What is Art Therapy?
Art Therapy Enhances Psychotherapy—
Because over-thinking is exhausting and talking about things only gets you so far.
Since its emergence in 1969, art therapy is a growing mental health field that uses traditional processes of psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, for example) integrated with creative expression.
Art therapy is a unique tool for reducing stress and anxiety, resolving inner afflictions, healing from grief, increasing self-esteem and wellbeing, and working through maladjusted behaviors, addictions, or other mental-health conditions.
Art therapy sessions are largely focused on art-making as a form of emotional expression. Art directives (goal-oriented prompts) are offered by the art therapist to support treatment plan goals specifically geared towards your individual needs; or, the art-making process can be a spontaneous and intuitive mindfulness practice that encourages catharsis, while stimulating curiosity, imagination, and playfulness.
The art-making process connects with your subconscious wisdom, which can reveal aspects of your Self that may be lesser known, and help to resolve inner conflict. The expressive arts give voice to your thoughts and feelings when words don't come easy.
Art therapists have extensive specialized training in how to work with—and safely contain—emotions that may (and often do) come up through the art-making process. Art therapists are also uniquely trained to look for certain indicators in artwork, including examples of abuse, anxiety, depression, self-harm, family conflict, etc.
Today, art therapy is widely practiced in a variety of settings including hospitals, psychiatric and rehabilitation facilities, homeless shelters and group homes, wellness centers, schools, crisis and trauma treatment facilities, senior communities, private practice, and other community centers.
Click here to learn more about how art therapy differs from art in therapy.
Who Benefits from Art Therapy?
Research supports the efficacy of art therapy to benefit those struggling with issues related to stress, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse/neglect, addiction, maladaptive behaviors such as self-harm, eating disorders, emotional disturbances, and life changes.
For more information on art therapy, visit The American Art Therapy Association website.
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