Exactly What is Art Therapy?
By Jacey Eikenbary, CIT
In my experience, art and the creative process have always been a way for me to express how I am feeling, process my thoughts and certain issues I am facing, and make sense of myself, who I am, and the world around me. The act of using colorful materials, feeling the tools and mediums in my hands, getting lost in the calm, peaceful flow of creativity can offer incredible benefits to a person’s mental and physical health and wellbeing.
There is so much science backed evidence proving the positive benefits that art therapy can offer someone on their healing journey. Art therapy has the ability to improve cognitive and sensory motor functions, foster self-esteem and awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, enhance social skills, process traumas and difficult life situations, and can promote deeper insight into the self and the world.
Art therapy can be a lot of different things but, to me, I think most importantly it is a different form of communication. Sometimes people don’t always have the words to describe how they are feeling, sometimes situations can be so painful that the story won’t even leave the mouth, and sometimes talking can hold a little bit of pressure; to say the right thing, to fill uncomfortable silence, etc. With art therapy, the creative process, the act of making, is a way to calm the mind and body, come back to ourselves, and utilize the variety of tools in front of you to process and express what is going on inside and out.
Art therapists won’t critique or criticize you or your art, nor will they diagnose you by “how well you painted” or what you have created. The client and art therapist will use the creative process and the final art product as a starting point in exploring your inner world of feelings, struggles, triumphs, or traumas.
This method of therapy simply provides an alternative avenue of processing, expression, self-connection, and healing. Participating in art therapy doesn’t require you to be “right or good at art” or to consider yourself as “an artsy person.” The art therapy process just requires an open mind and a desire to make a change and from there the healing power of art can do some amazing things for you!
What Makes Art Therapy Different?
Art therapy is a unique and powerful approach to mental health that can go beyond the boundaries of traditional talk therapy. Art therapists are masters, or higher, level trained therapists who specialize in combining the therapeutic process with the creative process. Art therapists have a unique understanding of artistic tools and materials and utilize them in therapeutic sessions to benefit clients in individual and group settings. With talk therapy, the session typically relies on verbal communication between the therapist and client. Art therapy introduces another layer to the session, creative expression, as a core part of the therapeutic process. By engaging in various art interventions that incorporate tools and materials like paint, clay, pastels, markers, or collage, clients have the opportunity to express thoughts and emotions that may be too complex, painful, or difficult to verbalize. This makes art therapy especially helpful for individuals who find it challenging to talk about their feelings or who have experienced trauma, as the process of creating art provides an alternative, often non-verbal, outlet for emotional expression.
One of the main differences between art therapy and traditional talk therapy is how emotions and experiences are processed. Typically, in talk therapy, the focus is often on processing issues cognitively to gain insight and make a change. In art therapy, the act of creating allows clients to process emotions through sensory and experiential avenues. This can often lead to a deeper understanding of certain feelings that are held in the body or deep in the mind and can help them surface during the creative process without needing to directly talk about them. In this case, the art therapist helps the client make sense of what has come up in their artwork and connect it to inner feelings, thoughts, and experiences to facilitate further discussion.
Art therapy also offers a non-judgmental, flexible, creative environment for all clients and might be especially beneficial for those who may feel a pressure to “say the right thing” in traditional therapy. It is important to note that clients are never expected to create something perfect, or to “do something right,” or to be a creative person. The materials and art interventions are simply suggested to the client as an optional avenue for making sense of themselves and the world around them and all that is asked of the client is that they try. In addition to having these materials and interventions play an important role in the session, they also provide a hands-on, dynamic experience that aids in working through presenting issues. There can be a sense of accomplishment or agency when creating and that can be very empowering for clients.
The process of creating plays a very important role in the art therapy journey. Creating art has been shown to be a stress reducer and a mood improver. It can move people into their right brain, which can help with processing emotions, can help with more flexible and creative thinking or problem solving, and it can help people think more holistically about a problem or gain different perspectives. Creativity has many benefits to overall wellbeing and is especially beneficial to mental health. Participating in art therapy may offer a different means of connecting to yourself and making sense of the world around you.
What Might You Expect from an Art Therapy Session?
Art therapy is a relatively new approach in the mental health field and is quite similar to traditional talk therapy. Art therapists are trained in psychology and therapeutic approaches and receive a masters level, or higher, degree that allows them to work as a therapist with the unique knowledge of artistic tools and materials that help benefit the therapeutic process.
The first art therapy session that a client attends will typically start with an intake of background information from the client or group to understand the presenting needs, behaviors, and goals to work on throughout the therapeutic journey. This is a time for the art therapist to get to know the client and to build a non-judgmental, supportive rapport. During this conversation, the art therapist may also discuss possible art materials and interventions that may be used throughout sessions in order to ease into the idea of creating art.
Once background information has been gathered and the client is comfortable in the art therapy environment, an art therapist may introduce art making into the session. In my own practice, I like to get materials like pencils, markers, watercolor pencils, and pastels out for a client and ask them to create a self-portrait that tells me more about them. This is simply an informal way for me, as the art therapist, to better understand the client’s abilities, to make note of what materials they are drawn to, to listen to self-talk when they are creating, and to learn likes and dislikes and other important information about the client. I have also experienced that when clients are creating, using their hands, thinking more creatively, they seem to be more comfortable talking about themselves and their lives.
