Art Therapy is a professional mental health practice that combines creative expression with psychological theory to support emotional, cognitive, and social well-being. Guided by trained and certified Art Therapists, individuals use art-making to explore feelings, resolve issues, and achieve personal or relational goals, in addition to talk therapy and building coping skills. This integrative approach enhances self-awareness, emotional resilience, and communication, while also addressing broader community and societal needs. You may still be asking, what does this mean for me? Pursuing therapy with an Art Therapist and licensed clinician will look different for each client, as we personalize the experience to the needs of each person. You may choose to not utilize the art making at all, all experiences are welcomed and explored. 

About Art Therapy – American Art Therapy Association The American Art Therapy Association defines Art Therapy as:

“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. Art Therapists are master-level clinicians who work with people of all ages across a broad spectrum of practice. Guided by ethical standards and scope of practice, their education and supervised training prepares them for culturally proficient work with diverse populations in a variety of settings. Honoring individuals’ values and beliefs, art therapists work with people who are challenged with medical and mental health problems, as well as individuals seeking emotional, creative, and spiritual growth. Through integrative methods, art therapy engages the mind, body, and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal articulation alone. Kinesthetic, sensory, perceptual, and symbolic opportunities invite alternative modes of receptive and expressive communication, which can circumvent the limitations of language. Visual and symbolic expression gives voice to experience, and empowers individual, communal, and societal transformation.”

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