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Expressive Art Therapy

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Art Therapy

History and Development of Art Therapy

Contributors to the field, health issues treated by art therapy, art therapy techniques and exercises, art therapy vs expressive arts therapy, art therapist training and accreditation, limitations and concerns of art therapy.

Art has been used as a means of communication , self-expression, group interaction, diagnosis, and conflict resolution throughout history. For thousands of years, cultures and religions around the world have incorporated the use of carved idols and charms, as well as sacred paintings and symbols, in the healing process. The establishment of art therapy as a unique and publicly accepted therapeutic approach only took place recently, in the mid-20th century. The emergence of art therapy as a profession arose independently and simultaneously in the United States and Europe.

The term “art therapy” was coined in 1942 by British artist Adrian Hill, who discovered the healthful benefits of painting and drawing while recovering from tuberculosis. In the 1940s, several writers in the mental health field began to describe their work with people in treatment as “art therapy.” As there were no formal art therapy courses or training programs available at that time, these care providers were often educated in other disciplines and supervised by psychiatrists , psychologists, or other mental health care professionals.

Margaret Naumburg, Hanna Kwaitkowska, Florence Cane, Edith Kramer, and Elinor Ulman were five influential writers of the 1940s who made significant contributions toward the development of art therapy as a recognized field.

Paintbrushes and colorful splashes of paint

Hanna Kwiatkowski, another major contributor, was born in Poland and educated throughout eastern Europe. A talented sculptor and artist, Kwiatkowski eventually moved to the United States and began working at the National Institutes of Mental Health, where she bridged the gap between her passion and her profession by introducing art into the therapy sessions she conducted with families .

As a result of these sessions, Kwiatkowska found the creative expression of drawing to allow family members to better identify their roles and status within the family. She also saw the significant therapeutic benefits of the drawing process. Although she had originally hoped to use her art therapy to help treat individuals facing intellectual challenges , Kwiatkowska discovered her technique also provided relief to families and individuals who who faced moderate psychological issues and dysfunctions.

Other contributors include Florence Cane, an art educator who utilized teaching methods emphasizing the importance of free artistic expression and encouraging emotional creativity, and Edith Kramer, who proposed the more process-oriented art-as-therapy approach that defined goals of supporting the ego , helping the development of identity , and fostering growth. Finally, Elnor Ulman established the first art therapy journal in the United States and initiated one of the earliest training programs in the field.

Art therapy has been shown to benefit people of all ages. Research indicates art therapy can improve communication and concentration and can help reduce feelings of isolation . This type of therapy has also been shown to lead to increases in self-esteem, confidence, and self-awareness.

Positive results in art therapy may often be achieved by those facing issues such as:

Substance dependency
Posttraumatic stress
Attention deficit hyperactivity
Aging and geriatric issues
Compassion fatigue
Heart disease
Other eating disorders
Cognitive impairments
Family or relationship issues

Because art therapy allows people to express feelings on any subject through creative work rather than with speech, it is believed to be particularly helpful for those who feel out of touch with their emotions or feelings. Individuals experiencing difficulty discussing or remembering painful experiences may also find art therapy especially beneficial.

Recent research suggests art therapy may help individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia see improvement of some of their symptoms, although trials are still being conducted.

The memoir, Sybil , and two movies of the same name, describe a woman diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder who, through the use of art, appeared to gain greater insight about her alters and trauma she had experienced in childhood. Painting both provided an outlet for Sybil and her alters to express feelings and rediscover memories of the trauma, which could then be discussed in therapy.

Melinda, the main character of the 1999 young adult novel, Speak , uses art to cope with traumatic mutism —her inability to speak following a traumatic event—and isolation.

Certified art therapists will typically have a comprehensive understanding of the powerful effect that the creative process can have on those in therapy. Art therapists often use psychological, spiritual, and artistic theories in conjunction with clinical techniques to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome. The approach has proven to be beneficial even for non-verbal individuals and professional artists. Common techniques used in therapy include:

Finger painting
Using molding clay
Making pottery
Making cards
Using textiles
Making collages

Art therapy can help people express those thoughts, emotions , and experiences that may be difficult to speak about. In a 2004 study, thirty-two women with heart disease were first interviewed and then asked to individually illustrate the illness. The resultant drawings were grouped into three categories: (1) the heart at the center, (2) the heart in the lived body, and (3) heart disease as a social illness. The use of color, spatial arrangement, and composition were analyzed, and the drawings ultimately helped health care professionals better appreciate how each woman understood her condition and provided insight on how to best to approach each case.

A young girl makes a collage with paint and other tools

A study in which women with cancer were encouraged to engage in various visual arts exercises and techniques found that the participants benefited in four key ways. While the women initially experienced a number of illness-related challenges such as loss of confidence , loss of sleep, and altered social relationships, after the study they reported an increased focus on positive life experiences, increased self-worth, maintenance of social identity (as opposed to being defined by cancer), and an increased ability to express their feelings in a symbolic manner.

Numerous other clinical reports have supported the therapeutic benefits of art therapy. Chronically ill individuals have reported better health and well-being, and people with breast cancer have reported a decrease in negative emotions and an increase in positive emotions. Further, individuals undergoing hemodialysis treatment reported reduced depression, and people adversely affected by trauma have reported lower levels of stress, less compassion fatigue, and an increased sense of purpose .

Art therapists work to help individuals, families, groups, and communities become more in touch with their emotions. Art therapy has become an integral part of many rehabilitation centers , mental health facilities, crisis centers , private practices, schools, and various other social and community institutions that strive to promote health, wellness, and growth.

Distinguishing between art therapy and expressive arts therapy may be somewhat difficult, as both approaches utilize a wide variety of therapeutic techniques to provide mental and emotional relief.

Art therapy often incorporates techniques such as painting, finger painting, drawing, sculpting, and carving. Art therapy has become an integral part of many rehabilitation centers , mental health facilities, crisis centers , private practices, schools, and various other social and community institutions that strive to promote health, wellness, and growth. Since art therapy focuses primarily on the visual arts, it is considered a single modality therapy. Expressive arts therapy is considered a multi-modal approach because it integrates techniques from many different artistic modalities. To illustrate, an expressive arts therapist may integrate therapeutic principles and tools from poetry therapy, dance and movement therapy , music therapy , and even art therapy in one therapeutic session.

Another noteworthy difference between the two approaches is the final product: At the end of an art therapy session there is likely to be a tangible product (such as a painting, drawing, or sculpture). Expressive arts therapy is not limited to the visual arts and so the primary means of expression may be visual, tactile, or auditory. The created product may be tangible or intangible, depending on the technique used.

Art therapy practice requires a knowledge of the visual forms—drawing, painting, sculpture, and so on— as well as the creative process, human development and psychology, and counseling theories and methodology.

Those who practice art therapy, even at the entry level, must have earned at least a master’s degree from an accredited institution. The Educational Program Approval Board (EPAB) uses academic standards set by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) to evaluate the compliance of art therapy programs with the recommended requirements. Additionally, the body providing accreditation to the tertiary-level institution must be approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) was established in 1993. The primary goal of the ATCB is to safeguard the interests of the public by ensuring that practicing art therapists meet and maintain required ethical and quality standards. The ATCB does this by offering three professional credentials to individuals desiring to be art therapists:

Registered Art Therapist (ATR): This confirms the therapist has taken and satisfactorily completed graduate-level courses in art therapy and gained post-graduate clinical experience under the supervision of a qualified mentor.
Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC): This is the highest credential an art therapist can earn. Applicants are required to successfully complete a national exam to highlight their complete understanding of the clinical skills and theories associated with art therapy.
Art Therapy Certified Supervisor (ATCS): This advanced supervisory credential may be earned by experienced Board Certified Art Therapists.

Art therapists who have earned their credentials at the ATCB are required to adhere to the institution’s code of professional practice. At present, the ATCB database contains over 5000 credentialed art therapists.

One of the major concerns of art therapy is the effectiveness of the approach. Though many support its efficacy, others are skeptical. Adults in particular may not be inclined to cooperate fully and openly with the treatment process or may refuse this type of treatment entirely. Additionally, some individuals may believe they are not creative or artistic enough for the treatment to be successful, although the goal of treatment is to express one's thoughts and emotions, not produce artistic masterpieces. The effectiveness of art therapy may also be criticized, due to a lack of supporting empirical evidence.

Those who do proceed with art therapy treatment may find they have to commit to a series of sessions before they begin to experience the therapeutic benefits of the approach. Other concerns include the costs associated with the purchase of needed tools, media, and other materials. Obtaining a suitable setting for therapy to take place (especially if fluid media, special lighting, or other specialized equipment is used) may also prove challenging.

References:

American Art Therapy Association. (n.d.). History and background. Retrieved from http://www.americanarttherapyassociation.org/aata-history-background.html
American Art Therapy Association. (2013). What is art therapy? Retrieved from http://www.arttherapy.org/upload/whatisarttherapy.pdf
Art Therapy Credentials Board. (n.d.). About the credentials. Retrieved from http://www.atcb.org/Public/AboutTheCredentials
Center for Health and Healing. (2011). Art therapy – history and philosophy. Retrieved from http://www.healthandhealingny.org/complement/art_history.asp
Arts therapies. (2014, September 27). Retrieved from http://www.mentalhealthcare.org.uk/arts_therapies
Child Art and Psychological Perspectives. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://uir.unisa.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10500/1919/04chapter3.pdf
Rubin, J. A. (1999). Art therapy: An introduction . Philadelphia: Taylor & Francis.
Stuckey, H. L. & Nobel, J. (2010). The connection between art, healing and public health: A review of current literature. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 254-263.
Thompson, G. (n.d.). The Hidden Paintings of Shirley A. Mason ... Sybil. Retrieved from http://www.hiddenpaintings.com
Trevisani, F., Casadio, R., Romagnoli, F., Zamagni, M. P., Francesconi, C., Tromellini, A., Di Micoli, A., Frigerio, M., Farinelli, G. and Bernardi, M. (2010). Art in the hospital: Its impact on the feelings and emotional state of patients admitted to an internal medicine unit. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(8), 853-859.
Vick, R. M. (n.d.). A brief history of art therapy . Retrieved from http://areas.fba.ul.pt/jpeneda/Briefhistoryat.pdf

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What is Art Therapy?

Discover how art can encourage spiritual growth, emotional healing, and continuous self-transformation.

By Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Bangkok Art and Culture Center

KOHRINKA Flower Arrangement for mental and physical wellbeing by MOA THAI Foundation Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Welcome to Art Therapy World

What is art therapy? It has been renowned for so long, as the "Art of Processes". It could shape and revitalize the out-of-balance people, the physically-ill and patients with a mental illness, and bring them a better quality of life.

