Common Art Therapy Questions and Answers (pt.1)

Art Therapy is a mental health profession which involves art-making and the creative process as a tool for emotion regulation, self-expression, healing and personal growth. If you’ve been curious about Art Therapy then the following Q & A is for you:

Do I need to be an artist or good at art-making to engage in Art Therapy?

Not even a little bit! There is a common misconception that in order to engage in any art-making process we have to possess certain talents to do so. However, one of the most freeing and fun parts about Art Therapy is that you don’t have to even know how to use art materials, have ever made art in your life or be “good” in any way. Most of the focus as it relates to art-making in a session is about your process rather than the final product.

Who can benefit from Art Therapy?

Anyone of any age can benefit from Art Therapy. No, it’s not just for kids and yes, adults can engage in Art Therapy also. Art Therapy can support individuals that experience Anxiety, Trauma and PTSD, Depression, Mood or Personality Disorders, Eating Disorders, Grief and Loss and so much more!

Can I do Art Therapy on my own?

While therapeutic art-making is something you can do on your own (ex: coloring in a mandala), it is very different from an Art Therapy session. Art Therapy sessions are conducted by master’s level professionals who understand how to support individuals through difficult emotions, know how to support you in your art-making process and also know what materials can be most supportive for clients and are trained in various environments and with populations.

What kind of settings can Art Therapy take place?

Hospitals, private practice, community centers, outpatient clinics, nursing home, in client’s homes are some common places where Art Therapists may work.

How is Art Therapy different from a regular art class?

The primary focus in an art class is to learn about traditional art principles and is often focused on the product, in other words what it is that you make in the class. While Art Therapy is more about the process- how do you feel while engaging in the art-making? how does the process bring you more clarity about a dynamic or issue you may be struggling with? how can I use art-making as a tool to manage and regulate my emotions when it may feel challenging to do so?

What happens in an Art Therapy session?

Each Art Therapist works in a different way and every session is tailored to the client’s specific needs. However, sessions may include a check-in to see how the client is feeling or what challenges are present. This can then be followed by an art-making directive to explore what was discussed in the check-in. At the end there is usually time to process the art and the insight gained. The end of the session may also include points for reflection during the week, sometimes referred to as “therapy homework” (I promise your therapist will not be grading you after).

How can Art Therapy help my Anxiety?

More often than not, Anxiety is our body’s way of attempting to communicate something to us that we don’t always understand through words. The art-making process in an Art Therapy session may help you release some of the anxiety as you use certain materials or even rip paper. The art-making process may also help you identify where in your body the Anxiety manifests to discuss tools with your therapist to help manage these symptoms in your day to day.

How can Art Therapy help me with my Trauma/PTSD?

Trauma is stored in our bodies and often in the form of sensations, Art Therapy can be an outlet for you to explore these sensations through the art-making. Traditional talk-therapy may feel triggering at times for your Trauma, leaving you feeling as though you have to constantly re-live it. Whereas in an Art Therapy session, the therapist is able to help you engage in exploration of your past through the non verbal means of the art-making.

How can I get started with Art Therapy?

If you’re in Miami and looking for a compassionate, creative approach to mental wellness, I offer individual Art Therapy sessions in Coral Gables, FL and virtual as well. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, trauma, or grief, art therapy can be a powerful path to healing. Book a FREE consultation call with me today and discover how creativity can transform your life! If you are not in Miami, you can check out the Art Therapist locator here, from the American Art Therapy Association website.

Have any more questions about Art Therapy? Leave them in the comments and I will answer them in part 2!