Art Therapy

"People are often surprised at their own creativity and how they can use it to express and address their feelings about having cancer, "says Jack Cheney, Registered Art Therapist. Cheney employees everything from musical instruments to journaling to crayons and paper in his efforts to help patients and their loved ones grapple with tough issues around a cancer diagnosis. Helping the patient and his support network deal openly and honestly with the many changes, both physically and emotionally, that result from a life threatening illness is the goal of the program. In working both bedside in the Comprehensive Cancer Center and with various cancer support groups, Jack Cheney helps everyone express fears, frustrations and questions about illness. Then he is able to help them find tools or learn skills that enable them to better manage the problem. He says "It's very rewarding to see them open up and begin to resolve internal conflicts."