Art Therapy is a form of Psychotherapy, which has the option to use a range of art materials and creative approaches to support the therapeutic process.

Art Therapy falls under the broad category of  ‘Arts Therapies’ (other ‘Arts Therapies’ include Drama and Music Therapy) – all are protected professional titles and governed by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This means there are comprehensive standards of proficiency that need to be followed and you can only practice as an ‘Art Therapist’ if you have had  training recognised by the HCPC (see more info in link below).

The benefits of Art Therapy

Art Therapy can offer a space to pause, reflect and make sense of your experiences in creative ways, which don’t always need to rely on words. Sometimes it can be easier to express or explore things through images, colour, or making. Art making can also be a way to help us feel more relaxed, grounded and connected with our bodies whilst we explore difficult things.

You don’t need any artistic skill or experience. There’s no pressure to create anything “good” — it’s about the process, not the outcome.

Art Therapy can be helpful for children and adults alike. No matter what our age, we can still struggle to find the words to express our emotional difficulties. Art therapy can encourage us to (re-) engage with playing and being curious, something often sadly lost as we move into adulthood.

The use of the art materials is not compulsory in Art Therapy and the therapist will support you in a way and at a pace that is right for you.

Some of the things Art Therapy can help with are:

• Building confidence & self-esteem
• Expressing, understanding and processing our emotions and experiences
• Building trust and positive relationships
• Strengthening a sense of self/identity
• Developing social and emotional skills
• Developing self-awarness and understanding
• Fostering hope and mental well-being
• (Re-)connecting our mind and body
• Help to access and sooth our nervous system