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How are art therapy and creative expression different?
There are some overlaps between art therapy and creative expression, but it’s important to know the differences, limits, and benefits of each.
Art Therapy
- Led by a masters-level professional art therapist
- A distinct mental health profession, rather than a modality
- Used with the intention of processing trauma and beliefs, exploring parts of self, healing inner wounds, and more
- Materials are chosen based on client needs and goals
- Uses art therapy methods in diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders
- “Art therapy uniquely promotes the ability to unlock emotional expression by facilitating non-verbal as well as verbal communication.” American Art Therapy Association
Creative Expression
- Led by a therapist or counselor with an understanding of creative approaches in therapy
- A tool to use in therapy sessions
- Used with the intention of increasing self-awareness, practicing mindfulness and healthy coping, and expressing emotions
- Therapist’s role is to provide containment, encourage art making, honor vulnerability and emotions that come up, listen without assuming or interpreting, and refer to an art therapist when appropriate
Common goals in counseling using creative expression:
- to improve mindfulness skills
- to increase distress tolerance
- to develop a therapeutic relationship built on trust
- to identify and express emotions
- to increase self-disclosure
- to improve healthy coping
Common goals in art therapy:
- the above goals, and…
- to process trauma
- to improve emotional regulation and resilience
- to achieve personal insight
- to improve interpersonal skills
In addition to the goals listed above, art therapy…
“…engages the mind, body, and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal articulation alone. Kinesthetic, sensory, perceptual, and symbolic opportunities invite alternative modes of receptive and expressive communication, which can circumvent the limitations of language. Visual and symbolic expression gives voice to experience and empowers individual, communal, and societal transformation.”
– American Art Therapy Association
Why is this distinction important?
Professional counselors’ ethics codes require that counselors accurately represent themselves to clients. As a part of informed consent, counselors need to communicate clearly with clients about what happens in session. In situations where a client seems to benefit from creative expression, has difficulty staying connected to their emotions, or demonstrates a need to process trauma differently, the counselor may choose to refer the client to an art therapist. Depending on the situation and needs of the client, the art therapist may serve as the primary therapy or as a supplement to the client’s current treatment.
Want to learn more about creative expression or art therapy? I’d be glad to talk with you.
