About Art Therapy

What is Art Therapy/Art Psychotherapy?

Art therapy and art psychotherapy are terms used interchangeably. Art therapists use art-making alongside talking to support clients to facilitate self-awareness, growth, and overcome challenges. Art making, within the context of a supportive therapeutic relationship, can be a healing and enriching experience. It can help to express what may be difficult verbally, it can offer a different perspective, and it can be used to help process thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Art-making can be a bridge between what we hold internally and expressing it outwardly.

How can Art Therapy help?

Art Therapists aim to reduce distress and to improve social, emotional and mental health. It can help people to manage the difficulties and challenges that life throws at us. It can provide support and understanding with any diagnosis or mental health needs. Art Therapy can also help people to communicate with others and to develop a deeper awareness and understanding of the self.

Do I have to be 'good at art'?

You do not have to have any previous experience of art or be 'good' at art to do art therapy. Art therapy is as much about the process of making as it is about what you make. We can work across a range of different art mediums as well as talking and working outdoors in nature.

Regulation

In the UK art therapists/art psychotherapists are required by law to be registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) who provide statutory regulations and guidelines for practice. You can search the register here. I am registered under the name Elizabeth Wilson. I am also a full member of BAAT, British Association of Art Therapists, who provide a code of ethics and professional guidance. I am DBS checked to work with adults and children at risk of harm.

Arts for Health and Well-being

What is Arts for Health and Well-being?

Arts for Health and Well-being employs art as therapy. Humans have a long history of art for self expression and as an activity with huge benefits to the mind, body and spirit. Art as therapy utilises art as a way to increase well-being and happiness and it is an activity that can be undertaken on your own exploring your own interests or with others.

What is the difference between Art Therapy and art as therapy?

Art Therapy is an evidence based mental health intervention delivered by an Art Therapist or Art Psychotherapist who is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) who also regulate the training courses and registration of Art Therapists. Art Therapists may also be qualified in other modalities of therapy and counselling, but cannot practice as an Art Therapist without being registered with the HCPC.

Art Therapy is facilitated by an Art Therapist or Art Psychotherapist (terms used interchangeably) who will help to create a safe space for someone to express themselves through their art-making as well as verbally if they wish. Art as therapy can be creative activities undertaken on your own, tutored by artists and crafts people, or be self-taught.
Art Therapy will be undertaken on a consistent and regular basis, usually weekly or fortnightly, whereas art as therapy can be any frequency from daily to weekly to monthly.
Art therapy is delivered either individually or with a group. Individual sessions can last between 45 minutes to 1 hour and group sessions potentially longer. Art as therapy can be any length of time from five minutes doodling or drawing to longer workshops or projects.
Art as therapy can be any creative medium: journalling, knitting, jewellery making, clay work, drawing, colouring etc. Art Therapists will offer a range of materials but often be focussed more on process rather than what is made or teaching new skills.
Art as therapy and Art Therapy can both be forms of self-care whereas Art Therapy can also be a mental health treatment.