The Art of Grieving: Telling Our Cancer Stories in Transforming Ways

As Dr. Sheila K. Collins works with individuals affected by a cancer diagnosis—whether their own or that of a loved one—she consistently observes that the grief and loss aspects of such experiences are often overlooked or given minimal attention. What many people don’t realize is that their emotional responses and level of acceptance tend to fluctuate throughout the course of treatment and can resurface on significant anniversaries for years afterward. According to Dr. Collins, once people understand that the path of grief is not a steady climb up a staircase but rather a recurring spiral, the transformation can be profound.

In this one-hour online interactive presentation, author Dr. Sheila K. Collins will offer guidance and opportunities for participants to practice the art of embodied storytelling, along with its companion skill of deep listening. Drawing from her 2024 book, The Art of Grieving: How Art and Artmaking Help Us Grieve and Live Our Best Lives, Dr. Collins will explore how grieving itself becomes an art—one that individuals can refine over time as the stories they hear and tell lead to personal and communal transformation.

Facilitators

Program Facilitator ,

Sheila Collins