Art Therapy Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Art Therapy in Thailand

There are a number of professional art therapists working in Thailand. Our society becomes more and more opened to the term "Therapy" from various attitudes. Art therapy is both scientific and artistic. It was woven from over a hundred years of work experiences, both in the west and in the east. This exhibition throws a light on the point that when art therapy from a medical view is united with the world of art, from the dimension of inner journeys.

Internalisation by Dujdao Vadhanapakorn Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

The Process of Art Therapy

Art therapy is a delicate process that involves allowing the power of the art to work on people's hearts. For example, the artwork "Internalisation", by Dujdao Vadhanapakorn, showing that the inner work begins with one searching for a particular healing tool for his or her state of mind. A therapist cannot choose the tool for the patient; however, within every human being lies a potential to experiment and understand what is best for oneself. A therapist serves only as a companion who encourages the patient to notice things, or to elicit an observation on the patient's subconscious desires.

Colour Breathing Wall by Prachyaporn Chaisawas Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Sections in our Art Therapy World

This exhibition is divided into three sections: 1. Response Art and Psychodynamic Art Therapy 2. Anthroposophic Art Therapy 3. Case Study on a way Anthroposophic Art Therapy. The journey into Art Therapy World begins on the next page!

Transformation and In Transition by Prachayaporn Vorananta Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

1.Response Art and Psychodynamic Art Therapy

Response art is art therapists' post-session process of creating artwork in response to the emotions that subconsciously arise in the therapy session. This process allows art therapists to contemplate on their own experiences while conducting the session, such as the vulnerability or intensity of emotions that were not verbalized or the art therapist's own blind spots (counter transference) which restrict the capacity to empathize with the clients' experiences.

For example, the artwork "Transformation and In Transition" by Prachayaporn Vorananta, Intermodal expressive art therapy integrates various art mediums such as drawing, painting, sculpting, writing, and body movement, to create internal mindful experiences. Expressive art therapy can connect past memories to the present self. The process will create a new experience with an awareness of the here and now to allow spiritual growth, emotions, and continuous self-transformation.

Enter the War Zone by Oratip Nimkannon Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

The other artworks which can help you understand about response art are two paintings by the art therapist "Oratip Nimkannon" that reflect her emotional experiences before and while providing mental health support to refugees at a humanitarian organization dedicated to serving refugees and asylum seekers in Bangkok.The first piece was completed one day prior to Oratip's first day of starting work. Just thinking about herself in this role, the art therapist had so many mixed feelings that she had to express them through colors and paint brushes.

The Beginning of the End by Oratip Nimkannon Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

The second piece was completed one year and three months after the first piece. The art therapist told herself that she needed to resign from the job soon, because she could no longer provide emotional support to refugees. Three months after this painting, the art therapist quit her job at the organization.

The Element of Therapy by Saphrangphon Chayanupatkul Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

2. Anthroposophic Art Therapy

Anthroposophic art therapy emerged in the early 20th Century through Dr. Rudolf Steiner (1864-1924) whose concept of art and anthroposophic philosophy led to the application of art therapy and the relationship between the elements as well as the spiritual development of each individual. One example is the artwork "The Element of Therapy" by Saphrangphon Chayanupatkul, this work shows that the qualities of 4 natural elements (earth- solids, water- liquids, air- wind, and fire-heat) are linked to the internal organs of the human body (lungs, liver, kidney, and heart) according to their locations and functions. This goes with the saying "Humans are the collector of things in the nature and the universe around us."

That tree beneath the star by Satit Soithongcharoen Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Anthroposophic art therapy not only relates the relationship between elements, but also the orbits of planets. For example "That tree beneath the star" by art therapist "Satit Soithongcharoen". This artwork tell us that the orbits of planets in the solar system affect to minerals, gems, and seeds. Our topic here is "Tree". There are many different species of trees, each with its own uniqueness revealed through the branches and barks,reflecting certain qualities that correspond with the influence of the stars.

That tree beneath the star (Ash) by Satit Soithongcharoen Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Ash demonstrates the power of the sun. It gives calm and warming feelings- It allows light through its branches so other frees can still grow under its shade.

That tree beneath the star (Cherry Tree) by Satit Soithongcharoen Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Cherry is influenced by the moon - it demonstrates protectiveness. As the moon controls water on, Cherry contains water in both its trunk and fruits.

That tree beneath the star (Oak) by Satit Soithongcharoen Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Oak is as hard as steel mirroring this characteristic of Mars, the planet of wars and battles.

That tree beneath the star (Elm) by Satit Soithongcharoen Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Elm receives influence from Mercury. Just like Hermes, the god of travel in Greek mythology, Elm's movement is bouncy and full of life.

That tree beneath the star (Maple) by Satit Soithongcharoen Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Maple displays an influence of Jupiter in its introspection, structure, grace, and wisdom.

That tree beneath the star (Birch) by Satit Soithongcharoen Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

An influence of Venus is shown in Birch radiating love, care, and beauty for the world to see.

That tree beneath the star (Fir) by Satit Soithongcharoen Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Fir reflects Saturn in its determination, solemnity, and darkness. Fir does not allow light to shine through its branches. No other plants can grow under it.

Case Study on a way Anthroposophic Art Therapy by Wisakha Phaignam Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

3. Case Study on a way Anthroposophic Art Therapy.

Case study of a Thai man, aged 27 and case study of a Thai woman, aged 19. The process of therapy is roughly divided into two steps: the first relates to free paining leading to diagnosis and determining the process of Art Therapy. This process requires the Anthroposophic therapist's experience and understanding.

Clients suffering from chronic depression lacking interest in the external world or even people around them are diagnosed. Their therapists, after getting them to paint with watercolor, what appears in the first picture of a free painting is indicative of their condition where colors showing closure or blockage. The therapist then decides to opt for the wet on wet technique using watercolors along with soft pastel colors which relate to fluidity and movement.

The transparency of watercolor also helps with the client's spiritual needs enabling a lighter and more expansive feeling. Oftentimes the client wishes to do free painting and the therapist will provide the space in some sessions of therapy. The soft pastel is also chosen to ensure that client works with their own hands and experience direct contact with the pictures.

During the final process of therapy, the client appears more relaxed. The mood lightens, the client smiles more and is able to make certain decisions in life. The therapy appears to have worked at a satisfactory level.

Case Study on a way Anthroposophic Art Therapy by Anupan Pluckpankhajee Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

For the result of the art therapy in the this case study, the psychiatrist finds that the client shows an improved level of balance and strength to continue on the path ahead of them.

Darken Star by Niti Wattuya Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

In addition to being therapeutic, art therapy is related to the creation of artworks, enhancing aesthetic values for a better society with virtue, beauty and truth.

Bamboo of life by Decha Tiengkate Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

This artwork was created in order for the audience to experience the plant and understand the philosophies that are associated with it. Bamboo here acts as an agent to connect us from today's chaos to the calm and magical nature that once was our reality.

Dawn till Twilight by Abhisiree Charanjavanaphet Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

An observant eye will recognize the many colors of the forest that are not unlike human beings whose lives are painted with different colors over time. The natural elements - earth, water, air, and fire- fuel colors before our eyes. Earth gives birth to trees before water can bring out colors in their leaves and branches. Silk then absorbs the dyes. Finally, sunshine allows the colors to stay on fabric by drying them, with help from the wind.

Ersatz by Kitti Saengsuwan and Mont Watanasiriroch Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

"Take a moment and allow the colors of the forest to embrace each and every moment in your life."

“As an art therapist, the meaning of art, elements and therapy are combined in creating the following visual elements, elements of humanities and elements of therapy” Anupan Pluckpankhajee – Curator

Exhibition Name: Art of Element and Therapy Curator: Anupan Pluckpankhajee Viewing Period: 16th August – 3rd November 2019, at Main Gallery on 7th floor, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Thailand Organized by: Bangkok Art and Culture Centre Principal Supporter: Thai Beverage Public Company Limited Project Supporter: Mamata Company Limited Photos: Bangkok Art and Culture Centre Bangkok Art and Culture Centre Address: 939 Rama 1 Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand Opening Time: Tuesday - Sunday, at 10.00 - 19.00 hrs. (closed on Mondays), last admission to Main Gallery at 18.30 hrs.

The Spirit of Countryside

Bangkok art and culture centre, history of glass plate photography in siam, siam through the king's eyes, siamese life along the river in the early days, moments of east-west encounters in siam, moving forward, what happens inside the dark room, thai contemporary artistic practices in transition, 5 things that make art 'art brut', fluidity of change.

Art Therapy

Inspiring others to create.

What is Art Therapy?

Definition: Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Skip to: What Does an Art Therapist Do?

The creative process involved in expressing one’s self artistically can help people to resolve issues as well as develop and manage their behaviors and feelings, reduce stress, and improve self-esteem and awareness.

You don’t need to be talented or an artist to receive the benefits , and there are professionals that can work with you to dive into the underlying messages communicated through your art, which will aid in the healing process.

Art therapy can achieve different things for different people. It can be used for counseling by therapists, healing, treatment, rehabilitation, psychotherapy, and in the broad sense of the term, it can be used to massage one’s inner-self in a way that may provide the individual with a deeper understanding of him or herself.

Additional Definitions of Art Therapy

Art therapy, sometimes called creative arts therapy or expressive arts therapy, encourages people to express and understand emotions through artistic expression and through the creative process. From The Free Dictionary

Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses art materials, such as paints, chalk and markers. Art therapy combines traditional psychotherapeutic theories and techniques with an understanding of the psychological aspects of the creative process, especially the affective properties of the different art materials. From Wikipedia

Art therapy involves the creation of art in order to increase awareness of self and others. This in turn may promote personal development, increase coping skills, and enhance cognitive function. It is based on personality theories, human development, psychology, family systems, and art education. Art therapists are trained in both art and psychological therapy. From The New Medicine

And from the AATA, the definition of the profession: Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others, cope with symptoms, stress and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art.

Art therapists are professionals trained in both art and therapy. They are knowledgeable about human development, psychological theories, clinical practice, spiritual, multicultural and artistic traditions, and the healing potential of art. They use art in treatment, assessment and research, and provide consultations to allied professionals. Art therapists work with people of all ages: individuals, couples, families, groups and communities. They provide services, individually and as part of clinical teams, in settings that include mental health, rehabilitation, medical and forensic institutions; community outreach programs; wellness centers; schools; nursing homes; corporate structures; open studios and independent practices.

Who Can Use Art Therapy?

For the most part, anyone can use art therapy . In a world where there is a multitude of ways to communicate and express one’s self, expressive arts therapy is yet another. One of the major differences between art therapy and other forms of communication is that most other forms of communication elicit the use of words or language as a means of communication. Often times, humans are incapable of expressing themselves within this limited range.

One of the beauties of art as therapy is the ability for a person to express his/her feelings through any form of art. Though there are other types of expressive therapies (such as the performing arts), expressive art therapy as discussed here typically utilizes more traditional forms of art…such as painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, or a variety of other types of visual art expression.

