Art Therapy - What is it?

When words are not enough or too hard to express,
we can use images and symbols to tell our story

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative expression as a way to support mental, emotional, and psychological well-being. Through the process of making art, individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Guided by a trained art psychotherapist, this approach helps people communicate in ways that words alone sometimes cannot, offering insight, healing, and personal growth.

Who Can Art Therapy Help?

Art therapy is for anyone seeking a creative and supportive way to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It can be especially helpful for individuals of all ages navigating challenges such as anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, life transitions, or simply wanting to connect more deeply with themselves.

Whether you're a child, teenager, adult, or part of a couple or family, art therapy offers a safe space to express what words sometimes can’t.

Children and Adolescents

To support emotional development, behavioural challenges, anxiety, or trauma

People living with trauma or grief

Offering a gentle, non-verbal path to process difficult experiences

Adults

To navigating stress,
anxiety, depression,
life transitions, or relationship difficulties

Neurodivergent individuals

Providing a flexible, creative space that supports different ways of thinking and expressing

Couples

To improve communication, emotional connection, or work through relationship challenges

People living with chronic illness, disability, or pain

To explore identity, cope with change, and support emotional wellbeing

Families

To strengthen relationships, support shared understanding, or manage conflict

Community and group settings

Includes schools, mental health services, aged care, and support programs

No artistic skill is needed – just a willingness to explore.

Art Therapy v's Art Psychotherapy
What's the Difference?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between art therapy and art psychotherapy, mainly in their focus, approach, and depth of practice.

Art Therapy

Art therapy uses creative processes – such as drawing, painting, or sculpting – to support emotional expression, wellbeing, and personal development. It can be short- or long-term and is often goal-oriented, helping with stress, anxiety, self-esteem, or coping strategies. It's accessible to people of all ages.

Focus

Emotional support, self-expression, and wellbeing

Approach

Creative and supportive, often in structured
or short-term settings

Who it's for

Individuals, groups, or families looking for
a creative outlet for mental health support

Art Psychotherapy

Art psychotherapy goes deeper into emotional and psychological exploration. Combining the creative process with in-depth psychotherapeutic techniques, often over a longer period. This approach is typically used to work through complex issues such as trauma, attachment, or long-standing emotional patterns.

Focus

In-depth psychological healing and insight

Approach

Psychodynamic or integrative, using art
as a pathway into the unconscious

Who it's for

Those seeking deeper therapeutic work,
often over a longer timeframe

Discover the Benefits

Research shows that engaging in creative activities offers a wide range of emotional, mental, and developmental benefits. Whether you're expressing your feelings through art, exploring your imagination, or simply enjoying the creative process, these experiences can have a meaningful impact on your overall well-being.

Participants often gain valuable tools for coping with stress, building self-esteem and confidence, and improving communication skills. Creative expression also encourages personal growth by helping individuals work through emotional blocks and find new ways to connect with themselves and others. In addition, activities that involve hands-on creation can enhance fine motor skills and coordination.

Whether you're looking to explore your artistic side or just find a new outlet for personal expression, the journey can be both rewarding and therapeutic—and it's open to everyone.