Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy where individuals express themselves through art instead of verbal communication.

Does Art Therapy Work?

In a word: yes. Art therapy is an evidence-based treatment approach that has demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of mental disorders and alleviation of symptoms.

Art therapy has been shown to benefit children, adolescents, and adults experiencing mental health issues related to anxiety, depression, and complex trauma.

What does Art Therapy treat?

Art therapy can be employed to address a wide range of mental and emotional disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety, personality disorders, complex trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Art therapy could also help stimulate personal growth by improving self-awareness, enhancing communication, coping and problem-solving skills, as well as building emotional resilience. Art therapy often complements other psychotherapy treatment approaches.

Art therapy allows clients to address their trauma and/or other complex psychological concerns which might be difficult to put into words in talk therapy. It is not meant to diagnose mental health concerns, but rather, offers a safe and playful medium where individuals can understand and address emotional issues which may be distressing.

Self-expression through artistic creation is therapeutic for individuals who seek to learn more about themselves and make sense of their past experiences. Art therapy allows individuals to explore their inner world – thoughts and emotions, improve self-esteem, cope with stress, improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, or manage physical illnesses.

What does an Art Therapist do?

Art therapists are mental health professionals with a master’s degree, trained to support individuals’ art creation and facilitate insights into the creative process and the resulting artwork. Together with the client, an art therapist explores the underlying meaning of the art, brings into view the individual’s feelings or emotions, and highlights core conflicts that the individual experiences. In the process, individuals get to express their emotions and thoughts, explore their identity, and hone their social skills.

Making use of various art modalities (e.g., drawing, painting, collages, or sculpting), individuals are encouraged to express themselves freely, without the fear of being judged or criticized.

Art therapists work with people of all ages, from children to adults.

What if I have no artistic creativity?

A common misconception about art therapy is that you need to be artistic or have knowledge of art to benefit from art therapy. This is not at all true.

In the same way one does not need to be a psychologist to take on psychotherapy, one is not required to be an artist (or possess any form of artistic talent really) to engage in art therapy.

The end art product is unimportant – what matters is the process of art creation. The art therapist is trained to interpret the colours, textures, and art medium used in therapy as an expression of thoughts and emotions. The art therapist will guide the individual to reflect on their use of symbols and the psychological associations between the art work and their experiences.

Art therapy can benefit people of all ages and abilities, and no prior experience or artistic talent is required.

What happens in an art therapy session?

An art therapy session typically begins with both parties: therapist and client, getting to know each other. It is key for both people to build a therapeutic relationship as it will serve as a foundation for growth and healing.

A variety of art materials is provided in an art therapy session; an art therapist could advise you on the different characteristics of art media such as pastels, markers, paints, colour pencils, pencil, charcoals, chalks, clay, etc. It lies on you to decide on a media that most appropriately conveys your feelings and thoughts.

In the process of art making, you will experience immersion (otherwise known as flow) which is healing and therapeutic in and of itself. At the start of therapy, the art therapist might guide you through a set of prompts to ease you into a creative process, and learn insights into your core needs and conflicts through your art work.

When the artwork is completed, which could take 1 session or multiple depending on the complexity, the art therapist would facilitate reflections through therapeutic dialogues, and insight-building based on symbolic representations in your artwork.

Typically, it is recommended to commit to weekly art therapy sessions at the start. As therapy progresses, you can discuss with your art therapist and adjust to a frequency that best meets your needs.

To find out more about how you can benefit from art therapy, check out Annabelle Kids’ art therapy service!