What Does an Art Therapist Do?

Art therapists are trained in both therapy and art, and have studied and mastered both psychology and human development, having received a Master’s Degree. There are various requirements for becoming an art therapist as well as certifications which means they are masters when it comes to using art as a springboard for everything from a general assessment of another person’s state to treatment for aiding serious illness. Art therapists can work with people of all ages, sex, creed, et al. They can help an individual, a couple, a family, or groups of people and depending on the situation, there may be numerous therapists working together as a clinical team.

Art therapists are trained to pick up on nonverbal symbols and metaphors that are often expressed through art and the creative process, concepts that are usually difficult to express with words. It is through this process that the individual really begins to see the effects of art therapy and the discoveries that can be made.

Why Would I Use Art Therapy?

As with most any therapy, art as therapy is generally used as a treatment for something – usually as a way to improve one’s emotional state or mental well-being. Expressive arts therapy doesn’t have to be used only as a treatment though. It can be used to relieve stress or tension, or it can be used as a mode of self-discovery. Many people can stand to use some sort of creative outlet.

Do You Need to be Talented?

Absolutely not. And you need not be “afraid” of expressing yourself through art. Though it may seem different and unnatural at first, it is typically because the individual is not used to communicating via the arts. The creative process can be one of the most rewarding aspects. Coupled with an art therapist, you should gradually, if not immediately, feel comfortable with this newfound form of expression. After all, the goal is not necessarily to create an art masterpiece.

Art: A Wonderful Form of Therapy

Expressive art therapy is the use of creative arts as a form of therapy and is a fantastic field that has proven to work wonders in many people’s lives. It can help someone express themselves, explore their emotions, manage addictions, and improve their self-esteem. It really helps children with developmental disabilities, however; art therapy is awesome because it can help anyone !

Have you ever noticed how much music, or doing an activity like drawing relaxes you after a long day? That is because it is very therapeutic. If you see a professional art therapist, they can help you interpret the feelings that pour into your design, and even help work through and resolve problems. Studies have also proven that colouring, even as an adult, has tremendous benefits. Unfortunately, colouring, drawing, painting, and playing music is very taboo in the adult world. Break away from that social expectation, and see how freeing it is to let your creativity flow.

Music, art, and dance are the main expressions for this variety of therapy. Music therapy can be a mix of playing instruments, listening to music, and singing. Dance therapy utilizes dance and movement. It makes sense that it is so effective–lots of endorphins are released into your body when you shake it! Art therapy can be a mixture of drawing, colouring, painting, sculpting and pretty much everything else you can think of that is artistic. These are all things people love to do as hobbies, so why not use it to better yourself and show yourself some love?

Besides helping someone better their emotional being, art therapy is great for many other things. It can help general illness. Art is a fabulous escape from feeling icky. Art therapy can help someone who has a cancer diagnosis. Battling cancer takes both a very physical and emotional toll, and is even a struggle accepting the diagnosis. Art and dance are powerful expressions of these emotions, and can help relieve a lot of stress, anger, and sadness. Someone in need of therapy to have some relief after a disaster would also be an excellent candidate for artistic therapy.

There are so many uses and benefits to expressive arts therapies, that can help drastically improve people’s lives for a plethora of reasons. Even if you don’t need serious help, it can be a great way to release stress after a long work week. Art therapy is a growing field that is being more widely accepted, so it is also an opportunity as a career field! Be bold, be creative, and be expressive and give art therapy a try!

September 12 at 12:50 pm

I’m so happy to find this site- I am currently looking into a career in art therapy and I can see that this site will be really helpful to me.

March 7 at 8:44 am

Me too!! hope you’re making out well. Continue to be BLESSED!!

September 12 at 7:15 pm

Glad you like it Bettsi…good luck in your job search!

December 5 at 6:28 am

could you please inform me if you have any art therapy courses that I can attend? thankyou

May 13 at 4:52 am

i am undergraduate student what should i study first to become an art therapist?

December 5 at 10:26 pm

@Denise: Unfortunately, we do not currently have any art therapy courses available…sorry!

July 6 at 3:16 pm

Thanks for the blog! I just began one–www.medicalarttherapy.com–Im finishing my MA in Art Therapy. Take a look!

July 27 at 2:37 am

Hey Admin am a Jordanian psychologist, just want to ask you if i can do therapy through art & what i need to be qualified .

thanks for this useful blog .

November 10 at 12:14 am

hello Admin, I’m interested in getting into the Art therapy field and wondering about the job prospects. Would you be kind enough to provide some insight?Thanks.

January 14 at 3:23 am

thanks for sharing, hope that you will conduct a course in Malaysai too, i am working in a community center, most of the time dealing with kids, and i found that art theraphy really works.

February 11 at 10:39 am

I was wondering if you had any specific techniques for children that have never met a parent and dealing with feelings of abandonment and parent rejection?

February 19 at 8:48 am

i am wondering if this so called art therapy can be useful for the people connected with cultural and historical disturbance on the mind. like, having weird dreams of gods and goddesses killing them, etc. i would be very thankful if any kind of ideas or information provided.

Yours Thankfully, Pranaw Gorkhali Pradhan

March 17 at 10:33 pm

Pranaw Gorkhali Pradhand, It’s not “so called” art therapy. It is and actual field that provides hope and healing for others. Sorry to be short and sensitive about it, our feild is special and needs to be held at the same level of respect as any other field.

March 23 at 6:48 am

I’d just like to say that I have a big WANT to have a career in art therapy. I love helping people, and to help them through art is the best thing I could have ever dreamed! I was wondering though if I should just go to college for it, or should I see an art therapist first to get the flow of how they see things and how I see things through art.

Thanks. –Alayna

November 4 at 11:11 am

I am so happy i found this website. This will be good place to do some research over Art Therapy which is what I am doing

January 4 at 8:47 am

Hi! I just discovered this site. I’m wondering who the administrator of the site is and if he/she is a credentialed art therapist.

February 8 at 11:12 pm

Art therapy does work, some things simply cannot be expressed in words, and art always leaves a tangable fingerprint of one’s self behind which can be observed even years after making. . . not only that but i believe many times the amout of information can be related in a fraction of the time as simple taking-type therapy. i know whereof i speak. it is exellent for children and handicaped persons as well as benifitial to anyone .. artist or no. in truth, beauty, and goodness, jason.

February 19 at 1:53 pm

Over the last year i have some how lost the connection with my daughter, so i am looking into art therapy as a way of opening the communication with her again. Any help in understanding art therapy would be great. thanks

March 28 at 11:02 am

I have to do this for an essay and it sucks. Worst topic ever.

April 14 at 11:04 pm

It is my life’s greatest dream to help girls who have been saved from sex trafficking and exploitation through art therapy. I’m wondering though, would it be better (for my BA) to double major in art and psych or art and sociology? my school doesn’t have an art therapy major so i have to double major to get both aspects (which i don’t mind doing at all since both subjects interest me so much).

May 19 at 9:37 am

I was looking into this as my major- however, I have stress and anxiety problems and don’t know how long it’d take to get this degree and if it is is realy stressful or not. I do art well, and am doing a community college course in the fall for this, but do not know how long it takes and if it is in demand.

Thanks and please someone reply!

September 28 at 7:39 am

I am 16 years old and I have wanted to be an art therapst for the past year, but I am having a hard time finding a specific college that specifies in art therapy and I was wondering if anyone had any advice for me to finding one.

Thanks, please reply!!

March 18 at 10:40 pm

University of Wisconsin superior and another in I think is north Dakota but I’m not sure

December 14 at 12:42 pm

That depends on what state you live in, and where you think you want to live when you graduate and work. The American Art Therapy Association has a list of approved Masters programs across the U.S. that will prepare you to become a Registered and Board Certified art therapist.

October 17 at 2:41 pm

I have a keen intrest of getting into art therpy , does anyone know how i would go about doing it as i am only appling for university this year. Can you go straight into a uni and do the course or do you have to do anther type of course to lead to art therpy. And do you know where you can study this ?

October 29 at 4:28 pm

i bearly graduated high school and currently looking for a career to study in college something to do with art … and this really helped …. thanx . ! i will look into this field more closely (:

October 30 at 5:46 pm

Hello, I want to use art therapy in wprking process with abandoned children can u give me some ideas of drawings? thanks

November 8 at 2:12 pm

TO JANE, Lesley University in Boston has a wonderful art therapy program. I am also looking to get into the art therapy field. Currently I’m a graphic designer/presentation specialist and dislike the judgement of art that comes along with corporate graphic design. If I were to go back to school, I would choose Lesley University for Art Therapy. Unfortunately, I cannot afford to go back to school, so if there are any leads out there for intro jobs in the Boston area, please email me at [email protected] .

Much appreciated!

Good luck everyone 🙂

January 3 at 11:48 am

I found your web site in a google search for art therapy. My name is Norka Perez and I am interesting in searching more information about art therapy and meeting some professionals art therapist in order to decide if this is the right path for me. I will like to see if you can recommend me of some art therapist or places like hospitals, schools in NY that I can coordinated to meet in my scout visit. NY is one of the cities that I am considering to study and work in this field.

I will appreciated any given information.

Cordially, Norka

January 28 at 12:39 am

hi! i would like to study art therapy. what is the nearest school that offers it. im in the philippines. thanks!

yours, ayen

February 6 at 12:00 pm

I want to be an art therapist so bad. Recently last year by grandmother gotten sick and before she was diagnosed with Dementia, I saw an interview with a local nursing home that took care of patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s and they would bring in art therapist for the patients. A couple of months later my grandmother gotten diagnosed with dementia. I live in Oklahoma and I can not afford to move out of the state for my chosen profession and I was wondering if there are degrees that are required for art therapy. I was wondering about getting my Bachelors in Psychotherapy online. Would that help me to get started and count towards masters in art therapy?

February 17 at 12:51 pm

hey, im a junior in high school and ive been looking into art therapy a lot recently and i think i would be interested in it a lot because i love art and i love helping people but i was wondering if becoming an art therapist requires you to take any foreign language credits…someone please respond

April 3 at 3:11 pm

I was wondering if I can use this on an article in Salus Magazine. I can give your the writers credit and send you a copy of the magazine. What do you say?

April 3 at 7:54 pm

i am very interested in getting my masters degree in art therapy. I will graduate may 2013 with a Bachelors degree in social work. I am wishing any and all information regarding art therapy that someone can give me. Thank you so much.

