By Selena Sandruck, MA, LCPAT, ATR
When you hear the words “art therapy,” you might picture someone sitting with crayons, paint, or clay and creating a piece of art. That can be part of art therapy, but there is much more to it. It combines creative expression with the therapeutic process. It can give people another way to explore feelings and experiences, especially when those experiences are hard to put into words.
You do not need to be an artist, or even think of yourself as creative, to take part in art therapy. There is no expectation that your artwork must be “good” or make sense to anyone else. The focus is on the experience of creating and what you may learn about yourself along the way.
How Is Art Therapy Similar to and Different from Talk Therapy?
Art therapy shares many of the same goals as traditional talk therapy. A therapist works with you to build a trusting relationship, understand your concerns, develop coping skills, and work toward goals that are meaningful to you.
Where art therapy differs is that it adds creative expression as another way to communicate. This can then become a starting point for conversation, reflection, and greater personal understanding. Creating art can also help you slow down and focus on the present moment. Your artwork does not have to contain a hidden message, and an art therapist is not there to diagnose you based on what you create. Your artwork is personal to you, and you decide what it means. The art therapist is there to guide the conversation, ask questions, and help you explore the thoughts and feelings that come up.
Art Therapy Is Still Therapy
Although art can be an important part of sessions, art therapy is more than “doing crafts in therapy.” Creative activities are chosen with a purpose and are used to support your therapy goals. They can be part of understanding your needs, planning treatment, and working through concerns. For many people, a combination of talking, creating, reflecting, and practicing new skills can provide a more well-rounded therapy experience.
Could Art Therapy Be a Good Fit for You or Your Child?
Children do not always have the words to explain what they are feeling or going through. Their emotions may instead show up as changes in behavior, frustration, problems at school, difficulty with friendships, withdrawal, or challenges at home.
Art therapy gives children another way to express themselves and work through their experiences. Through drawing, painting, clay, collage, and other creative activities, a child can explore feelings and experiences in a way that may feel natural and appropriate for their age.
Your child does not need to be an artist or have any special art skills. Art therapy gives them the freedom to create without worrying about doing it ‘right,’ while offering a safe and supportive space to explore their feelings and experiences. Art therapy may be helpful if you or your child is experiencing:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Sadness
- Low self-esteem
- Anger
- Difficulty with friendships
- School-related stress
- Changes in behavior
- Difficulty finding the words to express feelings or needs
- Art therapy may provide a creative and supportive space where you or your child can feel heard, understood, and supported while exploring emotions and experiences.
Reaching out for a consultation can be a first step toward helping you or your child build tools and confidence for navigating these challenges. Selena is accepting new clients aged 5-25 years old.
