What Is Art Therapy?

What is Art Therapy?

The main question that I get being in this profession is, “What is Art Therapy?”
It is a good question, that hopefully after this post you will have a better understanding of Art Therapy and what it encompasses.

Art Therapy is a blend of psychotherapy and art-making that involves the use of art materials within a session to help the client externalize their concerns in a non-verbal manner. The art is a wonderful addition to the therapeutic space, as it can help provide clarity and insight for clients.

Have you ever felt anxious and sat down and started to draw or colour? That immediate feeling of relief that you feel when you have expressed yourself in a creative way. Art not only reduces stress but can also help you gain insight into your worries and concerns with the guidance of a trained Art Therapist.

There is no right way or wrong way of doing Art Therapy. That is the beauty of it. You are welcomed into a safe space where you are invited to use various art materials to help express yourself. Some of the art materials presented will include paints, markers, crayons, watercolours, collage materials, clay and so much more. You can freely create, or if you prefer, an Art Therapy directive can be offered to you. The focus is on the process and noticing what comes up for you. You do not need to be the next realist painter, but maybe instead, channel your inner Picasso or Pollock. It is okay to use different materials, make a mess with the supplies provided and communicate what your inner self is trying to say. Your art is your own, and only you can share what it means to you. An Art Therapist will ask you questions about your artwork to gain insight into what you have created, but the Art Therapist will not interpret your art. You are the only one who holds that power.

You may enter an Art Therapy session without fear of judgment and be open to gaining insight into your body and your emotions. Art Therapy can be a great space to work on problem-solving skills, gain insight into your own personal strengths, lessen stress, and increase your self-awareness.

I wanted to share a quote with you, that truly resonates with me.

"Every artist dips their brush into their own soul and paints their own truth into their pictures." – Henry Ward Beecher

For me, this quote embodies what Art Therapy means to me. When we enter Art Therapy work, we are tapping into our inner self and revealing it in the form of creative expression. It gives us awareness of our inner workings and can assist us in having a better understanding of self and help us work through some of the tangled thoughts and feelings we are experiencing.

There is no restriction on age, as a lot of people assume it is only beneficial to children. Art Therapy can be a therapeutic approach used with any age group, from children to adults and seniors as well.

I hope this has shed some light on the growing profession of Art Therapy and what it entails to enter an Art Therapy session.