April 13 at 4:57 pm

thank you for posting this. i recently had a sign that help me understand what i really want to do. and art therapy is that. if you can email me. and can you give me advice. thank you

-Deanna Marie

April 24 at 8:55 am

I am a LMSW and LOVE art therapy! I developed an art therapy group in a residential substance abuse facility based on motivational interviewing with great success. I am now at a crisis center and have started another art therapy group based more on free association. I do not have an art therapy degree; however, I am still able to use art in my clinical work. As a social worker, I hold the viewpoint that my clients are the experts on the meaning of their art. My role is to help them process whatever insights, thoughts, and emotions they experience while creating or sharing their art. This site has given me a lot of great ideas…thank you!

April 25 at 8:54 am

I am working as a counselor in national dangerous drugs control board in sri lanka more than 20 years.i have counseled various types of clients who have various psycho-social problems.i have understood arts,music,living in a natural environment,helping others and doing creative works are the most important things in their recovery process.i think arts therapy especially supports them to improve their thinking.so i need to know about from basics about art therapy.but i don’t know where the suitable institute or persons in sri lanka learning to this subject.if some one like to support me please guide me.thank you.

May 23 at 10:52 am

Hi, I am a student of m.a in personality psychology. I interested in art therapy for some years so I’m doing my thesis on this field.I wanted to thank u for all the articles u put in ur weblog. they are so helpful and I am using them in my work for the thesis.

Good Luck for u

June 27 at 11:01 am

Hi! I am Danica, i am currently doing my undergraduate thesis on Art therapy for physically abused children. i am a bit confused whether the goals of art therapy is the same on how art therapy is used in children. if so? what could be the possible similarities and differences of it… thank you so much!

August 7 at 10:30 am

At age 64, it has been a long time since I met Joan Kellog thru Sallee Rigler, at her Art Therapy Workshops on Consciousness, along with Helen Bonney, in Balti,Md. She told me that I was already doing Art Therapy with my Vet rehab patients, and to forget about a named degree. So we can do AT because we have a degree, do AT because we get results,without a degree, or do AT and call it something else, or use AT & have a different degree title altogether? Your choice.She was an amazing pioneer of this field still searching for recognition.

October 17 at 12:09 pm

Buenas noches, ustedes actualmente están ofreciendo un curso en praga?

December 19 at 7:53 am

Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this website. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very difficult to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appearance. I must say you have done a very good job with this. Also, the blog loads extremely fast for me on Safari. Exceptional Blog!

December 20 at 10:47 pm

I am looking into doing this for Vets with PTSD any ideas or directions i should look at.

January 30 at 10:50 am

this is a silent therapy method i have used in my art school. now i feel i want to help children and young people, the elderly and those who carnt handle stress and worry, hurt and anger.please let me open up an art school and an art therapy center in your area. my art school is the only private center for art and assessment based subjects. please let me know if i can be of assistance.

February 7 at 11:36 am

I believed in art therapy after attending “Painting From the Source” course (by Aviva Gold) held in Kripalu yoga center last summer. It was an amazing experience and it released emotions that I never knew existed. As a psychologist I also observed other participants and was amazed to see that this one week course produced therapeutic effect equivalent to months if not years of therapy. Best Regards,

June 5 at 5:50 am

[…]This is a very unique and great article on art therapy. Thanks for share about the art therapy in brief .[…]

June 11 at 8:40 pm

I believe that Art Therapy is a new way to express people’s minds and let them be free. I’m glad that I found this website because it gave me more information on what Art Therapy is and what I want to do.

August 13 at 10:42 pm

Never thought of art as a form of therapy to cure our mental illness. Thank you for sharing this article.

September 9 at 1:33 pm

I am interested in creating a spiritual creativity that that could be a bible study and art therapy. Could you tell me if there is such a form of art therapy?

November 4 at 4:50 pm

Dear Art Therapy Blog,

For reasons which remain a mystery I have, sadly, stopped receiving your updates. I have tried to re-sign up. However, Google chrome says I am already subscribed. Is there a way for you to check on your end if I am still subscribed? Thanks so much. I sorely miss receiving your updates. Be well, Camille

December 12 at 11:11 am

I am so happy I found this site,as I am now doing a course on art therapy

December 14 at 7:30 pm

Art is such an important outlet for processing and growth. I’ve worked as a Master’s level therapist for over 20 years and have been gravitating toward Creative Arts Therapy for the last couple of years. It truly allows clients to begin the examination of issues and ultimately address them in a safe manner.

January 4 at 4:21 pm

I was referred to this site from the World Education University website where I’ve started a class “Introduction to Art Therapy.” I am interested in learning more about art therapy, how to present it and how to use it as part of a self help program.

March 29 at 1:49 am

I have a question. I recently graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a Bachelors in Illustration. I was told Illustration carries over into fine arts since so much of art today is layered over the other. Is this true? Or would I have to go back to school in order to get the requirements for fine arts? Also, Do I specifically need a fine arts degree or can it be something more focused like illustration? I am a painter and drawer and have been doing it since I was 6. I want to help people. Art is very revealing and can show so much about a person and hidden emotions in the subconscious. I also love physiology and would not mind taking classes for it if I knew what to take.

April 1 at 8:28 pm

Quisiera saber en américa latina que países se encuentran mas a la vanguardia en la formación de arte terapia y en donde puedo consultar sobre ello…

June 27 at 4:51 am

Hi I am so glad i came across this site. I am considering using this to work with carers in residential home with traumatized children. I would appreciate to know if you offer any online courses. The information here is interesting. Sujata

July 17 at 10:49 am

i am msc nursing student. I need to conduct the study on art therapy for adolescents. can I get the procedure for art therapy

August 14 at 3:24 pm

Hello, I’m currently looking into becoming an art therapist as a career. I’m 16 and choosing my A levels. I’ve chosen Psychology but also Product Design instead of Art. Can I still become an art therapist on those options or would I have to swap my Product Design for an Art course? Also, after college, where would I need to go and what would I need to do to follow this career path? Thank you in advance

September 25 at 2:32 am

Can someone advise me where to work as a Art Therapist in Singapore? Pls contact me. What are the qualification required and skills. It seem limited career potential in Singapore. Thank you.

December 15 at 6:21 am

i am a school counsellor and do use art therapy with children. It has always helped me specially with younger ones. For them it is difficult to express verbally probably because they themselves are unaware of such feelings and pain. Now, i want to pursue some short course or summer school to have value addition and professional learning of using art as therapy. I would be glad if, someone can suggest me a course worth doing.

February 12 at 9:53 am

I am in the stages of recovering from an eating disorder, I am 19, I did complete my college course in dance performing arts my results where distinction stars. Unfortunately dance and body image got too much in the end so I have left dance. I would love to work with other people who suffer from mental illnesses, I have learned so much myself and I would love to be able to help others. I was just looking for abit more advice in this therapy, I would love to work with helping the mind, changing negative mindsets.

February 17 at 9:38 pm

Im currently in high school and these articles are helping a lot in making choices. I can’t wait to start schooling for this!

February 26 at 11:24 am

I am taking a careers in psychology course, and I need to preform an informational interview on a person of my field of interest. I have found interest in the field of art therapy, and I am wondering if anyone in this field would be willing to assist me with this task.

Thanks, Jolie

March 2 at 9:50 pm

My wife suffers terribly with Fibromyalgia and just started art therapy. So far so good and she looks forward to her next appointment.

April 28 at 12:51 am

Hello…. I don’t even know where to begin. I am a 42 year old single mom of 4 children ages 8 to 20. I have spent my whole life living for everyone else and taking care of everyone else. Ive been through the ringer after 17 years in a really messed up marriage and 4 beautiful children that became my reason for everything in my life. I am now been divorced 5 years and am engaged to an amazing and supportive man. It’s time for me to figure out my purpose for me and my life besides mom. I have had my Graphics design degree since I was 20. I do not love graphic design. I do love everything hands on creative. Whether it be creating murals with paint or creating beautiful gardens with my hands in the dirt. I’ve always said that my hands in paint or the dirt is my therapy. Never realizing that it actually can be. God blessed me with the gift of art and creativity. I have always wondered why he gave me this gift and felt I was supposed to use it to make a difference. Now, I actually think finding this sight is showing me that I can. But now, I do not even know where to begin. Or if it is even really possible with 3 kids still at home as a single mom. I work from home and have crazy children schedules. Can you help me or give me advise on where to even begin….? I think it is time for me to start putting my future and me on my list of important things. Thank you, Nikki Duncan Rawson, Ohio

October 11 at 10:18 pm

Hi Nikki – I have a similar situation, but not exactly. I have two special needs boys and an undiagnosed stubborn hubby. I have a degree in fine art, but doing paintings in our apartment is not practical. I used to make all my clothes. I loved coordinating clothes with accessories because I love color and design. After 19 years of trials, tribulations, etc, I have turned to jewelry making – I assemble semi-precious gemstone beads of different colors, shapes, etc with the metal findings, etc. It satisfies the need to coordinate colors with shapes and to develop designs that I find beautiful. So, the essence of my creativity is working with color, and coordinating color, shapes, and creating a design, My suggestion to you is determine the essence of creativity that you love and are good at and then find an affordable, practical way to doing that. Do you like two dimensional art (graphics)? Then, there are many avenues – modern quilts, tiled table tops, logos for whoever, etc, etc. Do you like art that you can re-do and re-do until it is just right? you might try computer graphics – it is really cool to apply all of the special effects! I hope you find something satisfying! If you have a Facebook page, be sure to be my friend! Best Regards

May 2 at 3:01 pm

Amazing page. I am currently trying to get in a college in UK for art psychotherapy. This article has really helped me know more, it has explained everything very simply and I am really glad to have a better understanding of it now. 🙂

October 13 at 5:56 pm

We live in the US, but my daughter chose to attend the University of London-Goldsmiths College for Art Therapy and graduated this past July. She felt the program was excellent.

May 25 at 7:39 am

I just finished my sophomore year of high school on may 21. And now looking a colleges and I wanted something in the art field and then I found this and I fell in love with it… so now I’m looking for the best college for art therapy… do you recommend one?

May 27 at 2:22 pm

I’m in high school and I’m strongly considering being an art therapist. I’m currently writing a paper on art therapy and this site is a perfect source. Thank you.

June 30 at 7:01 pm

its very opening to all parents and children out from all over the US that want to get involve in art therapy because its helps them overcome their emotions and mental health so that they can better themselves to join art therapy as their hobby.

July 30 at 8:13 pm

Do i have to study psychology for me to work or study Art therapy?

September 2 at 1:05 am

Thank for wonderful work, it has given me a clue on how to do art therapy

October 28 at 3:54 pm

Thank you so much for providing this resource.

November 15 at 6:59 pm

Hello, We are doing a design project on art therapy and we have a question. What are some examples of art activities for elementary kids to relax and reduce stress? Thank you.

