What is Art Therapy

ART THERAPY is a form of psychotherapy involving the encouragement of free self-expression through painting, drawing, or modelling, used as a remedial or diagnostic activity.

Art therapy may focus on the creative art-making process itself, as therapy, or on the analysis of expression gained through an exchange of patient and therapist interaction.

Art therapy involves the use of creative techniques to help people express themselves artistically and examine the psychological and emotional undertones in their art. 

With the guidance of a credentialed art therapist, clients can “decode” the nonverbal messages, symbols, and metaphors often found in these art forms, which should lead to a better understanding of their feelings and behaviour so they can move on to resolve deeper issues.

When it is used

Art therapy helps children, adolescents, and adults explore their emotions, improve self-esteem, manage addictions, relieve stress, improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, and cope with a physical illness or disability. No artistic talent is necessary for art therapy to succeed, because the therapeutic process is not about the artistic value of the work, but rather about finding associations between the creative choices made and a client’s inner life. 

What to expect

As with any form of therapy, our first session will consist of you talking about why you want to find help and learning what I can offer. Together, we will come up with a treatment plan that involves creating forms of artwork. Once you begin creating, I may, at times, simply observe your process as your work, without interference or judgment. When you have finished a piece of artwork—and sometimes while you are still working on it—I will ask you questions along the lines of how you feel about the artistic process, what was easy or difficult about creating your artwork, and what thoughts or memories you may have had while you were working. Generally, I will ask about your experience and feelings before providing any observations.

How it works

Art therapy is founded on the belief that self-expression through artistic creation has therapeutic value for those who are healing or seeking deeper understanding of themselves and their personalities. According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapists are trained to understand the roles that colour, texture, and various art media can play in the therapeutic process and how these tools can help reveal one’s thoughts, feelings, and psychological disposition. Art therapy integrates psychotherapy and some form of visual arts as a specific, stand-alone form of therapy, but it is also used in combination with other types of therapy.

Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/therapy-types/art-therapy