What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a mental health profession which uses art materials and processes, alongside a Registered Art Therapist to help people who are struggling with life challenges or crises. Sometimes words alone fail us. It’s often hard to talk about difficult feelings or thoughts. An art therapist can help you express yourself in ways beyond the bounds of words or language. Art therapists are trained in art and psychology and hold a masters-level degree. Look for a therapist with the credentials ATR (Art Therapist Registered) or ATR-BC (Board-Certified Art Therapist). Art therapists work with diverse people while upholding professional ethical standards.
Art therapy moves beyond talking so you can get to the root of the problem. With most creative endeavors, like drawing, painting, music playing, poem writing, and more, art therapists take an approach like using color pencils, clay, collages or paint to help you express what may be hanging out dormant within your mind. You don’t have to be good at art. The point of creating is to express yourself to gain insight, so you make lasting changes. Art therapy is for ALL ages. Adults can benefit by exploring their creative side. Since art therapy is action-oriented adults can move beyond talking to doing—deepening your healing work.
When making images, you get to work out the solutions on the paper right in front of you. Since “a picture is worth a thousand words,” your images can help you communicate when trauma, anxiety or grief is overwhelming. Art therapy helps you get to know yourself on a deeper level and feel pride into making your own path. You can gain coping skills for life challenges. Making art can help you restore balance between your brain and body. Artmaking in therapy alongside your art therapist will help you take back your life and creatively define and live out your best life.
If you’re looking for a Board-Certified Art Therapist, feel free to reach out for a free consult.
You can also learn more about the work I do on the Meet Andrea page.
Ready to support your path through creative healing,
Andrea Sutrick, ATR-BC, LMHC