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Hope Bereavement Center to help people "paint away pain"

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PeaceHealth Southwest's Hope Bereavement Center will offer a "Process Painting" class Friday, October 27 to help people who are grieving a loss. The class is facilitated by Bereavement counselor Colleen Storey.

"Process painting means painting from the inside out," said Storey. "The class starts with a five minute meditation, followed by an hour of painting in silence. Participants then gather to discuss their experience and share their painting if they desire. We find that the process helps people move into their hearts, to access emotions and thoughts that may be well hidden. The goal is not to create a finished piece of art, but to use the process of painting to find healing."

"Process Painting" debuted at the Hope Bereavement Center last spring. Attendees were overwhelmingly positive about their experience. Some of their comments include:

"I was able to paint my pain and sorrow."
"It has helped me open up more, find out what else is inside of me and bothering me."
"Painting gave me the freedom to be myself and share openly. I was so impressed with how kind and considerate everyone is."

To register:
"Process Painting" will take place Friday October 27 starting at 1:30 PM. The session will be offered at PeaceHealth Southwest's Hope Bereavement Center, located at 5400 MacArthur Boulevard in Vancouver. Those interested in attending are encouraged to call 360.686.5120 to reserve an easel. The class is free of charge, and all art supplies will be provided.

Contact:
Colleen Storey, MSW
Bereavement Counselor
PeaceHealth Hospice/Hope Bereavement Services
360.696.5100

About PeaceHealth Southwest Hope Bereavement Services
Hope Bereavement Services, a program of PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, provides emotional support and information for healing. We offer bereavement support groups and counseling to members of our community, including individuals, families and children.

About PeaceHealth Southwest
The region's health care leader and steward for 155 years, PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center is a community-owned, not-for-profit, 450-bed, medical institution located in Vancouver, Washington. Repeatedly recognized nationally as a 100 Top Hospital, PeaceHealth Southwest provides a full range of outpatient and inpatient diagnostic, medical, and surgical services to Clark County residents. PeaceHealth Southwest is also one of Clark County's largest employers with 3,400 employees and 600 active medical staff members that help support dozens of medical specialty services and programs, including cancer, heart, emergency, trauma, neuro-musculoskeletal, family birth, and primary care. For more information visit http://www.peacehealth.org/southwest.