What is an art therapy session?

An art therapy session is a safe and nurturing space where individuals are invited to express themselves creatively—whether through painting, drawing, sculpting, or other artistic forms. The focus isn’t on creating a “perfect” piece of art; rather, the emphasis is on the process of creation itself and how it helps reveal thoughts, emotions, and experiences that are often difficult to express with words.

What a typical session might include:

Creating Art
The therapist will guide you to engage in a creative process that can involve drawing, painting, collage-making, or using other materials. The goal is to allow your hands and your intuition to lead the way, without the pressure of a final “product.” You may be asked to focus on a theme or idea, or simply to create without any direction and see what comes up.
Exploration of Feelings and Thoughts
As you engage in the art-making process, your thoughts and emotions may surface in unexpected ways. The therapist is there to facilitate this exploration, helping you reflect on the images you create and connecting them to your life experiences or emotions.
Reflection and Dialogue
After creating, you’ll have the opportunity to talk about the art with your therapist. This can involve discussing the themes, colors, shapes, or symbols in your work, and how they relate to your current feelings or life circumstances. Sometimes, the therapist may offer questions or prompts to help you explore deeper.
Emotional Release and Healing
Art therapy can help you process difficult emotions or experiences—whether it’s past trauma, anxiety, or self-discovery. The creative expression serves as a bridge to express things that may feel hard to articulate verbally. For many, it’s an emotional release that provides relief, healing, and insight.
Personal Growth and Insight
Over time, art therapy helps individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves. The process of creating can illuminate subconscious thoughts, fears, and desires, and can also empower you to confront and transform challenges in your life. It’s not about judgment or perfection; it’s about exploration, growth, and self-expression.
Supportive Environment
One of the key components of art therapy is the safe and nonjudgmental space the therapist creates for you to explore and experiment. It’s not about being a “good artist”—it’s about being true to yourself and embracing your unique journey.