During an art therapy session, the art therapist will encourage self-expression and a willingness to try. The artwork never has to be perfect, in fact perfect is boring! Clients can use a variety of materials, often directed by the art therapist, and use them in a way to make sense of and reflect on a challenge, behavior, or experience. Sessions can get messy as the sensory aspect of materials can play an important role as well. However, ultimately the client directs the use of these materials and outcomes of the art interventions. With the art therapists’ help, the artwork created can provide a connection to what the client is feeling, thinking, experiencing and can lead to further discussion and reflection.
At the end of the art therapy session, there is typically a piece of art created, maybe finished or unfinished, that provides evidence of progress being made. The client can typically decide if they wish to take the artwork with them or keep it in the art therapy room to be safely kept for when the client wants to revisit it. The art therapist may end the session with a few reflective questions and may even provide homework for the client to work on outside of therapy. I like to provide homework that has something to do with creating art to keep it fun! With that, the art therapy session concludes and hopefully the client has progressed in their therapeutic goals.
Art Therapy Can be for Everyone!
Art therapy may sound like an approach that is mostly suitable for younger populations because of its use of artistic materials. It may also sound like it is only useful for people who like art and “are creative.” While it is beneficial in many ways for younger populations as well as “creative people,” art therapy can be applicable for clients of any age, background, and presenting issue. A client who participates in art therapy doesn’t have to be young or “good at art,” they just have to have a willingness to try and express themselves through this medium.
Whether it is a child struggling with emotional regulation, a teenager navigating identity and self-esteem, an adult coping with anxiety or depression, or an older individual dealing with loneliness or memory loss, art therapy can provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore emotions and make sense of life. Through the use of a variety of artistic materials like paint, clay, pastels, markers, collage, photography, etc. clients can communicate their inner world through art interventions that may reveal thoughts and emotions that were difficult to express.
The materials themselves are also adaptable to different populations and needs. Some materials that may be used in an art therapy setting are more restrictive like pencils, markers, or Sharpies that give the artist more control, while some are more fluid like paint, watercolors, or inks that are a little less controlled. There is also clay that would allow for a more tactile, sensory experience if the client wanted to use their hands more or collage techniques that could allow for story telling or work with symbolism. Some materials also encourage a kinesthetic experience where clients can move their bodies to express, which can benefit a deeper awareness of the mind body connection.
Art therapy in a group setting may also be of benefit to clients as well. The creative process can be a bonding experience as you get to learn more about fellow group members through their unique creative perspectives. It can also foster a sense of community and support when there are common themes that are reflected on among group members. Group art therapy can also be an opportunity to enhance social, cooperative, communicative skills for members of all ages and backgrounds. It can also be a space of unlimited learning, perspective, and inspiration.
Moreover, art therapy isn’t only for those with diagnosed mental health concerns; it’s also for anyone seeking personal growth or an outlet for self-discovery. This therapeutic approach encourages mindfulness, helps manage stress, and allows people to connect with themselves on a deeper level. By exploring and creating art, individuals gain new insights, develop resilience, and experience a sense of accomplishment and joy. Art therapy’s versatility makes it a valuable resource for everyone, regardless of their age, background, or the challenges they face, proving that health and self-discovery can be creative journeys open to all.
Creativity for Overall Wellness
Creativity plays a very important role in the art therapy process, but it can also be of benefit to individuals’ physical and mental wellbeing overall. Engaging in creative activities, whether painting, writing, sculpting, dancing, or crafting, stimulates the brain and offers a therapeutic outlet for expressing emotions. When we immerse ourselves in creative tasks, our minds focus on the present moment, effectively quieting the noise of daily stressors. By focusing our minds in the present moment, we can see physiological changes in lower blood pressure and changes in mood. Engaging in creative activities, as studies have shown, can also help individuals reduce their stress by promoting mindfulness and relaxation. Experiencing mindfulness and relaxation, as we know, have many benefits to our physical and mental wellbeing.
Along with helping individuals focus in the present moment, the act of creating can also enhance cognitive functioning, which means it can help improve the functioning of the brain. Participating in creative activities can help individuals with their problem-solving skills, engage both hemispheres of the brain to help foster a balanced mental state, and can help stimulate memory and the brain’s ability to adapt.
Participating in a creative activity can also help individuals grow their sense of community and support. There are a wide variety of community classes, group art therapy, or online forums for learning about and creating art together, whether it is a painting class, a choir, a dance class, or an art therapy grief group. All of these offer a chance to meet and grow with new people. Social connection is of vital importance to every human being, especially as we age and social dynamics change. It is important then, for individuals’ mental and physical wellbeing, that they experience some sort of social connection and support. The act of creating in a group can allow for a bonding experience where you get to see and be inspired by the creative perspective of another individual. Additionally, people are more likely to share and participate in different conversations when they are busy creating and their minds are focused in the present moment.
