What Is Art Therapy?

There are many myths and misconceptions about what art therapy is and isn’t. Art therapy is a combination of talk therapy techniques and facilitated, deliberate usage of creativity. Art therapy utilizes many forms of expression, including sculpture, painting, drawing and creative writing in order to help clients express themselves truly and fully in a therapeutic and safeway.
In the creation of art clients can bypass some of the limitations of language alone. Through this expression, clients gain insights into their inner world and their thoughts, emotions and memories. Through working with an art therapist, clients can process these insights and work towards meaningful change. 
There is an idea that you have to be an artistor have artistic talent to participate in art therapy. This isn’t true! Art therapy is for anyone and everyone who wants to give it a try.

How Does Art Therapy Work?

Art therapy is tailored to each individual client, or to each facilitated group. Sessions can be either directed or non-directed. In directed sessions, the art therapist will present an intervention tailored to your concern and guide you through the process of art creation, making time to discuss the art created and any themes or insights that may emerge.
In non- directed sessions, the client is given access to a variety of art supplies and then chooses what they would like to create, with the art therapist providing help with the materials and asking questions to help clients gain a deeper understanding of the work they’re creating andthemselves.
Group art therapy is similarly directed or non-directed, and can be done with
couples, families and unrelated individuals simply interested in art.

Benefits of Art Therapy

Studies into art therapy have shown that art therapy has a wide range of benefits. Some examples of the benefits of art therapy are; helping people of all ages with emotional processing, including the processing of traumatic memories, improving communication, enhancing self-worth and identity and the development of healthy coping strategies.
Art therapy is also very good for the brain, and can enhance the overall functioning of specific regions of the brain. Art therapy has been studied with both children and adults, and has been found to be effective with all ages.