What is Art Therapy? and Other FAQs

Art Therapy is a form of creative therapy where art is made in the company of an art therapist as a primary way of communicating thoughts, feelings and experiences. Art therapy differs from other forms of therapy as it is a process between the client, the therapist and the created object.

Why would Art Therapy be helpful to me?

  • Art therapy can be helpful with a range of issues like anxiety, stress, panic attacks, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Art Therapy can bring understanding and change towards the feelings or behaviour that occurs when we experience trauma, loss, bereavement, and grief. Working with images often brings clarity to situations (past or present) and can improve our personal relationships, low self worth, and low self esteem as well as improve mental health and wellbeing.
  • Images are useful when words are hard to find. Talking about feelings or situations can be difficult so creating images or objects through metaphor and symbolism can act as a bridge to communication. Using art as a vehicle for words can be helpful for those who don't find it easy to talk about their feelings or prefer non verbal communication.
  • Using art materials are used can contain difficult emotions like anger or frustration so they can be explored safely.
  • You don't have to be artistic or an artist to take part in art therapy sessions. Art therapy considers the process of how the image or object is created and doesn't focus on the quality or how the final product looks

Who is art therapy for?

What happens during art therapy appointments?

What happens to my art work?

What art materials can I use?

What should I bring and how do I prepare for my online session?