March 28 at 8:28 am

I am in my 3rd year studying a BA in photography contemporary practice thinking i would like to be a photographer, however i came across art therapy as i want to help children with mental illness. I wondered if my degree in photography would be strong enough to start my career in art therapy? i would love to help children by them using photography to express themselves but i can not find a career that does this.

June 6 at 10:08 am

I’m doing an essay on Therapeutic art, so tysm for this!

August 1 at 5:42 pm

Hi, Did you see the professionally organised courses from this Australian College? The main lecturer studied art therapy in Germany and psychology in Australia. Here is the link: https://arttherapycourses.com.au/ You can do the entire course online as well! Cheers, Peter

March 11 at 10:21 am

Art Therapy , is a great way to express deepness of the person’s feeling, instead of the fact , that I’am telanted, and I love drawing.

Art therapy

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses visual and tactile media as a means of self expression and communication. Art therapists aim to support people of all ages and abilities and at all stages of life, to discover an outlet for often complex and confusing feelings, and foster self awareness and growth.

What is art therapy?

Find out what art therapy is and how it works

What to expect when you start art therapy

What will happen when you participate in art therapy

How can I access art therapy?

Guidance on how you can take part in art therapy

Evidence for art therapy

Helping unlock the transformative power of art and imagination to change lives

How to become an art therapist

Learn about what you’ll need to be an art therapist

What to do if you're not feeling OK

Advice for what you can do when you’re not feeling OK

Does art therapy work?

Evidence of the benefits of art therapy

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What clients said about their experience with art therapy

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Why art therapy is so effective & how to practice it daily.

We have a friend, a successful lawyer, who keeps a couple of coloring books in her office for those times when she needs a mental break. A college counselor at a university recommends pottery workshops to overwhelmed students to help relieve their anxiety.

For Susan, it's knitting, gardening, and collage, which she practices to stay both grounded and in touch with her feelings. Ivy carries tuning forks in her bag because the resonant sound of the notes C and G combined can soothe a stressful moment.

For all of us, there are times when life is too much to handle, when anxiety and burnout waylay us. Relieving our stress is as important as eating food, drinking water, and sleeping. And, in these moments, the arts and aesthetics make a big difference if you know how to use them. Think of the arts as an activity that changes your biology, emotional state, and enhances your mental well-being.

You don’t have to be great, or even good, at making art to experience the benefits.

When the arts become a regular practice—the way you might improve nutrition, increase exercise, and prioritize sleep—you unleash an innate tool that helps you navigate the peaks and valleys of your inner life. And the best news is that you don't have to be great, or even good, at making art to experience the benefits.

In a study 1 , Girija Kaimal, assistant dean for special research initiatives and an associate professor in the creative arts therapies program at Drexel University, found that for the majority of people, making art for as little as 45 minutes reduces the stress hormone cortisol, no matter your skill level or experience.

Making art is physiologically calming. Girija explains, "The study was set up with an art therapist in the room who could provide support as needed to allow for authentic self-expression. There was no judgment or expectation, rather participants were encouraged to focus on the process and to feel safe, thus reducing stress and anxiety." She reminds us that anyone can do this at home with simple materials if they create without value judgments.

The arts offer a range of effective treatments for individual mental health challenges, as well as our collective emotional zeitgeist. They improve our psychology by offering enhanced self-efficacy, coping, and emotional regulation 2 . They improve our physiology by lowering stress-hormone response , enhancing immune function 3 , and increasing cardiovascular reactivity 4 . And that's just the beginning.

Over the last two decades, there have been thousands of studies with outcomes illuminating the reasons diverse arts practices, both as the maker and as a beholder, improve our psychological state. Take the work of Daisy Fancourt. She's a British psychobiology and epidemiology researcher at University College London who has been studying the effect of the arts on health, including a breakthrough study in 2020 involving tens of thousands of participants in the UK.

She and her two research partners used a sophisticated statistical technique that accounted for multiple variables in lifestyle, and they found that people who participated in arts activities more than once a week, or who attended cultural events at least once or twice per year, had significantly higher life satisfaction than those who did not. This was the same across socioeconomic levels. People who engaged in the arts were found to have lower mental distress, better mental functioning, and improved quality of life.

Everyday arts prescriptions

In Boston, pediatrician Michael Yogman writes a new kind of prescription for his young patients: the arts and play. Yogman, who is also an assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, prescribes his patients a daily playful activity to be done with a caregiver or friends, such as dancing, drawing, or playing pretend. He tailors his "prescriptions" to match the needs and preferences of each child, emphasizing the idea of joyful engagement. Michael says, "Children need different things. They have specific likes and dislikes depending on their developmental stage and their emotional engagement. We work to find the best fit that maximizes joyful discovery." Michael's goal is to head off stress, loneliness, and anxiety by helping his patients understand and process their emotions and build skills for the future.

He also works to enhance safe, stable relationships with parents and peers, which promotes resilience. The activities he prescribes help them to regulate emotions, and soon his kids are able to incorporate these practices into their lives. Over time, they gain knowledge and confidence and learn to buffer stress.

This is what's known as social prescribing 5 , and it's happening in the UK, Canada, and the United States. Physicians, psychologists, social workers, and others are prescribing singing classes for stress, museum visits and concert tickets for anxiety, and nature walks for burnout—offering prevention and intervention. Social prescribing engages the arts as an immersive form of precision medicine, aligning cultural activities with individual needs. And these activities don't have to be time-consuming or expensive to integrate into your daily life.

What if, instead of scrolling on your phone with your morning coffee, you spent 20 minutes drawing in a doodle diary or creating your own mandala ? You could black out words in the newspaper and create a found poem, or pick up your kid's (or your!) LEGO bricks for free-form design, or Play-Doh to create something new. Take old clothes and make a memory blanket. Throughout the day you can pause and add a little bit of art and aesthetics to your life and see how it changes your mood. The list is endless, and the results are immediate.

New technologies are making it even easier to access a range of arts and aesthetic experiences for mental health uses. John Legend and other world-renowned musicians have partnered with the mindfulness app Headspace to bring music to mindfulness practices. The website Wavepaths combines personalized music with and without psychedelic therapy using state-of-the-art science. And through NEA Research Labs, neuropsychologist Robert Bilder at the University of California, Los Angeles, has developed a groundbreaking, simple-to-use well-being assessment app using psychometrics to measure in real time the benefits of the arts.

The Arts Impact Measurement Systems, or AIMS , can be used by researchers around the world to collect standardized data on the benefits of the arts. Large data sets will emerge that can be analyzed to better understand and target mental health and well-being approaches.

There is infinite energy and vibration in the universe, there are also unending ways the arts aid in cultivating well-being. They help us navigate the uncertainty and unpredictability of life and ride the wave of complex emotions and feelings. As neuroaesthetic researchers continue to learn more about the mechanisms for why that is, the future promises to bring us even more compelling insights. Grab a pencil, a pen, a paintbrush, a tuning fork, a harmonica, a drum, a ball of yarn, or a bag of potting soil and some plants, and bring the benefits of art and aesthetics into your day.

From the book YOUR BRAIN ON ART by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross. Copyright © 2023 by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross. Reprinted by arrangement with Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17533015.2016.1217248?needAccess=true
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36134083/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2804629/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6015920/
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789290619765

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What Is Art Therapy? Types, Benefits And More

What is art therapy, how is art therapy used, who can benefit from art therapy, what are types of art therapy, how effective is art therapy, how to find an art therapist.

Talk therapy can be immensely beneficial for many people, but it isn’t always easy to verbally communicate feelings. Maybe you struggle to put into words how you feel or you find sitting across from a therapist intimidating. Or perhaps you haven’t even allowed yourself to contemplate a traumatic experience that’s happened to you, choosing instead to bury it deep inside as you do your best to ignore it.

In all these cases—and many more—art therapy can serve as a way to process emotions and facilitate healing. Art therapy is different from attending an art class or doing an art project on your own; it’s done in the presence of an art therapist who is specifically trained in using art as a way to interpret feelings and behaviors and help resolve mental health issues . Often, it is done in conjunction with talk therapy. To decide if it’s right for you, it’s important to know what it entails, who can benefit from it and how effective it is.

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“Art therapy is a practice that uses art as a tool to facilitate healing,” says Shaye Mueller, LPC, a registered art therapist based in Chicago. Art therapy provides an opportunity for people to express their internal feelings and experiences in a physical way, she explains. “[Someone] may find that describing an emotion becomes easier when expressed by assigning it artistic qualities,” says Mueller. “This is because language processing, creative thinking and emotional processing all involve different parts of the brain. Art therapy helps integrate these brain structures to help bridge the gaps between these processes, leading to what some art therapists believe is a more intuitive and holistic outcome.”

Art therapy has a different goal than taking an art class, says Emily Davenport, MA,, a board-certified art therapist and the founder and clinical director of Davenport Creative Arts Therapy, located in New York City. “With an art class, the focus is on technique. With art therapy, the purpose is not to create a perfect art product. It’s to explore how the art relates to oneself, what someone is feeling and what they want to heal,” she explains.

In terms of what to expect during an art therapy session, typically, the client creates their art in the presence of the therapist, but the therapist asks minimal questions while the art is being created, says Davenport. Instead, they are using this time to observe. “As an art therapist, I observe what their body language is like when creating their art. I look to see if they are pressing down really hard on the art materials or if they are holding them lightly. I observe if they are using colors and if so, what colors they choose. All of these things can communicate something deeper about the client,” she says.

After the art is completed, the therapist and the client will have a conversation about it, gently exploring what the art communicates about what the client may be feeling. “The art provides a non-confrontational way to communicate about an experience or what someone is feeling,” she says.

There are several ways art therapy is used. Often, says Davenport, it is combined with other types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy . For example, one session may primarily focus on creating art while another session does not include any art creation at all.

“Memories and trauma are stored in a different part of the brain than [verbal language],” says Davenport, adding that this is why talk therapy on its own may not be as beneficial for people who have experienced trauma as when it’s combined with art therapy. If someone is in therapy with the goal of healing from past trauma, creating art can help them tap into the part of the brain where these memories are stored, she says.

Art therapy can be used as a way for people to express their feelings and experiences who do not communicate well verbally. Children, for example, may not yet have the skills to put their experiences or feelings into words, but they can use art as a form of expression. On the other end of the spectrum, art therapy can also be used in elderly populations to promote healthy aging. The problem solving involved in creating art (such as choosing colors and compositional elements) keeps the brain active.

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Anyone can benefit from art therapy, according to Mueller and Davenport, and you don’t have to have any artistic skill to do it. “A common misconception is that art therapy is [only] for ‘creatives’ or children. That could not be farther from the truth. It is for all, regardless of age, ability or demographic,” says Mueller.

Art therapy has been shown to be effective for people experiencing depression or anxiety . According to researchers, the process of creating art helps with emotion regulation, which in turn can help lower anxiety.

