5 questions to ask about art therapy

What are the origins of art therapy?

The formal practice of art therapy began in the mid-20^th century, although its roots as a discipline date back to the late 1700s.

During this period of the 18th century, new so-called ‘moral treatments’ were being explored as options to treat individuals with ill mental health. Domestic tasks such as gardening and cooking were also used, with the idea being that participants would develop a sense of contribution and involvement. The practice later expanded, seeing art as having the expressive capacity to communicate emotions.

Nowadays, art therapy is recognised and used within mental health care, prisons, schools and other medical environments.

What does art therapy involve?

The notion of self-expression is key to the practice of art therapy. Individuals are invited to explore their feelings and thoughts in various ways such as painting, drawing, colouring or modelling.

As well as providing a mechanism through which to express oneself, art therapy has numerous other benefits. The process is proven to help process traumatic experiences, tackle high levels of stress, develop memory and interpersonal skills and promote a sense of fulfilment and personal pride – not to mention giving a sense of relief or escapism.

Why use art for mental wellbeing?

Making art is a creative way to release stress and to communicate. Art inspires, brings people together and engages communal discussion. Art can also help the process of self-understanding, expression and healing. Being an effective mindful practice, art can instil a sense of flow and calm that helps overcome challenges on many levels.

What is the difference between therapeutic art-making and art therapy?

Both art therapy and the practice of making art involve processes that promote emotional growth and healing. But there are key differences between them.

Firstly, whilst art-making is an effective tool to express oneself, there isn’t usually a traditional client/therapist relationship at its heart. An art therapy session will be lead by a professional art therapist, who will carry out exercises that encourage emotional, creative and spiritual growth.

Art therapy is all about bringing the unconscious into consciousness. In many countries, art therapists need to have a Masters’ degree to practice.

How can I benefit from art?

Finding an expressive art practice can be a powerful way to help process feelings and emotions.

We encourage you to find ways to express yourself creatively – don’t overthink it, focus on the making rather than the outcome, and try a few things to see what you enjoy.