What Is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative expression such as drawing, painting, sculpting, or collage as a way to explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences. You don’t need to be an artist to benefit from art therapy. The focus isn’t on the final product but on the process of creating, which can help people access emotions and memories that may be difficult to put into words. It provides a non-verbal outlet for self-expression, offering new ways to reflect on and understand inner experiences.

How Art Therapy Helps

Art therapy can be especially helpful for people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of how to articulate what they’re feeling. Through guided creative exercises, our trained art therapist helps clients uncover patterns, reduce stress, and gain insight into emotional challenges. It’s a gentle but powerful way to work through trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, or low self-esteem. For children and teens, art therapy can provide a developmentally appropriate way to process emotions when traditional talk therapy may feel intimidating or inaccessible.

What to Expect in a Session

In an art therapy session, we may offer specific prompts or invite open-ended creativity, depending on your needs and comfort level. You might be encouraged to create something that represents how you’re feeling or to explore a past experience visually. We support you in reflecting on your artwork and connecting it to the themes in your life. Over time, this process can help build emotional awareness, resilience, and a deeper sense of self-understanding. Whether you're navigating a life transition, processing trauma, or simply looking for a new way to explore your inner world, art therapy offers a safe and meaningful path forward.