What is Art Therapy?

Art Therapy combines visual art and psychotherapy.  Art Therapists are trained in counselling and can incorporate the use of visual art materials into therapy sessions for the purpose of assessment, self-expression, resolving personal conflicts, and/or encouraging communication.  Drawing, painting, collage, and sculpting materials are available during sessions.  Art-based therapy interventions are tailored to each individual's specific needs.

Art Therapy can benefit people of all ages - children, teens, adults, and seniors.  Art therapy can be helpful for depression, anxiety, self-awareness, trauma recovery, grief/loss, and more!  Previous art experience is unnecessary as the focus is on self-expression and communication through the art, not artistic ability.   An Art Therapy session typically begins with a brief discussion, is then followed by an art-based intervention, and concludes with exploring the meaning of the art created.

What Are the Benefits of Art Therapy?

• Engages the whole brain in healing - upper (thinking), middle (feeling), lower (survival), right (nonverbal) and left (verbal);

• Enables clients to become active participants in their healing journey;

• Allows for feelings and thoughts to be projected into a visual form where they can be more easily tolerated, explored, and integrated; 

• Generates a bridge between internal and external worlds;

• Multi-sensory aspects of art-making provide a means of accessing areas of the brain where trauma is stored;

• Encourages both verbal and non-verbal communication;

• Enhances self-esteem when art materials are controlled and manipulated;

• Promotes self-awareness and identity exploration;

• Helps with emotional self-regulation by soothing the nervous system and enhancing relaxation;

• Improves problem-solving abilities when making decisions about the materials, colours and materials used;

• Promotes hand-eye coordination as well as fine & gross motor skills;

• Creating art together builds connections and interpersonal skills;

• Encourages participants to imagine new possibilities for the future;

• Creating art is fun!