Art therapy is trending! After more than 20 years of studying and practicing art therapy, I've noticed a surge of curiosity in recent years. Many people are now asking, What exactly is art therapy, and how does it work? So, let’s dive in.
What is art therapy?
Simply put, art therapy involves the use of art—through image, color, texture, line, and form—within a therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic relationship is essential to the process. Art therapy typically falls into two categories:
Art as the therapy: The act of creating art itself leads to emotional relief and well-being.
Art as intervention: Art serves as a tool to express, explore, process, or understand complex emotions and experiences.
However, art therapy is far more nuanced than this. Different clients benefit from different mediums and approaches, and art therapists are uniquely trained to facilitate this. We combine expertise in mental health with deep knowledge of:
Art history and theory
The creative process
Symbolism and meaning
Various art mediums (e.g., painting, clay, drawing, collage)
How materials affect emotional states
Specific art methods for healing
Psychology and counseling theory and techniques
Most art therapists have their own personal art practice and were drawn to this field because of how art impacted their own lives. This lived experience can create a sense of peer support in the therapeutic relationship, as therapists understand firsthand how art can relieve suffering and foster healing.
How does art therapy work?
My clients often express surprise at how deeply art therapy resonates with them, saying, “It’s the art that helps.” Whether clients laugh, cry, or experience profound insights, the act of creation taps into something beyond words.
Art therapy works through three key elements:
The Therapeutic Relationship
The Process of Creating
Accessing the Subconscious Mind
1. The Therapeutic Relationship
Creating art can be deeply personal and vulnerable. A supportive, non-judgmental relationship makes a world of difference. Art therapy differs from art classes or galleries—it’s not about technique or aesthetics. It’s about learning to witness yourself with curiosity and compassion. Art becomes a mirror, reflecting parts of you that words alone may not capture.
As an art therapist, I help clients see their creations in new ways—whether that means tolerating frustration, transforming mistakes into something meaningful, or drawing insights from the subconscious. This unique process encourages healthy risk-taking and fosters emotional growth.
2. The Process of Creating
Creating is a deeply human experience—one that can be joyful, integrative, and regulating. The sensory and kinesthetic aspects of art-making make it a form of mindfulness, grounding clients in the present moment. As an art therapist, I am accurately aware of how different mediums might impact my clients. I support them finding what mediums can help meet their emotional and creative needs.
For example, if a client enters my space feeling angry, I might avoid delicate tools like watercolors. Instead, I might invite them to channel their anger by scribbling on paper and ripping it into tiny pieces. From there, we pause and reflect—should we clean it up, or could we transform it into something new? (Notice the symbolism at play.)
For others, words may be hard to access, so we might turn to clay—pounding, kneading, and shaping it until the tension eases. These activities engage the senses and help the nervous system shift, even without producing a finished product.
With children especially, the process of figuring things out in art-making builds essential life skills. Mistakes may happen, frustration may arise, and the creative process offers a safe space to practice problem-solving, self-compassion and efficacy. Learning to navigate these challenges fosters emotional resilience.
3. Accessing the Subconscious Mind
Not everything we think or feel is accessible through words—some experiences live beneath the surface as images, sensations, or patterns. Art provides a way to communicate with the subconscious mind, bringing these hidden parts into awareness.
This process can reveal:
Ingrained habits and biases
Bodily sensations and emotions
Deeply rooted beliefs
Intuition and gut feelings
Automatic behaviors or emotional responses
Through art, clients can externalize these unconscious elements, making them visible and available for change. Imagine the power of bringing an unspoken emotion into the light and having the ability to work with it intentionally! Art gives us access to a visual language that allows us to understand ourselves more deeply and reshape our lives.
Can making art at home improve wellness?
Absolutely! Art-making is a profoundly healthy practice for the brain and body. It promotes mental integration, peak performance, and emotional well-being. Creative activities—whether painting, knitting, cooking, gardening, or woodworking—invite us to play, explore, and feel present.
I encourage you to engage in art-making regularly. Try different activities until you find what feels nourishing. While virtual art can be helpful, I recommend using your hands and body as much as possible—this tactile engagement deepens the benefits.
Overcoming Common Barriers
Many people avoid creative activities because they worry about their skill level, feel too busy, or get stuck focusing on the final product. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Practice non-attachment. Let go of the idea that your art has to “look good.” Focus on the process of creating.
Be kind to yourself. It’s normal to make mistakes or feel frustrated during the process. Embrace it as part of your learning journey.
Schedule time for creativity. Just like going to the gym, making time for art can feel challenging—but it’s worth it. You are investing in yourself. You are worth the time.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
If you’re curious about how art can support your healing and personal growth, I invite you to explore my mini-course: The Healing Power of Art. In this course, you’ll learn about the transformative benefits of creativity, discover new ways to view and make art, and experience how art can unlock healing potential (there's even bonus materials facilitating self-trust within the healing arts!)
Whether you’re just beginning to explore creativity or are looking to deepen your art practice, this course will empower you to harness the therapeutic power of art in your own life.
Need Personalized Support?
If you’re seeking guidance for specific emotional challenges, art therapy can help. You can find a qualified art therapist through the American Art Therapy Association’s locator tool here.
You don’t have to navigate change, grief, or emotional challenges alone. Art therapy offers a safe and powerful way to reconnect with yourself and transform your life.
Happy creating!
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