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Art Therapy

Art therapy
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of expression and communication. Within this context, art is not used as diagnostic tool but as a medium to address emotional issues which may be confusing and distressing.

Art therapists work with children, young people, adults and the elderly. Clients may have a wide range of difficulties, disabilities or diagnoses. These include emotional, behavioural or mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, neurological conditions and physical illnesses.

Art therapy is provided in groups or individually, depending on clients' needs. It is not a recreational activity or an art lesson, although the sessions can be enjoyable. Clients do not need to have any previous experience or expertise in art.

Although influenced by psychoanalysis, art therapists have been inspired by theories such as attachment-based psychotherapy and have developed a broad range of client-centred approaches such as psycho-educational, mindfulness and mentalization-based treatments, compassion-focussed and cognitive analytic therapies, and socially engaged practice. 
 
Introduction: What is art psychoterapy?

Art for wellbeing - perinatal mental health group

Art therapy with older adults

Virtual art therapy groups in oncology

An example of art psychotherapy

Art therapy for dementia

Art therapy in NHS adult mental health

Art psychotherapy tools in clinical supervision

Mentalization based art therapy

Art therapy: Improving services through partnerships

 

 

Meet the art therapists