Art therapy can be especially beneficial for people who have experienced trauma, including individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , Davenport emphasizes. One study found that people with PTSD who participated in art therapy were better able to relax, externally communicate their memories and emotions through their art, had less intrusive thoughts and felt more confident about their futures [1] Schouten KA, van Hooren S, Knipscheer JW, et al. Trauma-Focused Art Therapy in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study . Journal of Trauma and Dissociation. 2019;20(1):114-130. .

Art therapy can also be beneficial for people with cancer. In one study, art therapy helped people with cancer feel less anxious, less depressed and even less physical pain [2] Lefèvre C, Ledoux M, Filbet M. Art therapy among palliative cancer patients: Aesthetic dimensions and impacts on symptoms . Palliative & Supportive Care. 2015. . The reason why it may help with alleviating physical pain is because it moves one’s focus away from their pain and to their art. Art therapy can also be relaxing, which also may help with pain relief.

As previously mentioned, art therapy can also be beneficial for children, especially young children who may lack the language skills to communicate their feelings or experiences verbally. Art therapy has been found to have positive mental health benefits on children, including helping them with self-expression, feeling safe, feeling empowered, having hope and optimism for the future. It also helps them express complex feelings.

Since art therapy is tailored to meet an individual’s needs, it can take many forms and approaches, including both the type of art that is used and how it is woven into one’s therapy experience as a whole. “Art therapy falls under the umbrella of the expressive therapies and can be differentiated into two categories,” says Mueller. “The first is art as therapy, meaning that the act of artistic self-expression is inherently therapeutic and can act as a vehicle for catharsis and mindfulness. The other category is art with psychotherapy where art is used in conjunction with traditional therapy methods to facilitate healing.”

Below are the most common types of modalities used in art therapy:

1. Painting, Drawing, Coloring or Finger Painting

With this type of art therapy, clients can use different types of paints, colored pencils, markers, pens or pencils as a form of expression. Davenport says that, typically, a client is given a prompt and then given the freedom to create using the materials provided by the therapist.

With collage art therapy, clients use photos to create art that reflects their emotions or life experiences. The collages are made out of magazine images, textured papers and other materials provided by the therapist and clients piece these elements together with glue or tape to create their art.

3. Photography

An art therapist may ask their client to take photos that reflect their emotions or experiences. For example, in one study, trans-identifying individuals were asked to photograph their gender stories, which were then used as a way to spark discussions about their experiences [3] Barbee M. A Visual-Narrative Approach to Understanding Transsexual Identity . Art Therapy. 2011. . In another study, people with a chemical dependency used photography as part of an outpatient treatment program [4] Glover-Graf NM and Miller E. The Use of Photography in Group Treatment for Persons Who Are Chemically Dependent . Sage Journals. 2016;49(3). .

4. Sculpting and Working With Clay

Clay is another medium that can be used in art therapy. In one study, people with dementia used clay to make art representing what it was like to live with dementia [5] Seifert K, Spottke A, Fliessbach K. Effects of sculpture based art therapy in dementia patients—A pilot study . Heliyon. 2017;3(11):e00460. .

Because art therapy is so individualized and is often used in conjunction with other types of therapy, there isn’t a wealth of data devoted to how effective it is compared to other types of therapy, explains Davenport. However, she does note the mounting scientific evidence showing its benefits. “There is research showing that art therapy can help reduce cortisol levels, which then lessen feelings of stress and anxiety,” she says.

As mentioned previously, there is also evidence that art therapy can help people who have experienced trauma, including children who have been sexually abused and people with combat-related PTSD. It has also been shown to help people who experience depression or anxiety .

However, to experience the benefits of art therapy, it’s important to work with a credible art therapist.

If art therapy does not resonate with someone, there are other expressive therapies they could explore, including writing therapy or dance and music therapy. The goal is to express and process one’s emotions and inner world through the creative medium, and that can look different from one person to the next. Therapy using writing prompts or journaling, dance as a way to express how one feels and music therapy, which is when music is used specifically to lower anxiety, depression or physical pain can all be beneficial.

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To find a credible art therapist, both Davenport and Mueller say to look for someone with the credentials to back up their expertise—just as you would any other type of therapist. “Art therapists are master level psychotherapists trained in art therapy and psychotherapy,” explains Davenport, adding that they go through rigorous training to attain their credentials.

Look for a therapist with the credentials ATR (art therapist registered) or ATR-BC (board-certified art therapist registered). There are many local chapters of art therapy organizations, says Davenport, so you can search online for a trained professional in your area. Not sure where to start? The Art Therapy Association has an online database of art therapists across the U.S.

“Among many things, art therapy can help individuals problem solve, improve relationships, find deeper meaning in life, feel a sense of accomplishment and increase insight into their problems,” Mueller says. Like art itself, these benefits can last a lifetime.

Schouten KA, van Hooren S, Knipscheer JW, et al. Trauma-Focused Art Therapy in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study. Journal of Trauma and Dissociation. 2019;20(1):114-130.
Lefèvre C, Ledoux M, Filbet M. Art therapy among palliative cancer patients: Aesthetic dimensions and impacts on symptoms. Palliative & Supportive Care. 2015.
Barbee M. A Visual-Narrative Approach to Understanding Transsexual Identity. Art Therapy. 2011.
Glover-Graf NM and Miller E. The Use of Photography in Group Treatment for Persons Who Are Chemically Dependent. Sage Journals. 2016;49(3).
Seifert K, Spottke A, Fliessbach K. Effects of sculpture based art therapy in dementia patients—A pilot study. Heliyon. 2017;3(11):e00460.
Hu J, Zhang J, Hu L, et al. Art Therapy: A Complementary Treatment for Mental Disorders. Frontiers in Psychology. 2021;12:686005.
Campbell M, Decker K, Kruk K, et al. Art Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Combat-Related PTSD: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Art Therapy. 2016;33(4):169-177.
Bosgraaf L, Spreen M, Pattiselanno K, et al. Art Therapy for Psychological Problems in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Narrative Review on Art Therapeutic Means and Form of Expression, Therapist Behavior, and Supposed Mechanisms of Change. Frontiers in Psychology. 2020;11:584685.
Galassi F, Merizzi A, D’Amen B, et al. Creativity and art therapies to promote healthy aging: A scoping review. Frontiers in Psychology. 2022;13:906191.
Shukla A, Choudhari SG, Gaidhane AM, et al. Role of Art Therapy in the Promotion of Mental Health: A Critical Review. Cureus. 2022;14(8):e28026.
Art therapy: Another way to help manage pain. Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School. Accessed 1/25/2023.
Moula Z, Powell J, Karkou V. Qualitative and Arts-Based Evidence from Children Participating in Pilot Randomized Controlled Study of School-Based Art Therapies. Children. 2022;9(6):890.
Chilton G and Scotti V. Snipping, Gluing, Writing: The Properties of Collage as an Arts-Based Research Practice in Art Therapy. Art Therapy. 2015;31(4):163-171.
Sohal M, Singh P, Dhillon BS, et al. Efficacy of journaling in the management of mental illness: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Family Medicine and Community Health. 2022;10(1):e001154.
Koch SC, Riege RFF, Tisborn K, et al. Effects of Dance Movement Therapy and Dance on Health-Related Psychological Outcomes. A Meta-Analysis Update. Frontiers in Psychology. 2019;10:1806.
Lu G, Jia R, Liang D, et al. Effects of music therapy on anxiety: A meta-analysis or randomized controlled trials. Psychiatry Research. 2021.
Aalbers S, Fusar-Poli L, Freeman RE, et al. Music therapy for depression. Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews. 2017;11(11):CD004517.
Redding J, Plaugher S, Cole J, et al. “Where’s the Music?” Using Music Therapy for Pain Management. Federal Practitioner. 2016; 33(12):46-49.
Kaimal G, Ray K, Muniz J. Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants’ Responses Following Art Making. Art Therapy. 2016;33(2):74-80.
Pifalo T. Art Therapy with Sexually Abused Children and Adolescents: Extended Research Study. Art Therapy. 2006.
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Emily Laurence is a journalist, freelance writer and certified health coach living in Raleigh, North Carolina. She specializes in writing about mental health, healthy aging and overall wellness. For six years, she was an editor and senior writer at Well+Good, covering everything from food trends to public health issues like the opioid epidemic. She graduated from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University with a bachelor’s degree in magazine journalism. Find her on Instagram at @EmLaurence.

Deborah Courtney is a licensed psychotherapist with a private practice in New York. She integrates evidence-based, trauma-informed treatments with spiritual healing approaches to honor the connection between mind, body and spirit. Specifically, she utilizes eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), somatic experiencing (SE), ego state therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and reiki. She’s featured in various media forms promoting holistic mental health and wellness and is a speaker on the topics of trauma, holistic mental health treatment, self-care and mindfulness. Courtney’s other endeavors include creating the EMDR Journey Game, an internationally sold trauma treatment tool, and running her socially- and emotionally-minded day school for children in upstate New York. She’s excited to soon release an online learning platform to make holistic mental health education accessible to a mass audience.

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What Is Expressive Arts Therapy?

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Effectiveness
Considerations
Getting Started

People who are experiencing mental health issues may have a difficult time interpreting or describing how they are feeling. Through expressive arts therapy, they can learn more about themselves and share what they are feeling in a therapeutic context.

If you're considering this therapy or it has been recommended to you, it's helpful to understand the types available and how it can help. Keep reading to also learn what research says about expressive arts therapy's effectiveness, along with things to consider when determining if it is the right therapy for you .

Types of Expressive Arts Therapy

The International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA) explains that expressive arts therapy is a multimodal approach, combining several expressive arts—movement, writing, music, and more—"to foster deep personal growth and community development." As a multimodal therapy, it draws on a few different types of single-modal approaches.

Four types of creative arts often used in expressive arts therapy include:

Art therapy : This approach involves utilizing visual arts such as drawing, painting, and sculpting to work through emotions, thoughts, or experiences.
Dance therapy : This type of therapy uses physical movement and dance to help people cope with mental health symptoms such as anxiety, stress, and depression.
Music therapy : This approach utilizes listening to or creating music to help improve mood and ease anxiety.
Writing therapy : This form of therapy involves exploring thoughts and emotions through writing approaches such as journaling or creating poems or fictional stories.

While each of these therapeutic modalities can be used on its own, expressive arts therapy is an integration of several approaches together, sometimes in the same session. It can also be incorporated into other therapy methods and integrates well with several approaches.

By drawing on different modalities and integrating them in ways that are beneficial to each individual’s needs, this approach to treatment can create unique experiences that allow people to better understand their emotions, thoughts, memories, and experiences.

