The Benefits of Art Therapy

Art therapy is an alternative counseling approach for children and adults in individual and group spaces. Outside a professional setting, many use art as a form of self-therapy to express challenging emotions that they may struggle to express with words. 

Art therapy uses various art media and creative processes to help people feel in touch with their innermost thoughts and feelings. Creative expression through art-making can serve as a cathartic outlet, and research has shown its benefits as a therapeutic tool. Learning how this method of therapy works may allow you to make a choice for the type of treatment you'd like to try.

What Is Art Therapy?

Art therapy, such as expressive arts therapy, is a creative process that a therapist can use to guide a person toward self-discovery and understanding. This active art-making process may help individuals gain insight into their feelings and help the provider know what areas to focus their therapy on. For example, a client might learn about relationship conflict, unwanted or unhelpful self-beliefs, or challenging life events through art. Despite being remarkably hard to understand in many ways, art can be therapeutic and calming.

If you attend art therapy, you might paint or create a scene or object you did not realize was a symbol of a firm belief or inner struggle. Your credentialed art therapist might help you discuss and think about what the symbol means in understandable ways and how your emotions or experiences might appear in your artwork.  

History of Art Therapy

Art therapy is a relatively new method of therapy that offers powerful solutions to everyday dilemmas. The roots of art therapy can be traced back to the field of art history. From the Romantic Movement to modern times, artists have used the creative process as a form of self-expression and healing. Alain de Botton's ideas in his art books have brought widespread agreement that art therapy has a latent therapeutic potential.

Today, art therapy is recognized as a legitimate therapeutic practice and can help promote healing and growth through artworks, such as those that might capture nature’s beauty and the complexity of everyday life. 

What Is An Art Therapist? 

An art therapist is a mental health counselor, social worker, psychologist, or therapist trained in art therapy methods. Before accepting art therapy jobs, art therapists must receive a license through the Art Therapy Credentials Board, making them a constituent of the American Art Therapy Association. To become an art therapist, individuals must also have a master's degree or higher in psychology, social work, or a related field. 

When looking for art therapists to work with, consider someone with an ATCB (Art Therapy Credentials Board) license. This credential shows your therapist has gone through intensive training in the field of art therapy and are able to infuse psychological theory with art to improve mental wellness. 

Therapeutic Benefits Of Art Therapy

Art therapy services can benefit a wide variety of people looking for new coping skills. For example, some individuals may find it difficult to describe what they are feeling or have experienced. A therapist who knows how to use art therapy can help them create a visual representation of their emotions and experiences through art. Peer-reviewed studies have revealed that art therapy effectively addresses the following: 

• Emotional conflicts
• Eating disorders
• Self-esteem issues
• General problems with mental well-being
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Self-awareness problems
• Mental illnesses like anxiety or depression
• Behavioral mental health concerns
• Matters of personal insight
• Human development processes
• Obstacles to healing

By working through and completing the process of creating, art therapy may help build self-esteem, for example. Additionally, drawing pictures, painting, or sculpting are tools you can use to experience emotional release and work through feelings of anxiety or depression. 

Who Can Art Therapy Help?

Art therapy can be valuable for those who experience challenges in communicating feelings. Whether someone struggles due to a past adverse event, difficulty understanding themselves, a disability, or communication challenges, art therapy can offer a medium for expression. In addition, art therapy has been found effective in treating symptoms of developmental, educational, or psychological impairment. 

Art therapy is practiced in various settings, including rehabilitation, mental health, education, and medical environments. While you may individually participate in this therapy with your therapist, you can also practice art therapy in workshops and small groups. Small groups or workshops offer a place to express yourself quietly and peacefully while others work on their art near you. You may also have an opportunity to connect with other people in a fun, expressive atmosphere. 

In John Armstrong and Alain de Botton's book, Art as Therapy, the authors propose that art therapy can be a valuable tool for resolving various issues in life. The book involves reframing therapy and the idea that it must be done in a certain way to work for people. The authors' contention with regular therapy offers a fresh perspective on what it means to heal.

What To Expect During Art Therapy

If you have lived through an adverse experience, art may help you sort through the memories and feelings associated with that event. There may be no limit to what can be used for art therapy. You can explore different mediums, such as a pencil and paper, paints, markers, fabric, glitter, clay, crayons, or a combination of supplies.

An art therapist licensed with the art therapy credentials board may have experience in various topics and how they might connect with art. Talking about memories can bring up powerful emotions that may be challenging to manage. However, many people may find that completing art with their therapist feels less overwhelming than talking about their concerns.

You can work with a mental health professional during an art therapy session to create art, discuss your concerns, and develop a treatment plan. Although creating art can be fun, it might also bring out distressing emotions. When your art therapy session is completed, you may feel tired. Consider setting a time after your sessions for recuperation and relaxation. Consider how making the art made you feel and what you might bring up in your subsequent sessions. 

Deciphering Art's Meaning

In normal historical settings, museums have used captions to guide the audience's attention to specific details in artwork. In art therapy, a therapist is focused on guiding the creative process to help a person explore their emotions and experiences. Through this process, a person can gain insight into ordinary dilemmas and develop a better understanding of their individual life experiences. Art therapy can also help people overcome squeamish beliefs or fears by providing a safe and supportive environment. 

Art therapy can offer powerful solutions for support and healing, and clients often provide helpful reports about the positive impact of art therapy in their lives. Your therapist is not generally worried about the stylistic concerns of your art. Instead, they may ask questions to prompt you to consider the deeper meaning of your work. 

An art therapist may understand how to direct your thoughts to help you process your emotions based on what you have created during a session. However, therapists may be unable to offer direct answers. They can provide guidance and help you come to your own conclusions. 

The Structure And Schedule Of Art Therapy Sessions

Art therapy sessions may be from 30 to 60 minutes in length. You can attend as many sessions as you need. However, you might start with six to 12 sessions to see how it impacts you. You and your therapist can further discuss your treatment plans in your first few sessions. 

Counseling Options 

You can start your search for an art therapy provider who has passed board exams for art therapists online. Consider their credentials and experience in the form of treatment and note that creating art, in general, can be different from art therapy as a practice. Art therapy is a structured form of treatment with goals and research-based methods. Some art therapists work in wellness centers or in independent practices, many offer group therapy options in addition to individual art therapy. 

In addition, while art therapy can be a beneficial alternative to psychotherapy, it’s best to choose the method that works for you. Before meeting with a provider, ask them about their approach to therapy, their methods, and the session cost. If you face barriers to treatment, such as financial burden, distance, or lack of availability in your area, you can also consider online art therapy or counseling. 

An online approach allows you to meet with a therapist without having to leave the comfort of your own house. Additionally, online art therapy with a licensed therapist has been shown to be effective and more available than in-person options.