worrying about the final product. What Are Mandalas and How Can They Help? Mandalas are a simple way to start experiencing the benefits of colour therapy. They are detailed, circular designs. They embody the universe in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. In art therapy, creating or colouring mandalas is a peaceful cantering activity. This practice invites deep creativity and provides a focal point for gathering thoughts and emotions. Completing a mandala's intricate patterns can give you a surprisingly profound sense of peace and achievement. Mandalas for Healing Colouring mandalas can be very enjoyable. Research and insights from experts confirm that they can effectively reduce stress and anxiety. The structured designs of mandalas provide a focal point that helps divert attention from stressful thoughts, promoting a sense of calm. As a result, colouring becomes a valuable activity for anyone looking for a moment of peace amidst the busyness of everyday life. Where to Find Art Therapy Resources? Many resources are available if you’re interested in exploring art therapy further. You can find books on art therapy techniques, materials for creating your art, and even local workshops or sessions led by professional art therapists. Additionally, I am excited to share that my upcoming mandala colouring book will soon be available. I designed it to help others use colour and pattern for emotional relief. Art Therapy: Healing for Everyone I want to emphasise an important point: Art therapy is accessible to everyone. You don't need to be a trained artist to reap its benefits. It's about allowing your heart to communicate through colours and movements, about expressing and understanding your emotions in ways that words often fail to capture. Whether it involves painting, drawing, or completing mandalas, creating is a powerful way to heal emotionally. From my journey, I've discovered that participating in art therapy can be as simple as doodling on scrap paper or as complex as painting a detailed landscape. The main goal is to release preconceived notions and let the creative process facilitate emotional exploration. Chromotherapy focuses less on the final product and more on the insights and relief that result from the act of creation. Suppose you'd like to explore more about how I've dealt with my grief and transformed my emotions. In that case, you may find deeper insights and related strategies in my previous articles, such as “Healing from Grief: Embracing the Benefits of Crying” where I discuss the emotional release through crying. Another blog you might want to read is “How I Transformed My Anger into Healing During the Grief Process (And How You Can Too!),” which details the journey from anger to healing in grief. Start Your Healing Journey with Art Therapy Starting with art therapy might be a wonderfully enriching decision for your emotional health. It doesn’t matter if you're painting, colouring mandalas, or even incorporating vibrant colours into your home décor —the positive impact can be significant. I invite you to try these activities and discover how they might enrich your life. If you want more insights and personal experiences, consider exploring my book. In it, I share deeper reflections on how art and colour therapy have been instrumental in my healing journey. For personal stories and guidance, follow me on Instagram, where I share insights and connect with a community of people who find solace in colours and art.

Losing my partner, Paul, plunged me into a sea of emotions where anger was notably present. It's important for me to share this because if you're experiencing similar feelings in your grief, I want to assure you that it's perfectly normal. We often shy away from discussing this aspect of anger, but it plays a big role in the healing process. My Story: Confronting Anger in Grief When Paul passed away, it felt as though my entire world had been flipped on its head. I wasn't just mourning my partner; I was suddenly navigating life as a single mother. The anger that surged within me was powerful. It was more than just sorrow – it was a fiery, intense anger directed at the world, at life's inherent unfairness. This type of anger is a common theme for many of us in grief – and acknowledging it is a key step in our journey through loss. What Stage is Anger in Grief? In the famous five stages of grief (developed by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross), anger holds a significant place. The stages are: 1. Denial: You refuse to believe the loss is real, often as a temporary defence mechanism. 