What Is Art Therapy?
“Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem, self-awareness, and achieve insight.”
~from the American Art Therapy Association

Art Therapy is a tool that I use in conjunction with other techniques. I am a Registered Art Therapist by the American Art Therapy Association. Art therapy is useful for all ages and skill levels.  An art therapy session might involve my asking you to depict something in particular, explore a certain medium, or work together on a project. Basically, some sort of image or object will be created, and we will talk about it and explore how it relates to you. Among other things, art making can help people improve communication, reflect on and work through past and present struggles and plan for the future.  

I have many kinds of art materials in my office, such as: paints, pastels, pencils, markers, papers, collage, clays, found objects, and fabric. I also encourage and utilize other creative modalities like music, cooking, and photography.  

If you have any questions about art therapy, please ask.  You can also learn more in this article.