Art Therapy for Adults: Why It’s Not Just for Kids
Oftentimes, it is assumed that art therapy is for children only. It’s understandable, since our society tends to value creativity more in children rather than in adults. While art therapy can be extremely useful with kids and teens, it is a powerful therapy for adults with a variety of needs. Art therapy is a creative mental health profession, in which a professional art therapist facilitates various art processes to work toward therapeutic goals (AATA). In the United States, the profession is guided by the American Art Therapy Association and the Art Therapy Credentials Board.
Benefits of Art Therapy for Adults
Adults may benefit from art therapy in various ways depending on their unique challenges. Art therapy can support adults in developing healthy communication skills, identifying their own needs in relationships, expressing emotions, improving anxiety and depression, and more. Art therapy can help clients discover new insights, emotions, and beliefs that they may not have been aware of previously. Adults with low self-worth and low confidence can experience a sense of accomplishment through art therapy, as they try new techniques and connect with their creativity. Adults who struggle to navigate high stress related to work, family, and other responsibilities might find solace in the mindfulness and relaxation experienced in creating art.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for adults to feel hesitant about art therapy because of their own experiences with art in childhood. Many adults describe experiences with art teachers, parents, or other mentors who criticized or judged their artwork or interest in art. Because of these memories, adults in art therapy typically benefit from encouragement and validation from the art therapist that imperfection is welcome. The art therapist may also emphasize connecting with the inner child as a way to explore their creativity. With this common experience in mind, art therapy can be an incredibly meaningful process for adults to rediscover their creative self, interests, and needs.
Art Therapy Techniques for Adults
Art therapy typically includes the use of various art materials and processes such as drawing, painting, sculpting, and collage. Materials utilized in each type of art process can vary, and may include markers, crayons, pastels, watercolor paint, magazine images and words, clay, and other found objects. Some art therapists may also utilize digital tools and programs, especially in virtual art therapy.
Art therapists include the art making process in the session, in addition to talking, as another form of communication and mode of exploration. While talking is an important part of the process, the art making brings another layer of insight, discovery, and expression that may otherwise be missed.
How to Get Started with an Art Therapist
Finding an art therapist requires a few steps:
1. Know who to look for.
Art therapists have a variety of credentials to look for. The most common is “ATR” or Registered Art Therapist. Similar and sufficient credentials include ATR-P and ATR-BC. Some states require an art therapy license, which may be listed as Clinical Licensed Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Art Therapist, and Licensed Art Therapist.
It is also helpful to consider the client’s priorities in the art therapist they choose including gender, race, experience, specialty, location, cost, etc. Each individual has unique needs and can explore which clinician would be the best fit for them.
2. Know where to look.
Prospective clients can search online for “art therapist near me” to begin the process. It may also be useful to look for available art therapists at any of the following websites:
Oftentimes, these directories include the therapists’ current availability, cost, location, and other useful information. Once you’ve located a few options, reach out to the art therapists to ask for a free consultation. Most therapists will provide a free 15-minute phone call to discuss your needs and how they can help.
3. Figure out the logistics before the first session.
Before the first session, it may be helpful to spend some time considering goals regarding art therapy. What are you hoping to gain from this experience? How will you know if you’ve made the desired changes?
The art therapist should provide materials for in-person sessions, but it may be useful to confirm this ahead of time.
Allow enough time to reach the office and find parking.
Remember that it is normal to feel nervous before starting art therapy! Thank yourself for trying a new avenue of personal growth.
