Art Therapy FAQ’s

You do not need to be an artist to benefit from art therapy. For many of us, art making is something we did when we were children. Feedback we received may have led to the belief that we are not good at art or that art making isn’t for us. Everyone has a creative spark inside. We express that through our clothing, our cooking, and how we decorate our homes. Art making is another way we can express that innate creativity. Art therapy does not require any particular skills in art making, other than a willingness to try. Even making a few simple lines on the page can help us centre and ground, learn about our body’s rhythms, and tap into our inner wisdom.

In an art therapy session, we will spend time talking about what brings you to the session. During the session you will be invited to use the art materials you have available to explore the thoughts, emotions, and sensations that are present for you. Because art making is non-verbal, it can help you to express things that are hard to put into words. We will talk about the art you made and what the process was like, allowing the art to guide us towards insight.

Everyone from children to elders can benefit from art therapy. Art therapy can help to reduce anxiety, manage your emotions, and process your experiences. Art therapy helps to build emotional resilience and support in reducing conflicts. Art making and the creative process is a way for our subconscious thoughts and feelings to become visible and understood in new ways. During the art making process, you may have moments of realization or experience changes in the way you see what you are depicting. These shifts can help support change and growth and enhance your wellbeing.

Art therapy can be used to explore any life challenge, including life transitions and difficult emotions. Art therapy can help those who are experiencing depression, anxiety, or the effects of trauma. Art therapy can also be used to explore issues around identity and self expression.

I will not judge, interpret or diagnose your art. Your art carries a special message. The meaning behind that message is for you to discover. I will support you as you work with the art you create and explore the meaning it has for you.

Yes! Art therapy is for adults of all ages and skill levels. Humans have been making art since the beginning of time, using whatever materials are at hand. Adults can benefit from making art in therapy as it helps to regulate our emotions, build our self confidence, and provide insights into our experiences.