What  is Art Therapy/Art Psychotherapy?

Creative Processes 

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Psychotherapy Theories & Therapeutic Relationship 

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Art Therapy /Art Psychotherapy

Art therapy is a clinical evidenced-based psychotherapy approach that uses art making as a primary mode of communication and intervention to address psychological, emotional, and social issues. It is supported by accredited  art therapists who has specialized training in the therapeutic use of art and psychotherapy. Art therapy sessions typically involve creating art in a safe and supportive environment while working alongside a trained art therapist who helps individuals explore their thoughts and feelings, gain insight into their behaviors, and develop coping skills. Art therapy has a gentle non-invasive approach in allowing non-verbal expressions and focuses on the process of creation. Art therapy is also not exclusive for those with artistic background, art therapy is for everyone.

Some of the techniques used in Art Therapy:

  • Painting
  • Visual journaling
  • Using clay
  • Drawing / Colouring
  • Scribble art
  • Weaving
  • Poetry and creative writing
  • Creating collage
  • Narrative approach and storytelling

The Differences

Art Therapy

  • Facilitated by a professionally trained Art Psychotherapist.
  • The creative art process in art making functions as a tool for reflection, communication, expression and release.
  • Involves a therapeutic relationship between the art therapist and the client.
  • Art making is used to process past traumas, conflicts and goals.
  • Conducted in a safe and confidential space.
  • There is no importance in the outcome and aesthetic of an artwork.

Art Therapy is a formal, clinical practice that involves using art making as a therapeutic tool and main mode of communication guided by an accredited art therapists.

Art as Therapy

  • Art is engaged for personal release and pleasure.
  • The creative process is therapeutic in nature but there is no therapy work in the reflection process.
  • No therapeutic relationships were formed.
  • Art making is used to learn or practice new skills and artistic techniques.
  • Is usually self-prescribed and self-directed and can be conducted anywhere.
  • Engaging with the aesthetic outcomes of the artwork.

Art as therapy refers to using art making to promote wellbeing and personal growth and can be facilitated by individuals without specialized training in art therapy.

Q & A

Who is Art Therapy for?

Art therapy can be beneficial for everyone from a young child to the elderly. There is no expectation of needing to have prior artistic background or knowledge of arts because in art therapy the focus is on the process and not the product.

Art therapy might be for you... 

  • if communicating verbally or self-expression is uncomfortable or frustrating for you.
  • if you are emotionally affected by a significant event in your life.
  • if you tend to internalize your negative and heavy emotions and you do not have a safe and healthy outlet to release and decompress.
  • if you need guidance in managing your self-care and creating healthy habits.
  • if you or your child struggles to communicate and self-regulate.
  • if you as a neuro-divergent individual or your child is looking for skills and strategies better to structure communication and emotional regulation.
  • if you have trouble establishing and maintaining positive relationships.

What is the qualification of an Art Psychotherapist?

Based on the credentialing body for art therapists, the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) a certified and registered art psychotherapist is required to

  • complete a recognised and approved by ANZACATA two-year Master's degree
  • complete at least 750 hours of supervised clinical placement

Sarah Ayu has met the requirements to be a certified art psychotherapist and she is a registered professional member of ANZACATA.

What can I expect from an Art Therapy session?

An art therapy session might look different for different individuals as it is usually structured to best fit the needs of the individual. An art therapy session might involve a directive facilitated by the art therapist or a non-directive approach where the individual is free to be intuitive in their exploration and expression. Art making is not a requirement in an art therapy session, the aim is to work towards achieving the individual's therapeutic goals.

What are some of the common misconceptions on Art Therapy?
  • Art Therapy requires art skill and talent in creating art.
  • Art Therapy is arts and crafts and similar to an art class or an art jamming.
  • Art therapist are no different than an art teacher.
  • Art Therapists will interpret artworks to understand their client.
  • Art therapy is only for children or the elderly.
  • It is a requirement to create art in every session.