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 and self-awareness, and achieve insight.

Art Therapy integrates the fields of human developement, visual art(drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms), and the creative process with models of couseling and psychotherapy.  Art therapy is used with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, groups, and families to assess and treat the following: anxiety, depression, and other mental and emotional problems and disorders; substance abuse and other addictions; family and relationship issues; abuse and domestic violence; social and emotional difficulties related to disability and illness; trauma and loss; physical, cognitive, and neurological problems; and psychosocial difficulties related to medical illness.  Art Therapy programs are found in a number of settings including hospital, clinics, public and community agencies, wellness centers, educational institutions, businesses, and private practice.