What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is the intersection of creativity and psychology. Art therapy helps to cultivate self-expression, create coping skills, manage stress, and strengthen a sense of self.

Creativity is used with a wide range of clients, including adults who are stressed out, people with a terminal illness, survivors of abuse and trauma, and children with behavior challenges.

Art therapists are Masters-level mental health professionals trained in psychological theory who use the creative arts as a part of the counseling process. Art therapists work in a variety of settings including mental health agencies, hospitals, schools, wellness centers, community programs, residential programs, shelters, correctional programs, and private practice. Materials used in sessions include paper, crayons, oil and chalk pastels, magazine or paper collage, markers, paint, and coloring sheets. Sometimes experiences are difficult to put into words, and can more readily be expressed through art making. Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses art materials to gain insight into underlying thoughts and feelings.

In my practice, I start with a base of traditional talk therapy and add art therapy techniques where appropriate. We work together to identify where processing creatively would be helpful, and if it feels too overwhelming, we can talk about what that means. Art making isn’t just for the kids; everyone is capable of creative expression, even the adult who hasn’t picked up a crayon or paintbrush since elementary school. Creativity in session is about the process, not the product; sometimes it is a relaxation tool, and sometimes we stumble into a big moment.

More information about art therapy can be found at www.atwb.org, www.arttherapyalliance.org, or www.arttherapy.org.