2. Anger: Feelings of frustration, irritation, and anger arise as the reality of the loss sets in. 3. Bargaining: You might struggle to regain control by thinking of ways you could have prevented the loss. 4. Depression: You start feeling a deep sadness and realization of the true magnitude of the loss. 5. Acceptance: You come to terms with the loss and begin to move forward. It's a natural response to the pain of loss. Anger in grief is like your heart is trying to protect itself from the hurt. When I was going through it, I realized that my anger was a way of coping with the immense change in my life. It's okay to feel this anger. It's a sign that you're processing a deep loss, and it's a step towards healing. A Poetic Journey Through Grief In the verses of my poem "Anger," a part of my book "My Journey through Grief," I express the intense emotions that grief stirred in me during my journey through grief and bereavement. This poem gives a sincere and unfiltered glimpse into the anger accompanying grief. In writing it, I aimed to show that expressing this anger is not just acceptable but a part of the healing process. Grief touches each of us in unique ways, yet by sharing our experiences, we find strength and healing in our collective journey. "ANGER " In the deepness of my enormous rage, I find myself angry with grief. The weight of loss, a burden hard to bear, My pain consumes the air. Each tear that falls, a flame within my soul, Burning with resentment beyond my control. I scream into the void; my voice is thunderous Why must life be so cruel, so unfair, To strip away the ones I hold dear without care? But in rage, there’s a flicker of light, A gentle reminder that anger won't make things right. For grief is a journey, a path we must take, And rage, though tempting, won't heal what's been bled So I take a breath and let my anger subside, Embracing the pain, with tears as my guide. For in the depths of grief, a lesson I've learned. Is that anger and sorrow, together, must be turned Into strength and resilience, a balm for my soul, To honour the one I've lost and make them whole. Transforming Anger into Healing In the wake of loss, anger can feel like a relentless storm. But what if we could channel this powerful emotion toward healing? My journey taught me that forgiveness is key to transforming anger. It's not about justifying the events that caused the pain or erasing the memories. It’s more about releasing ourselves from the clutches of anger. I discovered comfort in engaging in activities like art therapy. I embraced the stillness of long walks and the mindfulness of yoga. These activities were channels to express and move through my anger – gradually guiding me to forgiveness and inner peace. How To Deal with Anger in Grief Managing the anger stage in grief is a deeply personal process, but some practical steps can help: 1. Recognize Your Anger: Accept that anger is normal in grief. It's important to acknowledge these emotions without judgment. 2. Seek Therapy: Consider therapy as a secure environment to explore and understand your feelings of anger. It offers a space for guided self-reflection and emotional support. 3. Express Through Art: Channel your emotions into creative outlets such as painting or writing. Art can serve as a powerful tool for expressing and processing feelings.  I found relief in painting and drawing. I let creativity act as my therapy. I discuss this more in another of my articles, "How does Colour Therapy help a Broken Heart?" 4. Engage in Physical Activity: Incorporate activities like walking or yoga into your routine. These not only help in releasing emotional tension but also contribute to mental and physical calmness. 5. Find What Resonates with You: Don’t forget that the journey of managing the anger in the grief process is unique to each individual. Explore different methods and stick with what feels most effective and comforting for you. Join the Journey: From Anger to Healing Grief brings a spectrum of emotions, with anger often playing a big role. Instead of ignoring and avoiding feeling this anger, consider dealing with anger in grief as a natural and important step in your healing process. This journey is deeply personal – it reflects the uniqueness of each individual's experience. I urge you to let yourself fully experience these emotions and discover constructive ways to express them. It's through recognizing and addressing our anger that we often discover a path to peace and acceptance. If you are currently experiencing the complex emotions of grief, remember you are not alone. I extend an invitation to connect deeper with me through my book, "My Journey through Grief." In it, I discuss my own story and the lessons I've learned. Additionally, my blog and my Instagram account offer a space for support and connection with others who feel the same way. You may find comfort and guidance in other blog articles available on my website, such as "I can't stop crying. How long can grief last?" and "The Healing Power of Forgiveness in the Face of Anger". Writing from my heart, I hope this post helps you understand that feeling anger in grief is not only normal but a necessary part of the healing journey. If you're feeling this way, know that you're not alone. I've been there, and I understand. Let's walk this path together.

