What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative expression—like drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, or mixed media—to help people explore emotions, process experiences, and gain insight.

You don’t need to be an artist. In fact, most people who come to art therapy say some version of, “I’m not good at art.”

That’s perfectly fine. The goal isn’t to make something impressive—it’s to make something honest.

Sometimes words aren’t enough to explain how we feel. Art gives us another language.

Do I need to be good at art to do Art Therapy?

Not at all.

Art therapy is not about artistic skill or technique. It’s about expression and exploration.

Some people make very simple images. Some people scribble. Some people glue random objects together and then suddenly realize they’ve built something that represents exactly how they feel.

Your therapist isn’t judging the artwork—they’re helping you notice what comes up while making it.

The process is often more important than the final piece.

What happens in an Art Therapy session?

We usually start by checking in about how you're feeling or what’s been happening in your life. Then we might introduce a creative exercise, or you might choose materials that feel interesting to you in the moment with guidance from the Art Therapist if needed.

Some examples of things people do in sessions:

drawing emotions
creating visual timelines
building symbolic objects
painting without a plan
collage work
working with found materials

While you create, we talk about what you’re noticing—thoughts, memories, sensations, or reactions.

Sometimes people gain insight while making the art. Sometimes the understanding comes when we look at the piece afterward.

And sometimes the session just feels like a quiet moment of breathing and making, which can be therapeutic in itself.

What kinds of issues can Art Therapy help with?

Art therapy can support people with many different challenges, including:

anxiety and stress
depression
trauma
mood disorder
ADHD symptoms
Personality Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorder
life transitions
relationship issues
grief
burnout
identity exploration
creative blocks

It can also simply be a space for self-reflection and emotional processing, even if you don’t have a specific “problem” you’re trying to solve.

Many people come to art therapy because they want a more experiential and creative approach than traditional talk therapy.

Is Art Therapy evidence-based?

Yes.

Art therapy is part of the field of Creative Arts Therapy- which is a recognized mental health profession, and there is a growing body of research showing its benefits for things like trauma recovery, emotional regulation, and stress reduction.

Creative processes engage parts of the brain that are involved in memory, emotion, and sensory experience. For many people—especially those who have experienced trauma—working through images and materials can feel safer and more accessible than trying to put everything into words.

Art therapy is used in hospitals, schools, community programs, and private practices around the world.

What kinds of art materials do you use?

Sessions can include a wide range of materials, depending on what feels useful or inspiring:

drawing materials (pencils, markers, charcoal)
watercolor and acrylic paint
collage and mixed media
clay and sculptural materials
found objects
fabric or textiles
journaling and visual storytelling

You’re never required to use any specific material—part of the process is discovering what feels right for you. Our Interactive Studio space has a host of materials you can use to express yourself in in-person individual sessions, and your therapist can guide you with what materials to use if you receive virtual Art Therapy sessions.

How is Art Therapy different from an art class?

In an art class, the focus is usually on learning techniques or creating a specific kind of artwork.

In art therapy, the focus is on your inner experience.

There’s no right or wrong way to create something in session. We’re not trying to improve your artistic skill—we’re exploring what your creative process might reveal about your thoughts, emotions, or experiences.

It’s less about making something “good” and more about making something meaningful.

What if I don’t know what to make?

That’s very normal.

Sometimes people arrive feeling stuck or unsure where to begin. Your therapist can suggest prompts, exercises, or themes to help get things moving.

Other times we simply start with materials and see what happens.

Creativity often works like that—the first mark on the page doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to exist.

Is Art Therapy helpful for people who have experienced trauma?

Many people who have experienced trauma find art therapy especially helpful.

Traumatic experiences are often stored in ways that are difficult to describe with words alone. Working visually or physically with materials can allow people to process emotions and memories in a more gradual and manageable way.

Art therapy can create a sense of distance, symbolism, and safety, which can make difficult topics easier to approach.

Can art therapy help with anxiety?

Yes, and many people find it surprisingly effective.

Creative activity naturally slows the nervous system and helps shift attention away from racing thoughts. Making art can create a kind of focused, calming state where the mind and body settle.

It’s similar to meditation for some people—but with paint, paper, and color.

Is Art Therapy just for children?

Not at all.

While art therapy is widely used with children, many adults find it incredibly helpful. In fact, adults often appreciate having a creative outlet that allows them to step outside the usual problem-solving mindset and explore emotions in a different way.

At Creative Art Therapy Place, we work with children, adolescents, adults, groups, and creative communities who are interested in using art as a tool for healing, reflection, and connection.

Art Therapy FAQS

Answers to your questions about Art Therapy sessions

& Creative Art Therapy Place, PLLC Services