Loss of a Son and Soldier

Diana Mihalakis Artwork

Diana Mihalakis Artwork

“Diana Mihalakis was pursuing a sculpture degree at San Jose State University when she learned that her 18-year-old son, Mike, had died in Baghdad in 2003, the day after Christmas.

The loss was so traumatic, she put a hold on her educational plans. Three years later, too sad to make art, she enrolled in a poetry class on campus. The pieces she composed and recited for class helped her explore her pain and loss, eventually transitioning her back into sculpture. As a testament to the power of the poetry, she created accompanying sculptures of metal and glass that grew out of individual poems.”

View a video of Diana describing her artwork and poetry here.

For more information on this exhibit in San Jose, CA, running from June 3rd — 11th please check the Milpitas Patch here and here.

Abuse Survivor Blogs

As a therapist, I think it’s important to stay connected with the struggle our clients face when coming forward about past abuse, learning ways to manage symptoms and then maintaining the ability to cope in a healthier way. Here are 3 blogs written by survivors that I find candid, honest and insightful:

  • My Moster Has a Name, includes lots of self reflection, artwork and a useful feature that i’ll call a trigger star rating system. Be sure to take a look at the Gallery page with some artwork created using digital media such as Illustrator.

  • Mind Parts offers a male sexual abuse survivor’s perspective. Don’t forget to check out the highlights section.

  • Kate 1975 is an excellent resource for anyone interested suffering from PTSD, eating disorder issues, dissociative issues, etc. Be sure to check out her recent post listing Art Therapy and Creative Healing Projects.