Awakening to Eternal Love, Comfort and Connection

My Research

I have completed two, arts-based dreamwork focus groups totaling 16 participants in dreaming of their departed loved ones, both people and pets.

Each participant engaged in my integrative process, blending art therapy, ritual, meditation, and dreamwork.

Baseline Measures

Pre-program grief intensity varied among participants from 3 to 10 on a Likert scale
11 of 16 reported prior dreams or visitation dreams of their loved ones
13 participants reported what they characterized as visitation dreams, define by the following characteristics*:
- Loved ones appearing younger, healthier, saying or communicating something significant, encounter bringing comfort, reassurance and feelings of deep love

Participant Outcomes

15 reported a profound sense of love, presence and connection
2 reported two deceased loved ones appearing together in their dreams
15 of 16 reported that the art therapy portion of the program significantly helped them process their grief and open to connection.
15 of 16 reported feeling much more spiritually connected overall, with each practice contributing to their well-being

15 of 16 participants reported a post-program decrease in grief intensity averaging more than 50% on a Likert scale.

Client Loving Memory Art

*Dream experience and interpretation can only be discerned by the dreamer

“When I am doing the practices, I feel my son’s presence; I absolutely know 100 percent that he is with me.

This program has changed my grief because it has helped me know that I have the power myself to have contact with my child. It’s been life-altering – I can’t thank you enough!”

“Matt Box”

Another Path through Grief: Opening New Possibilities

As an art therapist focused on bereavement, I am most moved that most participants felt that the program deeply supported their grief and sense of connection to their loved one in a profound way they had not anticipated. And, that many planned to continue the practices in an ongoing way.

“Because of this program, I have an access point now to my mom through my dreams – this reminds me that I am not alone.

I developed a connection and a belief that she is here for me – I know now that I can call on her which is something I did not do prior to this workshop. I feel like I got a gift!” – Leo R.

“Looking at the art I feel a wave of just connection –

not to something that I made but to a chord I channeled into that’s still there. Awakening’s Dreamwork is utterly transformational — a blessed practice to hold and carry for life.”

Exterior, Loving Memory Art

Interior, Loving Memory Art

“As the result of this work, I experienced a profound healing with my brother who I hadn’t spoken with in years.

I believe it’s because our mother stepped in from the spirit world to heal this wound.”