Expressive Arts Therapy Techniques

This type of therapy focuses on the creative process. So, expressive arts therapists may draw on a wide variety of techniques to create a treatment best suited to the individual's needs. Such techniques can include:

Creating sculptures, collages, or memory books
Dancing or other forms of movement
Drama or improvisation
Journal writing , or reading or writing poems, stories, or songs
Listening to or creating music
Painting, drawing, or sketching

In addition to utilizing the healing properties of self-expression through art, professionals trained in expressive arts therapy also incorporate other types of therapy into their client sessions. They might pull techniques from psychodynamic therapy , cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) , and mindfulness-based approaches.

What Expressive Arts Therapy Can Help With

Expressive arts therapy can be used with both adults and children and may be beneficial for several different mental health conditions. Some conditions or concerns it can help with include:

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Bereavement or grief
Brain injuries
Chronic medical conditions
Developmental disorders
Eating disorders
Emotional issues
Interpersonal issues
Low self-esteem
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Expressive arts therapy can also help hospitalized children deal with the stress associated with their hospitalization.

Benefits of Expressive Arts Therapy

The use of the expressive arts can augment talk therapy by allowing people to use strategies that work best for them. For some people, talking about their experiences may be the preferred form of self-exploration. Others, however, might benefit more from activities such as drawing a picture or writing in a journal.

The IEATA shares that expressive arts therapy can help people improve creativity , gain clarity, and achieve deep healing. Plus, many art activities are suitable for a wide variety of individuals and can often be employed in any setting with only minimal supplies.

One review found that expressive arts therapy has been used in a wide range of contexts. It has been implemented in community centers, as well as with people who are homeless, immigrants, cancer patients, patients in dementia care, and patients in hospice care.

Expressive Arts Therapy Effectiveness

Several pieces of research suggest that expressive arts therapy is effective in a variety of ways.

A 2021 review concluded that this approach helped improve collaboration between patients, their families, and healthcare professionals in adult health and nursing care.
A 2019 study found that art therapy was linked to improved cognitive functioning in elderly adults with mild neurocognitive disorders.
A 2016 review reported that hospitalized children were calmer and seemed less stressed after expressive arts therapy sessions, also experiencing improvements in mood.

More generally, art-making has been found to have several positive mental health effects. For instance, a 2020 study found that engaging in a coloring activity helped reduce anxiety and improve mood in older adults.

If You're Considering Expressive Arts Therapy

If you are thinking about trying expressive arts therapy, you don't have to have training or experience in the activity you're doing. You also don't have to be good at that art form. This therapy is not about what you are creating; it is the process of creating that matters.

Expressive arts therapy isn’t the same as taking an art class. Your focus isn’t on learning artistic techniques but on the inner emotional experience as you engage in the artistic process, either in a receptive (such as listening to music) or creative (such as making art) manner.

Authors of one review state, "One does not need to be an artist or have any special skills to express oneself through art-making; the most important thing is an open attitude to creativity in everyday life. This allows one to give oneself and others a chance to interact with and be touched by art and to vary the pattern of everyday life."

That said, expressive arts therapy isn’t right for everyone. For example, it might not be a good fit for people who are skeptical or unwilling to participate in the creative experience. It may also not be appropriate for individuals with certain psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia.

Getting Started With Expressive Arts Therapy

If you are interested in trying expressive arts therapy, here's how to get started:

First, find a therapist : Your first step is to find a therapist with training and experience in the expressive arts. You could ask your care provider for a referral or use an online therapist directory to find a local professional.
Check with your insurance : Check with your insurance provider to see if your policy will cover the treatment and, if it does, to what extent. This treatment is more likely to be covered by insurance if provided by a certified psychologist or psychiatrist.
Know what to expect : During an expressive arts therapy session, a therapist guides you through a process of exploring what you are feeling using an expressive art activity. They may have you work through multiple activities or you might focus on a specific form of expression, such as writing or dance.

International Expressive Arts Therapy Association. Welcome to IEATA .

Appalachian State University. Questions about expressive arts therapy .

Cleveland Clinic. Creative arts therapies .

Hoffmann B. The role of expressive therapies in therapeutic interactions; art therapy - explanation of the concept . Trakia J Sci . 2016;3:197-202. doi:10.15547/tjs.2016.03.001

Siegel J, Iida H, Rachlin K, Yount G. Expressive arts therapy with hospitalized children: A pilot study of co-creating Healing Sock Creatures© . J Pediatr Nurs . 2016;31(1):92-8. doi:10.1016/j.pedn.2015.08.006

International Expressive Arts Therapy Association. Who we are .

Vaartio-Rajalin H, Santamäki-Fischer R, Jokisalo P, Fagerström L. Art making and expressive art therapy in adult health and nursing care: A scoping review . Int J Nurs Sci . 2020;8(1):102-119. doi:10.1016/j.ijnss.2020.09.011

Mahendran R, Gandhi M, Moorakonda RB, et al. Art therapy is associated with sustained improvement in cognitive function in the elderly with mild neurocognitive disorder: findings from a pilot randomized controlled trial for art therapy and music reminiscence activity versus usual care . Trials . 2018;19(1):615. doi:10.1186/s13063-018-2988-6

Koo M, Chen HP, Yeh YC. Coloring activities for anxiety reduction and mood improvement in Taiwanese community-dwelling older adults: a randomized controlled study . Evid Based Complement Alternat Med . 2020 Jan 21;2020:6964737. doi:10.1155/2020/6964737

Farokhi M. Art therapy in humanistic psychiatry . Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences . 2011;30:2088-2092. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.10.406

Laws KR, Conway W. Do adjunctive art therapies reduce symptomatology in schizophrenia? A meta-analysis . World J Psychiatry. 2019;9(8):107-120. doi:10.5498/wjp.v9.i8.107

Pak J. Does your health insurance cover art and music therapy? Healthcare Insider.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

When Grief and Art Meet: A Journey of Healing

Personal perspective: an art collaboration releases the power of healing grief..

Posted August 28, 2024 | Reviewed by Davia Sills

Understanding Grief
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Art provides a powerful medium for processing grief and transforming personal loss into healing.
Collaborative creative expression forges connections, honor stories, and creates spaces to understand loss.
The arts are accessible to everyone and are a meaningful tool for navigating and expressing complex emotions.

Since my new book, The Art of Grieving , launched on May 16th, magical synchronicities have occurred. I told a longtime friend and art gallery owner, Lauren Saba, that I'd like to return to my former hometown sometime this summer and hold a book event at her gallery. Shortly afterward, I got a text from Lauren. She sent me a description of the artist that two jurors had just selected as the 2024 Gallery of Dreams summer artist-in-resident at Fort Works Art Gallery:

"Allie Regan Dickerson, a creative director and artist, channels her profound grief into her deeply introspective work. After the diagnosis and subsequent loss of her son to stage 4 lung cancer, Allie's journey into the arts took on a new depth and meaning. Her latest series was conceptualized during long walks in nature as she navigated this personal loss, and it blurs the lines between sculpture and painting, exploring themes of repetition and discontinuation, brokenness and renewal, beauty and loss of beauty, and fragility and strength. Her work during the Gallery of Dreams Residency reflects her commitment to honoring her son's memory and documenting her family's journey through grief, inviting others to share in her story and reflect on their own experiences with loss."

I thought to myself, "I must meet and collaborate with this woman who uses her art to express and process her grief."

Thanks to the Gallery of Dreams, a non-profit in Fort Worth, TX, that "champions contemporary artists and sparks creative experiences for positive community impact," a powerful collaboration unfolded. Allie Regan Dickerson and I shared how engaging in our respective art forms has been instrumental in our grief journeys. Our collaboration brought to life the emerging field of neuroarts, revealing how creative expression can transform our experiences of grief and loss, making the wisdom within these experiences accessible to us in new ways.

In Allie's art studio, we interacted with her compelling artworks using storytelling, dance, music, and voice. This experience illuminated the profound impact of art on processing difficult emotions, showing that when artists collaborate, they honor their individual stories and create a shared space for others to explore and understand their own experiences with loss. It was a vivid reminder of how art's power forges connections, brings healing, and opens new pathways to understanding our deepest emotions.

You don't have to be an "artist" to find ways to use the arts to express and transform your grief. Whether it is a remembrance action, like reviewing old photos, singing a particular song that connects you with your loved one, or celebrating their life with a dance in your kitchen, your art is a powerful tool for healing.

Gallery of Dreams Art Gallery: https://www.galleryofdreams.org/

Sheila K. Collins, Ph.D., is an author and grief consultant specializing in using the arts, and art making, to help transform grief into a gift.

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ART THERAPY

Nov 02, 2014

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ART THERAPY. What is art therapy? What is an Art Therapist ? Historical Information C olor meaning Assessments Clients. Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of communication.

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ART THERAPY • What is art therapy? • What is an Art Therapist? • Historical Information • Color meaning • Assessments • Clients

Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of communication.

Clients who are referred to an art therapist need not have previous experience or skill in art

The overall aim of its practitioners is to enable a client to effect change and growth on a personal level

In a hospital

In a prison

What is an Art Therapist?

The ways in which they do this vary according to the client group or individual, the context, and the therapist

Historical Information

Now several universities offer training in Art Psychotherapy at post graduate level

Specific color meaning

Research on the DDS uses criteria that includes the following: • Color: number used • Enclosure • Line length • Space usage • Integration • Movement • Placement on the page

The Mandala Assessment Research Instrument (MARI)

This test assesses and gives clues to a person's psychological progressions

House–Tree–Person (HTP)

the test-taker is asked to draw the house, tree, and person

Examples of follow up questions: • After the House: Who lives here? Is the occupant happy? What goes on inside the house? What's it like at night? Do people visit the house? What else do the people in the house want to add to the drawing? • After the Tree: What kind of tree is this? How old is the tree? What season is it? Has anyone tried to cut it down? What else grows nearby? Who waters this tree? Trees need sunshine to live so does it get enough sunshine? • After the Person is drawn: who is the person? How old is the person? What do they like and dislike doing? Has anyone tried to hurt them? Who looks out for them?

Road drawing

CLIENTS "I wish other professionals had pointed this out to me much earlier. Sometimes we are so involved with something/someone we can't get a handle on it. Art therapy has helped me to deal with issues that are hard to verbalise. If I'd been helped to understand part of the nature of obsession like this earlier I might not have wasted so much time"

Thanks for attention !!!

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What is Art Therapy?

What is Art Therapy?. By: Lynn Marie Saso. Contemporary Art Therapy: The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health. Stucky and Nobel (2010) conducted research on the relationship between art-based interventions improving health status mentally and physically.

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What is Art Therapy?. Presented by Cara Levitt, M.S. ATR-BC Registered Board Certified Art Therapist. About Me. . Cara E. Levitt, MS, ATR-BC, is a Board Certified Registered Art Therapist Experience working with a variety of challenging children, adolescents and families.

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Art Therapy!

