Grief and Loss Practices: Clinical Applications of Grief Using Art Therapy

Grief and Loss Practices: Then and Now — Clinical Applications of Grief Using Art Therapy and Creative Techniques

Virtual

3 contact hours are available to NYS LCATs, LMHCs, LMSWs/LCSWs, LMFT

Thank you to our partner Family Service Society, Inc. who share in our mission to create a network of mental health professionals sharing valued expertise across disciplines.

Grief and Loss Practices: Then and Now — Clinical Applications of Grief Using Art Therapy and Creative Techniques

Designed for mental health professionals, this continuing education course explores the evolution of grief and mourning practices from the Victorian era to present day. Clinicians will examine how cultural shifts have shaped the way individuals and communities experience and express grief, with particular focus on funerary art and symbolism.

Drawing on visual examples from Mount Hope Cemetery (Rochester, NY) and Charter Street Cemetery (Salem, MA), the course provides a unique lens into historical mourning rituals and their relevance to modern therapeutic work. Participants will gain practical tools for integrating art therapy and other creative techniques into grief-informed clinical practice. Emphasis will be placed on adaptable strategies to support clients navigating loss across diverse contexts.

Learning Objectives:

• Compare historical and contemporary grief practices and their clinical implications
• Identify symbolic elements of funerary art and their psychological meanings
• Apply art-based and creative interventions in grief counseling and therapy settings

About the Presenter:

Shannon Halligan, LCAT, is a licensed creative arts therapist with over 23 years of experience specializing in art therapy for grief, loss, and trauma. She is the founder and director of Halligan Creative Arts Therapy, an insurance-based group practice in Rochester, NY, dedicated to providing accessible, client-centered care through creative modalities.

Shannon brings a deep passion for both therapeutic practice and art history, with a particular interest in funerary art and the cultural symbolism of mourning. Her love of exploring historic cemeteries and uncovering the meanings behind gravestone iconography enriches her clinical perspective and informs her work with clients processing grief. Shannon is committed to helping fellow clinicians deepen their understanding of grief through historical context and creative applications.