From an early age, I've found solace and healing in the act of creating art. It has been a grounding force in my life, a path to self-discovery, and a means of connecting with others. This personal journey inspired me to become a therapist and share the transformative power of art with others. Art therapy serves as a bridge to our inner world, bypassing words and unlocking a sense of playfulness, curiosity, and spontaneity often buried beneath adult responsibilities and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Through the creative process, we can tap into our emotions, using imagery and metaphor to solve problems and gain fresh perspectives.

You might be wondering, what does an art therapy session actually look like? Just like any therapy, each art therapist has their unique approach, tailored to the needs of each client. Here’s a glimpse into how a typical session might unfold:

Step 1: Your First Session

As you step into the therapist's office, you'll find an array of materials laid out—everything from drawing utensils (pencils, markers, pastels) to wet materials like paint or clay, and even seashells, rocks, or collage supplies. Your therapist will introduce you to this creative space, emphasizing that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ here—no ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ Mistakes and messes are welcomed and encouraged.

Your therapist might take a direct approach, guiding you to create something intentional like "paint your feelings" or "create a garden where each element represents a family member." Alternatively, an indirect approach might be used, giving you the freedom to create an image organically without specific instructions.

Step 2: Creating with Art Materials

As you choose your materials and begin to create, your therapist will witness your process, offering support if needed with specific techniques but primarily providing non-judgmental presence. This support allows you to explore your creativity freely, tapping into your inner world.

Step 3: Reflecting on Your Creation

Once you’ve finished creating, your therapist will invite you to reflect on your artwork. You might look at it from different angles, view it from a distance, or discuss its elements. Your therapist may offer alternative perspectives or suggest changes to help you find new meaning. For one client I worked with, I watched as his first images created in our sessions were dark in color and theme. His first image, he covered the entire page in black marker. This was reflective of where he was during this period of his life. Over the course of our sessions, he became more playful, silly, the characters he drew even started to tell jokes which he wrote across the page in various colors. We were able to reflect in our sessions on how this creative, therapeutic space gave him an opportunity to connect with this part of himself. This reflection process helps you gain insights and deepen your understanding of your emotions and experiences.

Whether you see yourself as an artist or haven’t touched a colored pencil since elementary school, I invite you to explore the therapeutic benefits of creating art. Engage in this playful, meaningful process and discover new facets of yourself along the way.

Becca Trayner is a Self Space therapist who works with individuals who are navigating anxiety, depression, grief or loss, life transitions, relationship issues and trauma.  Pulling from a variety of modalities that best fit her clients needs, she helps people increase self-compassion and experience more freedom.