Creative, therapeutic processes can support us to tell our stories, especially when words are hard to find.
Art Psychotherapy (also known as Art Therapy) is a form of psychotherapy. It uses art-making and creative expression, as well as talking, to help people work through difficult emotions or experiences. These challenges might be affecting a person’s sense of self and relationships with others.
Art Psychotherapy allows people to express painful feelings that may be hard to share using words. Using art materials and creative processes can give form and shape to them, whilst being supported by a qualified practitioner in a safe and compassionate environment can help a person to build confidence, self-compassion, and a better understand of themselves.
Is Art Psychotherapy for me?
Art Psychotherapy can be accessed by anyone of any age, at any stage in life, and from any background. It can be an enriching, affirming, and authentic life-changing process.
Art Psychotherapy can be useful for people coping with anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts and where their wellbeing is affecting their quality of life. It can be helpful for people who are managing the impact of traumatic experiences, difficult life transitions, bereavement or loss, relationship difficulties, addiction, and stress.
The following video, produced by the British Association of Art Therapists, might help to explain a bit more about how Art Psychotherapy/Therapy works:
How Can Art Psychotherapy Help?
Research shows that Art Psychotherapy can:
• Facilitate a greater sense of wellbeing and self-esteem
• Supports improvements in relationships with others
• Helps people manage emotional dysregulation and anxiety
• Can assist with grieving processes
• Supports socialisation
• Alleviates symptoms of depression and stress
• Supports recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociative disorders
• Increases self-compassion and insight.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) suggests that the arts therapies can improve negative symptoms of psychosis and schizophrenia.
