Some of you may wonder what I do as an art therapist. Here is an article that succinctly summarizes our field.
https://therapist.com/types-of-therapy/art-therapy/
Art therapy: Benefits and treatment options
Reviewed by Stephanie Steinman, PhD, CSAC
Written by therapist.com team
Last updated: 05/24/2024
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy. It uses the creative process of making art to improve a person’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. It’s practiced in various settings including hospitals, clinics, and schools, helping people of all ages.
You don’t need to be an artist or have artistic talent to benefit from this type of therapy. Its primary goal isn’t for you to learn more about art (though it’s a nice side benefit). The goal is for you to learn more about yourself.
Why is art therapeutic?
Art allows you to approach your thoughts and feelings indirectly. Making art requires you to be present and engages your body in a physical craft.
Art also allows you to express yourself in ways other than language. While language can give you great insight into your psychological wellbeing, it has its limits. Art therapy helps bridge the gap between what you feel comfortable saying and what goes unsaid.
How does art therapy work?
A mental health professional will begin by assessing your needs, therapeutic goals, and personal strengths. They’ll then suggest art activities that suit you best and work with you to develop your personalized treatment plan.
Art therapy sessions look different depending on the setting, type of art involved, and other variables. For instance, some art therapy is hosted in group settings. The number and length of group art therapy sessions will likely change based on the size of the group and other variables.1 In a session you might learn how to draw with help from an artist, paint with watercolors on your own, or create your own book to share your feelings.
Reflection is a critical part of art therapy. You, your therapist, and potentially your group members will discuss your artwork to uncover emotions or thoughts. This is what separates art therapy from an art class.
Group vs. individual therapy
In group art therapy, you’ll work in a supportive, collaborative environment alongside your peers. Individual therapy, on the other hand, provides a private space just for you and the art therapist. This one-on-one atmosphere allows for personalized attention and a tailored approach to your needs.
What does art therapy treat?
Art therapy has been used as part of a treatment plan for a variety of mental health conditions, including:
Art therapy activities
This therapeutic approach uses many different artistic forms and mediums. Common examples of art therapy activities include:
Drawing, coloring, painting, or doodling: In art therapy, colors can hold significant emotional value. Warm colors like red and orange are stimulating and energizing, while cool colors like blue and green tend to be calming and soothing. You can choose colors and images that reflect your current emotions or desired emotional state.
Making collages: Collage-making allows you to piece together images and items that resonate with your experiences. It’s a way to create a visual narrative of your thoughts. You might cut out pictures from magazines, use fabric, or even natural materials. This can help in expressing complex emotions that might be difficult to articulate with words.
Sculpting or carving: The tactile experience of molding or carving materials like clay can be grounding. It offers a three-dimensional way to represent your feelings or experiences. When you sculpt or carve, you’ll be encouraged to focus on the process as much as the end product. Part of the process is to feel each movement and observe how you’re shaping your thoughts into something tangible.
Visual journaling (or art journaling): Combining visual art with written words, art journaling is a powerful expressive arts therapy technique. You could draw, paint, or doodle, and then write about what you’ve created. This process can help in connecting you with your inner self and also helps you track your progress over time.
Do adult coloring books count as therapy?
Adult coloring books do not count as a form of therapy, although it may feel therapeutic. Coloring is a great artistic activity that people of all ages may find comforting. However, art therapy requires the skills and direction of a trained art therapist. If you enjoy adult coloring books, consider incorporating them into your self-care routine. While they’re not a form of therapy, they may help you relax or manage your stress.
Benefits of art therapy
Art therapy can be beneficial for mental health by providing an outlet for expression and reflection. There is growing research on multiple ways art therapy helps clients, including:
Self-exploration and discovery. Art therapy provides a safe space for you to express feelings that might be hard to put into words. Often used to address emotional challenges, it can lead to improved self-esteem and self-awareness. 3,4
Stress reduction. Art therapy is a natural stress-reducer. Engaging in the creative process allows your mind to focus on the task at hand, taking a break from your worries. Research indicates that mindfulness-based art therapy interventions can reduce anxiety and stress, improving overall mental health.5
Emotional healing. Thoughts and feelings can be difficult to put into words, especially when you’ve experienced trauma or pain. Pursuing art therapy may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in certain groups, especially when used alongside other treatments.6
How every age can benefit
Each stage of life can benefit uniquely from art therapy’s adaptable methods.
Art therapy for kids: Children’s art therapy fosters emotional growth. Through activities like drawing or sculpting, children can learn to communicate complex feelings they might not yet have the words for.
Art therapy for teens: Teens might use collage or graffiti art to explore identity and navigate the often turbulent teenage years. This form of expression may help in reducing anxiety and boosting self-esteem.
Art therapy for adults: Art therapy can help adults cope with stress, emotions, and trauma in a concrete, hands-on way. By creating art, they might uncover new coping strategies and ways to deal with anxiety or depression. Painting or pottery, for example, can bring a sense of calm and focus.
Art therapy for seniors: Older adults may find comfort and mental stimulation in art therapy. Reminiscence art projects can help seniors preserve memories and maintain a connection to their personal history and identity.7
Treatment options
If you decide to seek treatment, it’s important to find a qualified therapist. Anyone can create art as a form of self-expression, but not all artistic creation is a form of art therapy. Working with a trained art therapist helps ensure you gain the psychological benefits of artistic expression.
When looking for a provider, keep the following things in mind:
- Certifications and accreditations: Art therapists must have a master’s degree in art therapy, counseling, or a related field. Additionally, most art therapists are registered, certified, or licensed by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB).
- Additional therapies: Many providers use art therapy alongside other forms of traditional talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) art therapy. Check to see if your chosen specialist offers other forms of treatment in addition to art therapy.
- Preferred experience: When choosing a therapist, your preferences matter. You may find it helpful to choose a provider with experience treating people with similar experiences to you or your child. For example, if you’ve experienced a trauma, you’ll probably want to seek out a trauma-informed provider.
Find an art therapist near you
Art therapy can help you express your experiences when words alone aren’t enough. Whether you or someone you love is struggling, you can find a provider in your area using our therapist directory.
If you’re in crisis, help is available now. Free, confidential help is available at the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline when you call 988. You can also text the word HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to chat with a crisis counselor.
