What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a mental health profession in which clients, facilitated by the art therapist, use art media, the creative process, and the resulting  artwork to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem. A goal in art therapy is to improve or restore a client’s functioning and his or her sense of  personal well-being. Art therapy practice requires knowledge of visual art (drawing, painting, sculpture,  and other art forms) and the creative  process, as well as of human development, psychological, and counseling  theories and  techniques.

The Experience​

​During individual  and/or group sessions art therapists elicit their clients’ inherent capacity  for art making to enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Research  supports the use of art therapy within a professional relationship for the therapeutic benefits gained through artistic self-expression and reflection for individuals who experience illness, trauma, and mental health problems and those seeking personal growth.

Art therapy helps  people resolve conflicts, improve interpersonal skills, manage problematic  behaviors,  reduce negative stress, and achieve personal insight. Art therapy  also provides an opportunity to enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of art making.    

©American Art Therapy Association