What is art therapy?

Art therapy is a mental health profession which offers an alternate avenue of expression and communication for a client through the art media. Art therapy can provide symbolic and visual communication to help enhance the exchange between the therapist and client. The image in art therapy is very important and the art therapist acts as a witness to the creation process, a guide in looking at the image with the client, and assists the client in reflecting on their image and translating the experience into meaning.

You do not need to have any special skills, talent, or experience in art to be able to utilize and fully benefit from art therapy. Art making can provide a creative outlet of expression and has been shown to improve mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Art making in the presence of a certified art therapist can help to guide the creative and therapeutic process and work with the client to identify goals, treatment plans, and reflect inward on  life.

Art therapy is different than art making as an aesthetic practice, because it is not about creating a beautiful work – but about looking inwards and using the art materials for expression. Art making can allow you to let go of your rational focus, and allow your intuitive side emerge. Using art media can also increase your sense of enjoyment in the process and can be fun! Art therapy can be used to address and work with mental health difficulties (such as anxiety and depression), self-esteem, behavioural issues, trauma, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and can improve quality of life.

For more information on art therapy or art as therapy, you can also follow the links below:
http://www.cathymalchiodi.com/about/what-is-art-therapy/
https://aatq.org/en/art-therapy/about-art-therapy/