Discovering Chronic Sorrow: An Arts-Based Autoethnographic Journey With Art Therapy and Metaphor (À la découverte du chagrin chronique : un voyage autoethnographique fondé sur les arts puisant à l’art-thérapie et la métaphore)

Abstract

A qualitative, arts-based autoethnographic method explored the topic of chronic sorrow through the creation and engagement of art therapy invitations. This is my personal journey and discovery of chronic sorrow as a professional art therapist and primary caregiver to my disabled child. Included in this study are unique perspectives through a first-hand lens which were discovered through art and writing reflections. Chronic sorrow is a type of living grief and non-death loss that affects parents of disabled children, among others. Various grief theories were presented with a recommended grief and bereavement model to support chronic sorrow. This recommended grief framework was applied to art therapy invitations that integrated metaphor theory, positive art therapy, and the companioning model of grief support. The purpose of the study was to explore whether resiliency could be achieved while companioning with feelings of chronic sorrow. This inquiry included 17 art invitations and 3 of these art invitations were included in this study accompanied with visual art and writing reflections.