Art Therapy FAQ

What is Art Therapy?

Art Therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship. Art Therapy, facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art Therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change (American Art Therapy Association, 2017).

What is the difference between Art Therapy and art class?

Art Therapy:

Art Therapy is facilitated by a master-level art therapist trained in both psychological theories and art processes and materials. There is a therapeutic relationship between the Art Therapist and client that is held within a confidential environment to include a therapy office or art studio. Art supplies are utilized as a means of expression and are encouraged to be explored without restrictions of traditional use. This allows individuals to create outside of the parameters of traditional expectations of art making. The process of creating may be as valued or more valued than the final product as it promotes communication and exploration of the inner self.

"Art is the meeting ground of the world inside and the world outside." - Elinor Ulman

Art Class:

Art class is facilitated by an art educator in a classroom environment. The relationship between instructor and student is to learn how to create something using art materials. There is often a right or wrong way to create through use of techniques that result in a final art product. Focus of success is determined by a student's ability to utilize the standards of technique, design principles, and formal elements within the product.

 
a venn diagram describing the differences between art therapy and art class
 

What are the benefits of Art Therapy?

  • Identifies and builds on individual strengths

  • Elevates self-esteem

  • Reduces anxiety and stress

  • Aids self-control

  • Improves problem-solving skills

  • Provides a method for healing

  • Develops social/emotional levels

  • Promotes self-awareness

  • Cultivates emotional resilience

  • Resolves conflicts and distress

  • Advances societal and ecological change

  • So much more!