Art is a universal language. Sometimes it is hard to find the words to communicate difficult feelings and experiences. Through the art making process an art therapist can help a person to find another way of expressing their feelings and experiences. 

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Art psychotherapy uses visual art as the primary way of communicating in the therapy room. Art psychotherapy is not an art lesson or a recreational activity - although all art making has the potential to feel therapeutic.

 

Art making in the therapy room can bring up unconscious thoughts and memories - the art therapist is there to help the service user to work through various experiences and challenges that surface.

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Art psychotherapy is a specialised area of therapy that must be practised by those trained to Masters degree level, registered with the HCPC and BAAT. Art psychotherapists have particular psychotherapeutic models and theories that they work with and this can vary depending on the individual therapist.