What is Art Therapy?

Over time as we learn more about helping people heal, the definition of therapy has expanded. Gone are the days when therapy was limited to sitting on a couch and talking with a therapist. Now there are many types of therapy—from music and sandtray to adventure or art.

So what exactly is art therapy? The goal of art therapy is the same as any other type of therapy—to help individuals experience wholeness, healing, and emotional and mental wellbeing. The process of art therapy involves creative exploration and art-making. 

Art therapy has a wide variety of functions. It can be used to build self-esteem and self-awareness, improve cognitive functions, increase sensorimotor abilities, improve social skills, resolve conflicts, build emotional awareness and insight, and even strengthen communities.

Although many therapists may use art in their practice, only therapists with specific education are considered art therapists. Art therapists are master-level clinicians who have studied not only psychology but also art, the creative process, group work, and cultural diversity.

Art therapists work with individuals, groups, couples, and families in a wide variety of settings. This includes schools, hospitals, clinics, private practices, veterans clinics, crisis centers, senior communities, rehab facilities, and forensic institutions. 

Art therapy works by engaging the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. It is not limited by verbal expression, enabling participants to communicate feelings that they may not be able to find the words for. It engages the senses, speaks in symbols, and gives voice to experiences.

In art therapy it's not just the finished product that's important. Even the materials used can reflect a deeper meaning. Art therapy can consist of painting, drawing, creating a collage, sewing a quilt, sculpting with clay, crocheting, finger painting, or even blowing glass.

Art can evolve from a variety of places. Sometimes it includes prompts from the therapist to illustrate a relationship, feeling, experience, or answer to a question. Sometimes art will evolve as the image is reframed. Other times participants are free to create what they wish.

Sometimes participants can look at their finished art and reflect on what they have created and what it means to them. Other times they may be unsure why they created that piece. However, art therapists are trained to assess themes in both the process and the completed art.  

This type of therapy is especially helpful for those who dislike traditional talk therapy, who have difficulty communicating verbally, or who enjoy artistic activities. Art therapy can be a fantastic tool for helping people experience mental and emotional health.