ART THERAPY

What is Art Therapy?

Art Therapy is a mental health profession and therapeutic practice that uses creative expression to help individuals explore and process their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Art Therapy provides a unique approach that goes beyond words. This therapeutic practice offers a safe, creative outlet for self-expression, allowing individuals to gain personal insight, strengthen self-awareness, and foster emotional healing and growth.

Art Therapy is facilitated by a trained and credentialed Art Therapist with a Master’s level or higher education in Art Therapy and is certified by organizations such as the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB).

Benefits of Art Therapy

  • Practicing mindfulness through art helps you become grounded in the present moment, focusing on the here and now. This reduces anxiety and stress, fostering a sense of calm.

  • Art Therapy offers a supportive space to embrace self-compassion, encouraging a kind, non-judgmental approach to your thoughts and emotions. This process helps you develop a deeper sense of self-acceptance, while reducing self-criticism and fostering personal growth.

  • Art Therapy provides a non-judgmental and supportive environment where you can freely express your thoughts and emotions. This safe space allows you to explore complex feelings without the need for words, helping you process and release what might be difficult to communicate.

  • Art Therapy promotes relaxation, helping to ease tension in the body and mind. Engaging in the creative process can bring you into a state of flow, reducing stress and enhancing emotional regulation.

  • Art Therapy helps enhance emotional resilience by providing a creative outlet to explore and process difficult emotions. Through art, you can safely express and learn about your emotions, strengthening your ability to cope with challenges and adversity. By regularly engaging in the creative process, you build emotional strength, learning to navigate stress and setbacks with greater flexibility, self-awareness, and confidence.

  • The process of Art Therapy allows you to step outside traditional thought patterns and see situations from new, unique angles. By engaging in this process, you gain new insights, problem-solving approaches, and a deeper understanding of yourself, offering clarity and fresh solutions to life's challenges.

  • Art Therapy boosts self-confidence by providing a safe space to express yourself freely and creatively. As you create and witness your own progress, no matter how small, you build a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. The process of working through challenges and celebrating your growth helps you gain confidence in your abilities, embrace your individuality, and trust yourself more deeply.

  • Art Therapy helps you celebrate your personal identity by giving you a creative space to explore and express who you are. Through the process, you can discover and connect with your true self, celebrate your unique qualities, and gain a deeper understanding of your personal experiences and values.

Common Questions

  • No artistic skill or experience is necessary! In Art Therapy, the focus is on the process of creating art and what it reveals about your inner world, rather than the quality of the finished product.

  • Art Therapy is different from an art class in many ways. While you might learn new techniques for using various art materials, the focus in Art Therapy is on the process of creating art rather than producing a skillfully executed art piece. Unlike art classes, where the goal is to develop skills and often be evaluated on the final product, Art Therapy aims to improve your overall well-being through creative expression.

    In Art Therapy, there is no right or wrong way to create; the emphasis is on self-reflection and personal growth, not on the technical skill and quality of the artwork.

  • While traditional talk therapy relies primarily on verbal communication, Art Therapy incorporates creative expression as a means of communication. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who find it difficult to express their thoughts and feelings verbally. Art Therapy can provide insights and perspectives that might not emerge through words alone.

  • Art Therapy can benefit individuals of all ages! It is adaptable to meet the developmental needs and challenges of each age group. Children may use Art Therapy to express emotions and improve social skills, while adults and older adults may explore self-reflection, manage stress, and address life transitions. Art Therapy is a versatile tool for emotional and psychological well-being across the lifespan.

  • Art Therapy can address a wide range of issues, including grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic pain, chronic illness, life transitions, stress, behavioral problems, and relationship issues. It can also support personal growth and self-discovery.

  • All art materials will be provided to you for in-person appointments. If you are joining for a virtual appointment, we will adapt Art Therapy exercises to art materials that are accessible and available to you in your space. You might consider reserving a journal or sketchbook to use specifically for your sessions.

  • Art therapists use a variety of materials, such as paints, markers, crayons, pencils, clay, collage materials, and more. The choice of materials is tailored to the needs and preferences of the client and the goals of therapy.

What Does an Art Therapy Session Look Like?

STEP 1

Set Intentions

The beginning of a session starts with checking in with you, your needs, and therapeutic goals. This provides space to set intentions and aims for the session.
STEP 2

Create

Art-making experiences will vary depending on your needs and therapeutic goals.
Some sessions may be more structured, where an Art Therapy directive is provided to help guide in working with themes. Sessions also may be unstructured, where you are invited to create without instruction and with art materials you feel drawn to. 
STEP 3

Reflect

Art Therapy sessions end with a discussion to process your experience with art-making, the content of your artwork, and insights developed about your artwork, self, and experience.
You'll be guided with reflective questions to discuss what came up while you were creating and what your art means to you.

Curious about how Art Therapy can transform your life?

Let’s explore how creativity can support your growth and well-being. Reach out to learn how Art Therapy can guide your journey.