What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a mental health profession that utilizes creative expression to help individuals, families, and communities navigate the complexities of life. Art therapy enriches lives through active art-making, the integration of psychological theory, and the profound human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship. Art becomes a powerful alternative language when words fall short—during crises, trauma, or significant life changes. This therapeutic approach is facilitated by trained professionals who guide clients in exploring and expressing their inner worlds through various art forms.

“Visual art helps give choices back to the patients who have lost the ability to make many of the choices in their care and empowering the patient to make decisions in art, to do things in art, to observe things in art, is important to their ability to cope with their circumstances.”

— Valerie Hanks, ATR-P, art therapist at UAB Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Alabama

Art therapy isn’t merely about creating aesthetically pleasing works; it’s a structured process that delves deep into individuals’ emotional and psychological landscape. Whether someone is grappling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or a chronic illness, it offers a non-verbal outlet for emotions that might be difficult to express otherwise.

The process involves more than just making art; it’s about making meaning from that art. Art therapists are trained to help clients explore the symbols, metaphors, and messages that emerge from their creations, often leading to insights that verbal therapy might not uncover.

During an art therapy session, the therapist may guide clients through various art-making processes—painting, drawing, sculpting, or collage—depending on the client’s needs and comfort level. The focus is not on the artistic skill but on the expression itself. As one art therapist puts it, “Art-making encourages self-exploration and expression… By externalizing their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through art, they may feel less judgment and/or shame toward themselves” ​(Natasha Green, MA, ATR, art therapist in private practice at Green Amethyst Art Therapy).

Clients might use familiar materials like pencils and paints or even unconventional items like leaves and branches, all chosen to facilitate the therapeutic process. Through these activities, clients often better understand their emotions and how to manage them.

Art therapy is diverse in its approach. While the core remains the same, different techniques and modalities can be employed depending on the client’s needs. These include:

1. Visual: Utilizing traditional art forms like painting and drawing to express and explore emotions.
2. Expressive: Incorporating multiple forms of expression, including dance, music, and drama, alongside visual arts.
3. Phototherapy: Using photography and personal photos to explore past experiences and emotions.
4. Digital: Leveraging technology, like tablets and digital software, to create art in a therapeutic context.

Each type offers a unique way to engage with and process internal experiences.

A question that often arises is the difference between art therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), another therapeutic approach used for trauma. While both are effective, they operate differently. It uses the creative process to externalize and make sense of traumatic experiences. In contrast, EMDR focuses on processing distressing memories through guided eye movements. The two can be complementary, with some therapists integrating both into their practice depending on the client’s needs.

In a bustling city like Chicago, art therapy is more than just an alternative therapeutic approach; it’s a bridge for many navigating the challenges of urban life. Whether in hospitals, schools, or private practices, art therapists in Chicago play a crucial role in helping diverse communities. They work with everyone, from children with behavioral challenges to veterans grappling with PTSD, offering a safe space to explore emotions and heal.

Art therapy provides a powerful means of expression when words are insufficient. As one therapist notes, “Visual arts offer veterans suffering from PTSD a non-threatening alternative to composing in images what is inexpressible to them with words. It is a way in and often the first step to organize and express overwhelming feelings and sensations” ​(Rosemarie Rogers, ATR-BC, LCAT, art therapist with Veterans Affairs). This encapsulates the essence of form of therapy—offering a voice when the spoken word fails.

Pure Intentions Events offers art as therapy sessions in the Windy City. Get tickets for our upcoming events!

Art therapy is a multifaceted approach that goes beyond mere art-making. It’s about healing, understanding, and growing through creativity. Whether you’re dealing with trauma, mental health challenges, or simply seeking a deeper connection with your inner self, it provides a unique and effective path forward. It’s not about being good at art; it’s about letting art be good for you.

• Art as Therapy Fact Sheet