A Radical Cultural Turn: The Intersection of Grief and Violence (N/NY-GM6198)
Papers
Rachel Nelms, MAAT, ATR-BC, LCPC, CADC
Rachel Nelms, a doctoral student at Florida State University, is currently working on her research regarding children’s grief and the relationship between grief and aggression, particularly in violence saturated urban areas. Rachel holds in Art Therapy and Counseling from Adler University and Bachelor of Fine Arts from Columbia College Chicago. Rachel is a registered art therapist, licensed professional counselor, and certified drug and alcohol counselor. She is interested in continuing her work provides art therapy and bereavement counseling support groups for children and families experiencing loss and grief, particularly those who are victims of the violence inherent in the Chicagoland area.
Using case vignettes of clients in an art therapy bereavement program, this presentation examines the relationship between grief and aggression in adolescents, particularly in response to violent and traumatic deaths. The program introduced illustrates the development of rituals, empathic social connections, and potential for critical engagement as collaborative process.