Outdoor, Virtual, and In-Person Art Therapy: Which is Best for You?
So, you’re ready to find a therapist, specifically an art therapist. You know it’s time to start your healing journey, and you know you want change in your life. You start the search and find that there are SO many therapy options. Indoor, outdoor, virtual, walk and talk, home-based… and we’re not even touching the countless therapeutic approaches yet! Maybe you assumed you’d meet an art therapist in an office, but now you’re not sure what you need. How are you supposed to choose?
Remember, each art therapist has a unique style, approach, and philosophy. While it’s important to consider those factors when choosing your therapist, we’ll explore those in future articles. The setting or location of art therapy is also an important factor to consider, and that’s what we’ll dig into in this article. One more note: the perspective shared below is based on my own practice, in which I offer outdoor, virtual, and in-person art therapy. Like I said, each art therapist’s approach will vary and I encourage you to ask questions to anyone you’re considering working with.
Outdoor Art Therapy
Typically, for outdoor art therapy, we would meet in a designated public park. We would either have a chosen spot to meet in that park or find a spot together at the beginning of the session. We would check-in periodically about any distractions, as well as any concerns related to confidentiality.
Supportive Factors:
This option is great for those who enjoy being outside
Benefits from the sensory experience of being outside
Being outside can feel grounding and can support mindfulness practice
May be easier to connect with your inner child
Potential Challenges:
Confidentiality: others visiting the same park could hear parts of conversation or see art making
Last-minute weather changes
Weather limitations: too hot or too cold to meet outside
Possible distractions of other people
Virtual Art Therapy
Virtual art therapy can be facilitated on a tablet, laptop, or computer. Clients are typically responsible for having supplies for sessions, and I support them in figuring out what they might need. We usually discuss what supplies they already have available to them, as well as financial considerations for acquiring supplies. We have flexibility when it comes to materials, as each client’s resources vary from one another.
Supportive Factors:
Ease of joining from your own home in the comfort of your own space
No need for time spent driving
May be easier to schedule a session during your work day
Therapist sees a window into your day-to-day life
Accessibility for those in rural areas or with physical limitations
Potential Challenges:
Acquiring art supplies
Finding space at home to make art and do therapy
Privacy from family members or roommates
Technology issues
In-Person Art Therapy
When I say “in-person,” I’m referring to meeting in a physical office space. This is the more traditional approach to meeting for art therapy, and it has its own benefits and challenges. As the art therapist, I would provide art supplies and the private space to meet together.
Supportive Factors:
Convenience of making use of the art therapist’s supplies
Drive or other transportation before and after session may support your transition back into your day
Confidential office space with limited distractions
Clearer nonverbal communication than virtual
Typically seen as the safer setting when treating suicidality
Potential Challenges:
Commute time and accessibility
Can feel isolated from your typical day-to-day life
Noise of other professionals in the same building
Scheduling may be difficult since you need to account for travel time
Choosing What’s Best for You
I encourage clients to consider their specific needs when it comes to therapy. What are they looking to get out of it? How might the location of art therapy support their goals? I don’t expect you to know exactly what you need. The great thing about offering a 15-minute free consultation before starting therapy is that we have a chance to discuss these options, your goals, and which may be the best fit for you. AND we’re allowed to shift to another setting later, as scheduling allows.
Ready to chat? Schedule your 15-minute consultation to get started!