The best thing about participating in a creative activity for overall wellness is that it is accessible to everyone. Art materials don’t have to be expensive, in fact it is possible to find what you enjoy working with on a small budget. Some people even use found scrap material to make art with. Even small, regular creative practices, like journaling or doodling, can bring a sense of purpose and joy to your daily routines to help enhance mental and physical wellbeing. As we prioritize creativity, we invest in our overall health, nurturing a balanced life filled with calm, focus, and emotional strength. Whether it is through art, music, or writing, creativity has a profound impact on health and wellness, making it a valuable tool for a healthier, happier life.
Art Therapy and Trauma
Art therapy is a powerful and transformative tool for individuals and communities working through trauma. Trauma affects not only the mind but also the physical body, identity, and interpersonal relationships. Traditional talk therapy can provide one reliable and powerful avenue for processing and making sense of these experiences. For some, however, verbally articulating these experiences and the feelings and bodily sensations associated with them can be extremely difficult. Art therapy can offer a non-verbal avenue for expressing these feelings and making sense of certain difficult experiences. The use of artistic materials, image making, sensory experiences, and kinesthetic movements can provide another means of communication. This approach can allow the brain to explore trauma in a safe and creative space without the direct confrontations words often demand.
One of the unique aspects of art therapy is its ability to bypass the conscious mind and access deeper emotions and memories stored in the body and subconscious. Engaging in art making can stimulate certain areas of the brain that are not always directly accessible and might allow the client to process the trauma indirectly through imagery, metaphor, or abstract expression. By stimulating the sensory parts of the brain, art therapy can allow people to access memories and emotions they may not have realized they were holding on to, helping to process them in a healthier, less overwhelming way.
Art therapy also promotes resilience and a sense of agency in individuals. For many trauma survivors, a part of their experience involves feeling out of control or powerless. The act of creating something, whether through painting, drawing, sculpting, collage, or another medium, can help people regain a sense of autonomy. They become the authors of their own stories, choosing what they want to create, how to create it, and what meaning it holds for them. This self-directed process helps them gain confidence and control over their lives again, which can be crucial to the healing journey. The tangible outcome, an art piece they can see and hold, also serves as a symbol of their strength and resilience.
Moreover, the benefits of art therapy for trauma extend beyond the individual fostering connection and understanding within therapeutic groups or communities. Trauma can lead to feelings of isolation, shame, and stigma, which can hinder healing. When individuals engage in art therapy in a group setting, they find comfort in the shared experience and the understanding that they are not alone. The art-making process allows people to share their experiences in a safe and supportive space, encouraging empathy and connection. This shared journey toward healing is often empowering, helping participants rebuild a sense of belonging and purpose that trauma can often disrupt. Art therapy is not just an escape from pain, but a pathway to rebuilding a life full of expression, connection, and hope.
Visual Journaling and its Benefits
Visual journaling is a creative practice that combines imagery, symbols, and text to help express thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Unlike traditional journaling, which relies solely on words, visual journaling incorporates art techniques such as drawing, painting, collage, and mixed media to communicate what might be difficult to express verbally or in written words alone. This process is highly personal and unique to each individual, serving as both an artistic outlet and a reflective tool. Whether you are sketching abstract shapes to convey emotions or combining photos and text to document a memory, visual journaling provides a versatile and impactful way to tell your story.
One of the major benefits of visual journaling is its ability to promote emotional wellbeing. It offers a safe space to explore and release feelings, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. By visually externalizing emotions, you can gain clarity and perspective on situations that may feel tangled or overwhelming internally. For those who struggle to express their feelings with words, the act of creating images can feel liberating and therapeutic. This practice can help individuals process their day-to-day lives as well as complex emotions in a way that feels intuitive and non-judgmental.
Visual journaling is not just about emotional health; it can also help to nourish creativity and enhance problem-solving skills. Engaging in regular artistic expression stimulates the brain, fostering new ways of thinking and seeing the world. The act of creating in a journal allows you to explore ideas freely without the need for perfection, which can lead to new insights and solutions. Whether you are an artist or a beginner, visual journaling invites experimentation, helping you break free from thought patterns and encouraging a more open, innovating mindset.
The act of visual journaling can also serve as a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. By documenting your inner world through images and text, you create tangible records of your journey, allowing you to recognize patterns, track progress, and celebrate growth over time. This reflective practice deepens your connection with yourself, fostering self-awareness and authenticity. It can also help you uncover subconscious thoughts or desires, offering guidance and inspiration for your life. Ultimately, visual journaling transforms the blank page into a mirror of your inner self, making it a valuable practice for anyone seeking greater understanding and fulfillment.
To get started with visual journaling you can get a blank notebook, sketchbook, or other tool that has paper. Some people like to transform the pages of old books into a visual journal. Anything that will provide you with a nice surface to work with and keep your images, writings, creations all together will work perfectly! From there you can use materials of your choice, markers, colored pencils, watercolor, paint, collage, found materials, photos, etc. You can’t go wrong, just as long as you are opening yourself up to what you are feeling and experiencing and using the journal to express or make sense of it.