Art therapy is a unique approach to conquering mental health challenges. However, there are some misconceptions about art therapy. These misunderstandings include what is or is not art therapy and who can benefit from the use of art-making as therapy. If you’ve ever assumed that art therapy is only for certain people or that you need a certain set of skills to be successful with art therapy, you may be surprised.
Misconceptions About Art Therapy
You have to be skilled at drawing and painting, or consider yourself an artist
You might be thinking, “I can’t draw!” The most common misconception about art therapy is that you have to be an artist or have some level of artistic skill to benefit from therapeutic art making. However, art therapy is more about the process of making art. It’s not about the final product, such as a complete drawing or painting. The process can be messy and evolve over time. We don’t view what you create as “good” or “bad” art. Instead, we look for what we can learn from the art that you make and how you felt while creating it.
Art therapy is just for children
Another common misconception about art therapy is that it only works with small children. Art therapy is useful for everyone. No matter your age, ability level, or diagnosis, you can participate in art therapy. It can be adjusted to meet your individual needs and abilities. While art therapy is effective with children, adults typically have more insight into what they create during an art therapy session. That provides more information about how they are truly feeling.
Adult coloring books are the same as art therapy
Adult coloring books are great stress relievers, but they are not the same as participating in a session with a qualified art therapist. Art therapy allows the combination of art making with your therapy goals to help you understand and work towards successful outcomes. When you work with an art therapist, they provide specific interventions that will help meet your needs. They guide you through the process of making your own discoveries.
You have to make art during every art therapy session
Art therapy is often used alongside traditional talk therapy. Both are useful in the therapeutic environment. When you work with an art therapist, you can determine whether you’d like to make art in every session,. You can choose to split your time between art and talk therapy. Even if you choose to make art in every session, we use talk therapy to check in on your progress, and talk about your art findings.
Any therapist can provide art therapy services
While anyone can go through training to become an art therapist, practicing art therapy requires a Master’s level degree or certification. You also need experience doing art therapy in practice and approval by the Art Therapy Credentials Board. When seeking art therapy services, be sure to look for professional credentials like ATR-P, ATR, ATR-BC, ATCS. That way you’ll know that you’re getting approved services.
Review
There are several misconceptions about art therapy that hopefully have been clarified today. Please feel free to reach out to Barnum Counseling if you’re curious about working with our Licensed Professional Counselor and art therapist, Samantha Nolan. Click here for more information about Sam.
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