The growth of an expressive arts therapy student through a life review practicum case of a cancer patient

Abstract

Practicum is one of the requirements of our master program of Expressive Arts Therapy, which could help us to gain practical knowledge and prepare us to be a professional therapist. One of my meaningful work was life review project with a cancer patient, Mr. C (pseudonym), a single man aged 60, with oral cancer of later stage, and rejected for medical treatment. He is ex-offender with drugs records started at his ages of around thirty. As the client without any arts experiences, the sessions were structured and simple at the beginning, and became increasingly more difficult and variety in art forms later. The main art forms were visual arts and writing, and some elements of drama added at later stage. The main objectives were enhance self-awareness, treasure the life memories and empower him for the remaining life journey. In addition to experience how Expressive Arts with life review could help him to treasure his life memory and enhanced the empowerment, I got many insights and personal growth when walking with client. In this dissertation, I would share his life review project and discuss in deep about the journey of my heart, including the studying difficulties, technical knowledge gained, personal growth and insights, and the studying tips sharing at the end. Hope my experiences could also inspire the others and continue the spirit of “lives affect lives”.