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What Is Art Therapy? Benefits and What to Expect
Art therapy is a form of creative expression that helps individuals explore and communicate emotions that may be difficult to put into words. By using activities like drawing, painting, or collage, it provides a safe, non-judgmental space to process feelings, reduce anxiety, and build self-awareness and confidence. Rather than focusing on artistic skill, art therapy emphasizes the healing power of the creative process itself.
Carson Pettingill
4/11/20262 min read
Do you often struggle to truly express how you feel? When it comes to explaining your feelings, do you feel stuck or overwhelmed? If the answer is yes to either of these questions, you might benefit from art therapy.
Art therapy if a form of creative expression that incorporates a variety of artistic methods, such as drawing, painting, music, and crafts. The purpose of art therapy is to provide individuals with a form of expression to express their thoughts and feelings that are often hard to put into words. For many people, trying to directly talk about feelings can feel awkward, overwhelming, and even impossible at times.
Through art therapy, many individuals have been able to express the feelings they’ve held inside for a long time in a way that feels safer and more natural. Art therapy can you help make your internal feelings visible and offer a sense of relief from feelings that feel challenging.
A common misconception about art, is that many believe they must be “good” at it. Art therapy is not about being “good” or “bad” at art. It’s not about creating something “perfect”. Art therapy is about the process of creating and what it brings up. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. So, in what ways does art therapy help people? Research indicates that art therapy aides in emotional regulation, inducing a state of relaxation, pleasure, and calmness, which is beneficial for those that struggle with anxiety (Río Diéguez et al., 2024).
In addition to art therapy’s calming effects, it can also increase an individual’s sense of capability, helping improve self-confidence, satisfaction, and a sense of achievement (Río Diéguez et al., 2024). Art therapy can be a powerful tool for exploring identity and developing a stronger sense of self. It creates a safe space for curiosity, rather than perfection or judgement.
What does art therapy look like? Art therapy takes form in a variety of ways. In the therapy room, your therapist may give you a prompt that incorporates drawing or painting your emotions, allowing an outlet for emotions that may feel difficult to verbalize.
Other times, you may be invited to create a collage that represents your thoughts, experiences, or sense of identity, or use colors, shapes, and symbols to express what your internal world feels like. There are many more ways art therapy can be used, and each experience is tailored to meet you where you are.
Throughout the process, your therapist may guide you in reflecting on your piece with gentle, open-ended questions, helping you make connections and gain insight in a way that feels supportive and non-judgmental.
Are you interested in art therapy? Consult with your therapist about how art therapy can be incorporated and used in your sessions.
References:
Río Diéguez, M., Jiménez, C., Sanz-Aránguez Ávila, B., & Bayón, C. (2024). Art therapy as a therapeutic resource integrated into Mental Health Programmes: components, effects and integration pathways. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 91, 102215–102215.