Have you ever noticed how simply doodling on a page, colouring on paper, or brushing colour onto a canvas can bring a sense of relief?

Many people find creative expression more than just a pastime. In fact, it can be a meaningful tool for healing. For this reason, art therapy uses the creative process as a pathway to emotional growth, deeper self-understanding, and recovery.

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy combines psychological support with creative activities. These activities can include drawing, painting, music, or tools like metaphorical associative cards and sand trays. Unlike traditional talk therapy, it provides a nonverbal way to explore emotions. This is especially helpful when feelings are too overwhelming or complex to put into words. Importantly, the goal is not to create a masterpiece. Instead, the focus is on using art as a safe outlet for exploration and healing.

Why It Works

Sometimes words are not enough. Images, shapes, and colors can capture our inner experiences more effectively. As a result, art therapy creates space to express difficult emotions, reduce stress, and gain new perspectives. Research shows that engaging in creative work can lower anxiety, regulate emotions, and support trauma recovery. It does this by gently bringing hidden feelings to the surface in a controlled and supportive environment.

What Does It Look Like in Practice?

Art therapy can take many forms. A therapist might invite a client to:

• Draw, paint, or use music to express feelings that are difficult to put into words, such as anger, sadness, or anxiety.
• Engage in mindful activities like colouring, clay sculpting, creating mandalas, or making music to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
• Map family trees, explore relationship dynamics, or use metaphorical associative cards and sand trays to understand emotions and interpersonal patterns.
• Create symbolic self-portraits or scenes to reflect on personal strengths, identity, and challenges.
• Visualize strategies to cope with triggers or solve problems through art, music, or creative expression.
• Safely express and process traumatic experiences using creative methods without relying solely on verbal discussion.

Art therapy can be structured with specific prompts or free-form depending on the client’s needs. And no artistic skill is required — the focus is on process, not product.

Who Can Benefit?

Art therapy can support children learning to manage big feelings, adults facing stress at work or home, and people recovering from grief, trauma, anxiety, or depression. Additionally, it can be particularly helpful for those who find it difficult to express themselves verbally.

A Creative Step Toward Healing

Art therapy reminds us that healing does not always come through words — it can begin with a single brushstroke, a splash of colour, a line on a page, or a symbolic image created by arranging figurines in a sand tray. By combining creativity with professional guidance, art therapy helps individuals gain insight, find relief, and move forward with greater resilience.

If you are curious about how art therapy could support your journey, consider trying a simple creative exercise at home or reach out to a counsellor who integrates art into their practice.