What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a psychological discipline that harnesses the creative process and visual art-making to facilitate therapeutic change, particularly in situations where words alone may feel insufficient.
It provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore a wide range of personal experiences, including identity, relationships, life transitions, addictions, grief, trauma, and personal growth. Through guided artistic expression, clients can process emotions, develop self-awareness, and gain new insights into their inner world.
In a therapeutic setting, a trained art therapist supports clients in working with various art materials and techniques to reduce anxiety, build self-esteem, and foster emotional regulation. Beyond self-expression, art therapy can also help individuals set and work toward personal goals—whether that involves improving coping strategies, strengthening relationships, or enhancing a sense of purpose and agency. Not all art therapy sessions will involve art making, but the art materials serve as an available tool for further exploration and expression.
By integrating creativity with psychological support, art therapy empowers individuals to navigate challenges, discover resilience, and create meaningful change in their lives.
"The aim of art is not to represent the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance." Aristotle.
How is Art Therapy Different to Art Class or Arts & Crafts?
In an art therapy session, art skills or projects are generally not taught as would be in an art class, and art work is not marked as a teacher might.
NO ART SKILLS NEEDED. Although creative skills may increase, the art therapists focus is on exploring the art process of working with the art materials rather than achieving a polished art work. Each art therapy session is taken at the clients pace and agenda with the therapist following rather than leading. The art image or object can also be used as a tool for communication through symbols and/or metaphor.
There is also no pressure to use art materials in a session if you feel more comfortable talking. It’s always your choice.
A range of art materials will be provided for you to choose from and experiment with, such as; paint, clay, pastels, pencils, found materials, sand tray, and collage images.
