UC Davis Cancer Center offers art therapy program to patients, survivors

UC Davis Cancer Center is offering a new 10-week art therapy program for adult cancer patients and survivors. Sessions are led by Elaine Bowers, a licensed marriage and family therapist and registered art therapist with more than nine years experience helping patients express themselves through art.

The free program meets at UC Davis Cancer Center and is open to all cancer patients and survivors, regardless of where they receive treatment. No special skills are required to participate. All materials are provided.

“I use art to heal the heart,” Bowers said. “Art therapy gives patients a forum to express themselves through art instead of verbally, in a group setting where they are supported by people who have been through the same experience. It’s a safe place for them to talk about their feelings regarding cancer.”

Research has shown that after as little as one hour of art therapy, cancer patients report having more energy, less pain and less tension, according to Bowers.

“Almost anyone can benefit from art therapy if they are open to the experience,” she said. “Art is simply a tool used to assist us to express ourselves. Art therapy is about the process of exploring an issue, not about art skills or an end product. Sometimes the most powerful and insightful therapy comes from a simple creative image.”

At the end of each session, participants’ artwork is shared with the group. Members can share as little or as much as they like or nothing at all.

For information or to register, please call Toni Poppe at (916) 734-5786.