What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is an established form of psychotherapy, deliverd by trained art therapists (also known as art psychotherapists). Art therapy uses art as the primary mode of expression, alongside talking with an art therapist. It aims to reduce distress and improve social, emotional and mental health by promoting insight, self-compassion and a sense of agency and self-worth.
Who is art therapy suitable for?
Art therapy can help people of all ages and at all stages of life, including those whose life has been affected by difficult personal or cultural experiences, illness and/or disability. You do not need to be good at art to benefit from art therapy.
What is an art therapist?
An art therapist or art psychotherapist, as both titles are interchangeable, is someone who has undertaken training in art therapy approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
In the UK, art therapists are regulated by the HCPC and must be on its register in order to practise legally. You can check via www.hcpc-uk.org/check-the-register
Where will I meet the art therapist & who will be there?
You will meet in a private room where you won’t be interrupted, such as an art room or a meeting room. Alternatively, you may meet your art therapist in an online meeting room, using software like Zoom.
Depending on your needs, you will either join group therapy or individual therapy.
In group therapy, you will be with the art therapist and a small group of participants.
In individual therapy, it will just be you and the art therapist.
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Do I have to be good at art?
No, you do not need any previous experience or expertise in art. Art therapy isn’t a recreational activity or an art lesson, although the sessions can be enjoyable.
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What will we do in an art therapy session?
You will make art and talk (which may be done at the same time) or you can make art in silence if that’s your preference. When making art, you can choose materials that best suit you e.g., paint, pastel or clay, or you might make a collage.
The art therapist may sit quietly and pay attention whilst you make art or they may make art alongside you, depending on your needs during each session. You and the art therapist will also talk and think together to make sense of the thoughts, feelings and experiences that come up during your art-making or when you look at your artwork.