It has been five years since my partner and father of my son passed away. Time has moved on, but the gap he left remains. These years have been tough, trying to look okay for others, especially during family times like Christmas. It's hard because everything reminds me of him being gone. I've been through a whirlwind of feelings and seen myself change in many ways throughout the five stages of grief. Crying has been a big part of dealing with my loss. Some people think there's a right time to stop being sad, but for me, crying is how I cope. I learned that it's okay to cry, even if others might not understand. It shows how much we loved and still love those we've lost. This journey has taught me that healing takes time and it's alright to let out the pain through tears. The Healing Power of Tears in Grief Crying serves as a vital outlet for the overwhelming grief we experience. It’s a physical manifestation of the depth of our loss and an important step toward healing. Shedding tears is not just a release but a therapeutic process. It helps to cleanse the soul and relieve the heartache that seems to have no end. How Long Does Grief Last? One of the greatest misconceptions surrounding loss is that grief has an expiry date. Grief is an immensely personal journey with no set timeline. Tears can flow just as freely years after a loss as they did in the moments following it. This endless nature of grief shows us once again the deep impact of our loved ones on our lives – it’s proof of the lasting bond that death cannot break. Society and Grief: Why Your Tears Matter Society often imposes a silent expectation to quickly "move on" from grief, to stop the flow of tears, and to hide our sorrow. But embracing your grief and allowing yourself the freedom to cry is not only okay, it’s necessary. Loving someone means carrying a part of them with you forever, and tears are a powerful acknowledgement of that everlasting love. What Helps with Grief? 6 Essential Strategies for Healing Let me introduce you to the six strategies that have helped me the most throughout the stages of grief recovery. These strategies are less about how to stop crying and more about how to live with a loss and how to overcome grief: 1. Accept Your Emotions Understanding and accepting your grief and the resulting tears is essential. It's natural to experience a wide range of emotions, from profound sadness to unexpected anger. Recognizing these feelings as valid and necessary components of your journey is the first step toward healing. 2. Therapy for Grief – Find the Right Support Reaching out for professional support through therapy or grief counselling can provide a safe space to explore your emotions deeply. Professionals can offer coping strategies and perspectives that help you move through your grief more effectively. 3. Support Groups for Grief – You Are Not Alone Connecting with others who are also grieving can offer comfort and understanding. Support groups, both in person and online, provide a sense of belonging and a reminder that you are not alone in your feelings. Sharing your story and listening to others can be incredibly healing. 4. How to Process Grief through Creative Outlets and Physical Exercise Creative activities like art therapy or physical exercise can significantly help with grief processing. This could be painting your emotions, writing about your loss, or finding solace in the rhythm of physical movement (even just a walk or a bike ride). These outlets offer a way to express what might be too difficult to say out loud. 5. Colour Therapy for Grieving: A Unique Way to Heal Colour therapy, or chromotherapy, as a form of art therapy for grief, is a unique way to navigate through grief. By exploring the emotions associated with different colours, you can discover new methods to express and process your feelings. Personally, this has been one of my favourite ways to process my grief over the past few years. Chromotherapy can add a layer of understanding to your healing process. If you’re interested in exploring this further, my article on "How does Colour therapy help a broken heart?" provides insight into how colour therapy can specifically help those dealing with heartache and loss. 6. Time: The Subtle Healer While time may not erase the pain of loss, it gradually allows us to find ways to carry our grief without it overshadowing every moment. Patience with yourself and your emotions during this period is key. Your Journey is Valid Grief is complex, and our journey is uniquely ours. The path to healing is not linear, nor does it adhere to a set timeline. I invite you to explore these strategies and find what resonates with you. For those on their healing journey looking to connect on a deeper level, my upcoming book "My Journey through Grief" shares personal insights, feelings, and strategies that have helped me on my path. I’ll share one of my poems with you here – it’s a reflection of the sorrow and eventual acceptance found in the process of grieving. This poem and others can be found in my book "My Journey through Grief". In the depths of sorrow, tears cascade, A river of anguish, my heart betrayed. I can't stop crying, the pain runs deep, How long will grief its hold on me keep? Each teardrop shed, a story untold, A testament to a love now cold. The ache in my soul, a constant throb, How long will this sorrow my spirit rob? Days turn to weeks, weeks into years, But the weight of grief never disappears. Time may heal wounds, or so they say, But how long will this ache inside me stay? The seasons change as life moves on, Yet the tears keep flowing like a mournful song. Will there come a day when my heart finds peace? Or will this pain forever refuse to cease? Grief knows no timeline, no set duration, Its grip on our souls defies explanation. For some, it may fade, a distant memory, While others find solace in tears that set free. So I'll keep crying, as long as I must, For in these tears, I find a sense of trust. They cleanse my soul, release the pain, And remind me that healing is not in vain. How long grief can last, I cannot say, But I'll keep crying, day after day. For in these tears, I find strength anew, And hope that one day, my heart will renew. Additionally, my blog and Instagram account offer spaces for support and connection. You might also find solace in other articles, such as "The Healing Power of Forgiveness in the Face of Anger". In sharing these parts of my journey – including the cathartic release found in tears – I hope to offer a hand to hold for anyone walking this path. Remember, it's okay to cry, to feel deeply, and to seek out spaces and activities that facilitate your healing. Your grief, your tears, and your journey toward healing are valid. And in the depths of your sorrow, may you find a glimmer of hope and renewal.