Art Therapy!. Morgan Hooper. Nature of the Work. Art therapists are professionals trained in both art and psychology.

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Art Therapy in the Schools. By: Jennifer Do, MA, ATR-BC, LPC. What is Art Therapy?.

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Music , Art , and Drama Therapy. By: Billy Travis. Where Are We Going ?. http://youtu.be/y3L9-45Uq9A?t=1m1s. Music Therapy Art Therapy Drama Therapy Activity. Dear Diary,. Hmm, what do I want to say? I can’t think of the right words… It’s like, you know what I’m saying, right?

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What is Art Therapy?.

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ART THERAPY. Presented by Group 2: Jennifer Nimmo, Lisa Elsberry, Sherri Weissman, Jenna Klareich, Chelsea Seidman, Trista Perez, April Majoy, and Camilla Aparicio. Types of Art Therapy. Sculpting and Ceramics Painting and Drawing Photography Arts and Crafts

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~ Art Therapy ~

~ Art Therapy ~. Building a Bridge from Trauma to Wellness. Art Therapy makes the unconscious conscious. It builds _…a bridge…_ between the internal and the external worlds. Art Therapy aims: • to create circumstances through which healing can occur using art.

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Art Therapy. Madison Kenney. “If I could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint.” -Edward Hopper “I found that I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way- things I had no words for.” -Georgia O’Keeffe

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Art Therapy and Traumatized Children

Art Therapy and Traumatized Children. Linda John. Works Cited. “Child Finger-Painting.” Digital Image. Recover-from-grief.com . 2009. 18 Nov. 2009. http ://www.recover-from-grief.com/art-therapy-children.html .

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Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

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Art Therapy and Traumatized Children. Linda John. Works Cited. Abdelhafiz, Ahmed . “Stack of Books.” Digital Image. Flickr . 3 Aug. 2009. Web. 15 Dec. 2009 http://www.flickr.com/photos/a-a-hafiz/3784812651 / “Art Classroom.” Digital Image. Flickr . 28 Sept. 2008. Web. 15 Dec. 2009.

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Art Therapy – Healing The Soul

Eklavya School Jalandhar, one of the best CBSE schools in jalandhar, gives ample opportunities to students to explore their artistic temperament. Art (Drawing, Painting, Music. Dancing, Poetry) is a good way to relax. Painting can be therapeutic because it allows the mind to focus on the images at hand and nothing else. This focus towards one central topic relieves stress on the mind and in turn relaxes the body. This relaxation minimizes muscle soreness, joint pain, headaches and other physical ailments. The task of therapy is not to eliminate suffering but to give a voice to it, to find a form in which it can be expressed.

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Art Therapy. as one of the various creative therapeutic approaches that Place2Be ’s Volunteer Counselors use to provide emotional support to children. Understanding. presented by Bea Brogi and Laura Cave.

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Benefits of art therapy

https://artfromthestreets.org/blogs/news/art-therapy-and-homelessness Homelessness is a draining existence. Daily life becomes much harder and the future at times can seem very bleak. Art gives Austin homeless residents a way to feel human again. It allows for self-expression and the ability to be seen not as a homeless individual but as a talented artist.

390 views • 1 slides

White circular pills on a black countertop

What is involved with MDMA-assisted therapy?

Uc expert discusses recent fda decision with wvxu's cincinnati edition.

Earlier this month, the Food and Drug Administration declined to approve MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. The University of Cincinnati's Stephen Rush, MD, joined WVXU's Cincinnati Edition to discuss the decision and the future of MDMA and other psychedelic psychiatric treatments.

Rush said there have been allegations of unethical conduct in the trial submitted to the FDA for review, including a llegations of sexual abuse. While the official reasoning behind the FDA's decision has not been released, he said additional concerns over bias and insufficient blinding most likely caused the denial.

"Typically, we want to have research studies that are double blind, which means that neither the scientist or researcher performing the treatment nor the patient knows if they are receiving the drug that’s being requested for approval or the placebo," said Rush, associate professor of clinical psychiatry in UC's College of Medicine, medical director of ambulatory services and a UC Health physician. "Patients, scientists and the therapists running the trial were already members of a community that had strong prior beliefs about the value of psychedelic drugs and the treatment of psychiatric illness. That can turn into bias when it creates a significant pressure for the results of these trials to be favorable."

Rush said the FDA denial following this specific trial does not mean the end of research into using MDMA and other psychedelics in psychiatric treatment.

"I think psychedelics are a very exciting area of research in psychiatry and some of the preliminary evidence fires and fuels that excitement within me," he said. "Right now, I think this looks like an issue with the company rather than with the potential for MDMA to have a postiive effect on PTSD."

Listen to the Cincinnati Edition segment.

Featured photo at top of pills on a countertop. Photo/FotografiaBasica/iStock.

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U.S. News & World Report highlighted recent research led by the University of Cincinnati and Northwell Health that found the drug metformin can help prevent or reduce weight gain in youth taking medication to treat bipolar disorder.

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Art Therapy: Definition, Types, Techniques, and Efficacy
Art therapy is a technique rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being. People have been relying on the arts for communication, self-expression, and healing for thousands of years. But art therapy didn't start to become a formal program until the 1940s. Doctors noted that individuals living with mental ...
What is Art Therapy?
What is Art Therapy? Art therapy is a mental health profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship. Especially when people are struggling, facing a challenge, or even a health ...
What is Art Therapy? Explanation and Benefits
Art therapy is an excellent alternative starting point. Art therapy offers the client an emotional outlet through artistic mediums and allows the client to better understand their situation. In ...
Expressive Art Therapy
Presentation on theme: "Expressive Art Therapy"— Presentation transcript: 2 Learning Objectives Describe the origins of art therapy. Explain art therapy, its goals, and clinical uses. List the steps to initiating art therapy. Identify illustrative themes in art therapy. Describe experiences with art therapy. 3 Draw… how you feel. 4 ...
About Art Therapy
Art therapy is a mental health profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship. Art therapy, facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and ...
PDF Art Therapy
Art Therapy is a mental health profession in which participants, work with a licensed professional and use art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce
Art Therapy
Art Therapy. Art therapy, a hybrid field largely influenced by the disciplines of art and psychology, uses the creative process, pieces of art created in therapy, and third-party artwork to help ...
Art Therapy for Mental Health: Benefits & Techniques
With art, you have the additional benefit of being left with something beautiful (or at least interesting) to show for it. Helps you tap into a "state of flow": Some psychologists describe flow as becoming deeply engrossed in an activity. Similar to meditation, flow can improve performance and lower stress levels. .
What is art therapy?
Art therapy uses art as the primary mode of expression, alongside talking with an art therapist. It aims to reduce distress and improve social, emotional and mental health by promoting insight, self-compassion and a sense of agency and self-worth. During art therapy, you are supported by an art therapist to use art to express and articulate ...
Art Therapy by on Prezi
Art Therapy What is art therapy? - from the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) Art therapy definition Becoming an art therapist Art therapy is an integrative mental health profession that combines knowledge & understanding of human development & psychological theories & ... Creating engaging teacher presentations: tips, ideas, and tools ...
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a delicate process that involves allowing the power of the art to work on people's hearts. For example, the artwork "Internalisation", by Dujdao Vadhanapakorn, showing that the inner work begins with one searching for a particular healing tool for his or her state of mind. A therapist cannot choose the tool for the patient ...
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others, cope with symptoms, stress ...
Art therapy
Art therapy. Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses visual and tactile media as a means of self expression and communication. Art therapists aim to support people of all ages and abilities and at all stages of life, to discover an outlet for often complex and confusing feelings, and foster self awareness and growth.
Why Art Therapy Is So Effective & How To Practice It Daily
Making art is physiologically calming. Girija explains, "The study was set up with an art therapist in the room who could provide support as needed to allow for authentic self-expression. There was no judgment or expectation, rather participants were encouraged to focus on the process and to feel safe, thus reducing stress and anxiety."
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Art Therapy is…. • Using the processes and products of art making to express emotions, find creative solutions and improve quality of life. • Used with all ages from preschool to geriatrics. • All populations and it can address a variety mental health problems.
What Is Art Therapy? Types, Benefits And More
Below are the most common types of modalities used in art therapy: 1. Painting, Drawing, Coloring or Finger Painting. With this type of art therapy, clients can use different types of paints ...
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Art Therapy. Jan 07, 2014. 340 likes | 957 Views. Art Therapy. Chapter 11. "Draw me how you feel." —Sharlene Gin. The Origins of Art Therapy. Art as a personal expression dates back to prehistoric times Art as a form of psychotherapy dates back to Freud & Jung In 1969 the American Art Therapy Association was founded. Download Presentation.
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Contemporary Art Therapy: The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health. Stucky and Nobel (2010) conducted research on the relationship between art-based interventions improving health status mentally and physically. Slideshow 1554783 by ... An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: ...
Expressive Arts Therapy: Types, Techniques, and Efficacy
Art therapy: This approach involves utilizing visual arts such as drawing, painting, and sculpting to work through emotions, thoughts, or experiences.; Dance therapy: This type of therapy uses physical movement and dance to help people cope with mental health symptoms such as anxiety, stress, and depression.; Music therapy: This approach utilizes listening to or creating music to help improve ...
When Grief and Art Meet: A Journey of Healing
It was a vivid reminder of how art's power forges connections, brings healing, and opens new pathways to understanding our deepest emotions. You don't have to be an "artist" to find ways to use ...
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Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of communication. Clients who are referred to an art therapist need not have previous experience or skill in art. The overall aim of its practitioners is to enable a client to effect change and growth on a personal level. Stress off.
What is involved with MDMA-assisted therapy?
Journal-News: UC studies art, pet robot therapy February 7, 2022. The Journal-News featured the research of Dr. Soma Sengupta, Dr. Claudia Rebola and Dr. Meera Rastogi, who have developed an art therapy app and pet robot study to see how the interventions can affect the mental health of patients with vestibular schwannomas.
Free art therapy program for Parkinson's patients
A free art therapy program called "Connecting Through Art" is being offered for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and their care partners. Led by Licensed Professional Counselor and Board-Certified Art Therapist Sara Peters, the program includes a Silk Hoop painting project and provides insights into the benefits of art for improving mood, visual-cognitive skills and motor function.

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What Is Art Therapy? Types, Benefits And More

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1. Painting, Drawing, Coloring or Finger Painting

3. Photography

4. Sculpting and Working With Clay

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Journal Writing and Art Therapy

Art Therapy and Autism

Art Therapy @ KFMC.

Art Therapy

What is Art Therapy?

Gestalt Art therapy Training Workshop

Autism and Art Therapy

Art Therapy!

Art Therapy in the Schools

Music , Art , and Drama Therapy

~ Art Therapy ~

Art Therapy and Traumatized Children