What the Modality is

Art Therapy is a mental health profession that combines the creative processes of art making with psychological theories. Art Therapy is always facilitated by a credentialed, master's-level art therapist (ATR or ATR-BC) who has been trained in psychotherapy and a range of art media.  An important distinction to make is that Art Therapy is not the same as therapeutic art. Art Therapy is a form of counseling in which a trained, credentialed art therapist is working with a client to address mental health needs through goal-based treatment; while therapeutic art is a form of self-care that can be practiced on one's own for the purpose of enjoyment or expression.

How it Works in Therapy

When participating in Art Therapy, a client can expect to use a variety of art approaches, reflective writing prompts, and/or talk therapy as methods for supporting and guiding the processing of mental health challenges. Art therapists are trained to present and facilitate art making processes that meet a client's specific needs. Sometimes, this means a structured type of art directive or learning a new form of art making; while other times, it could be free art making to foster expression beyond words/language. A few examples of art processes are painting, doodling, printmaking, sewing, collage, eco art, origami, and recycled material art. The great thing about art therapy is that no technical art skill is required - just come in with an open mind and readiness to engage in treatment!

Why it’s Helpful

Art therapy gives folks a multitude of ways to express, process, and make meaning of their lived experiences - especially when words might feel insufficient on their own. Art therapy provides a creative and symbolic outlet for building self-awareness, increasing sense of purpose and meaning, and supporting skill-building for internal resiliency. Art therapy can be helpful toward addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, life adjustments/changes, and more.