What is art therapy? Since the beginning of time, art has been a natural and powerful way for humans to explore and express thoughts, fears and innermost feelings. It is sometimes thought to provide a window through which we may glimpse parts of ourselves that may not be accessible through words and traditional “talk therapy.”

Art therapy is not just for children. Art therapy, like play therapy, is a natural, non-threatening, and developmentally appropriate way for children to work out problems. However, people of all ages can benefit from using art. Art therapy is for families, couples, the young, and young at heart.

Why use art? Making art is fun and, unlike traditional therapies, clients create special reminders of their therapeutic process, in the form of the art that they have made in therapy. These pieces often serve as supports to clients long after sessions with the therapist are done.

People often assume that they must have art skills to participate in art therapy, but that is not the case. No previous art experience is required. The therapist helps clients use art materials to express and explore feelings, thoughts and problems. Though the process is not about being a “good” artist, clients often find that they have created meaningful art pieces of which they are proud.

Art therapy clients find that art is a safe, powerful and multidimensional way to explore and manage many issues. It can help significantly with problems that are bewildering or difficult to discuss.

What is an art therapist? In addition to their clinical education as counselors, registered art therapists and board-certified art therapists have been trained to use art in a therapeutic manner. Just like counselors who become licensed, art therapists undergo a lengthy period of specialized training and supervision to become “registered” by the American Art Therapy Association. They also may take an exam to become “board-certified.” Art therapists work in hospitals, schools, geriatric settings and other locales, with many different populations. They help people learn and heal in many ways through art.

Healing Pathways also has expertise in pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), hypnotherapy, family therapy, and applied behavior analysis.

Healing Pathways: Your road to contentment begins here.