ART THERAPY
What is Art Therapy?
During times of struggle, challenge, or health-related stress, many people find that words alone are not enough to express what they are experiencing. Art therapy offers an alternative pathway for expression beyond verbal language. Art therapists are trained in both creative processes and psychological theory, helping clients explore emotions, nonverbal communication, and meaningful metaphors that naturally emerge through creative expression. This process can support insight, healing, and emotional integration when words fall short.
Who are Art Therapists?
Art therapists are credentialed mental health professionals. They are trained in a broad range of psychological theory and ways to use art media and creative processes to help people cope with mental health challenges. Art therapists hold Masters–level or higher degrees with the credentials ATR (Art Therapist Registered) or ATR–BC (Board–Certified Art Therapist Registered).
Why is Art Therapy Effective?
Art therapy is particularly effective during times of crisis, changes in circumstance, trauma, and grief.
According to research, art therapy helps people feel more in control of their own lives, and helps relieve anxiety, depression, and PTSD. In addition, art therapy assists in managing pain by moving mental focus away from the painful stimulus. (arttherapy.org)
Do You Have to be Good at Art?
You don’t have to be an artist to make art! Everyone is creative and we all made art as children!
In art therapy sessions, your art therapist may encourage you to try different art media such as color pencils, paints, clay, and collage. Sometimes non–traditional art materials are intentionally introduced to you in order to expand your creative expression.
