Art therapy is a form of therapy that combines the creative process of art making and the therapeutic alliance to build on self-expression and reflection of a client’s lived experiences. The development of formal qualities of the image, including variation in forms, colours, boundaries, shapes, and reflection of the final artwork are part of this creative therapeutic process that can provoke the expression of inner thoughts and feelings that would otherwise be difficult to articulate in words.

This therapeutic space provides an avenue to safely explore self-awareness and compassion, express and acknowledge deep rooted feelings, actively gain new perspective on presenting problems, alleviate stress symptoms and induce connection to relaxing states. Art therapy focuses on building a relationship with emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioural elements within the authentic self –to achieve overall well-being, psychological resilience, and ability to thrive through life’s experiences.

In art therapy, clients do not need to have prior knowledge of, or experience with, creating art. They are encouraged to explore their innate creativity throughout the therapeutic process.