Coping Through Transitions: Finding a Different Way

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FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

	CANCER & TREATMENTS FOR CANCER CENTER PATIENTS PREVENTION & RISK ASSESSMENT CLINICAL TRIALS & RESEARCH LIVING WITH CANCER

Working through Grief

Helping Children with Grief

Finding a Different Way

Planning for Special Times of the Year

Honoring the Memory of your Loved One

Your Financial Well-Being

		Home > For Cancer Center Patients > Grief & Loss Program > Coping Through Transitions Coping Through Transitions Tissue Paper Collage Created in an Art Therapy session by a Cancer Patient Finding a Different Way Complementary Therapies Coping with the rush of feelings that the death of a loved one brings may feel impossible to express. It may be helpful to consider complementary therapies to find a different way to work through your grief. The U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center offers a range of options to bereaved families; other resources are listed in the back of this folder. Think about which therapies mesh with your needs and interests. Body Work Yoga, tai chi, massage and reflexology may help ease physical symptoms brought on by stress and bottled-up emotions. These activities provide a physical outlet and can help to connect the mind and body in working through grief. Guided Imagery This is a technique that combines visualization and relaxation to combat anxiety, pain and persistent thoughts and fears. Studies have shown that it lowers blood pressure, decreases stress hormones, enhances sleep and boosts the immune system. Sessions can be adapted to all ages. Art and Music Art therapy and music therapy aid in finding creative outlets for feelings and emotions that are too difficult to express in words. No experience with art or music is required. Both adults and children find comfort through these therapies. Writing in a journal to express thoughts and feelings can help ease the pressure of grief. Writing Writing in a journal to express thoughts and feelings can help ease the pressure of grief. Keeping a journal informally or working through structured workshops may be helpful. For more information on therapies offered through the Cancer Center, please call 1-877-408-7377 (PFSS). This guide was made possible by financial support from the Coach Carr Cancer Fund. Return to top		See Also: Complementary Therapies Program Art Therapy Creative Writing Program Guided Imagery Music Therapy Yoga Print the "Coping through Transitions" book [PDF] Grief & Bereavement Information Guide [PDF]

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