How is Art Therapy a Form of Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy, at its core, is about supporting mental health through talking and relational processes. Art therapy expands this by adding a creative language of expression, especially valuable for children or adults who find talking difficult.
Research shows that art therapy:
Helps regulate emotions by engaging different areas of the brain involved in creativity and self-expression (Kapitan, 2014).
Supports trauma recovery by providing a safe, non-verbal way to process overwhelming memories (Malchiodi, 2020).
Reduces anxiety and stress by calming the nervous system through rhythmic, sensory art-making (Kaimal et al., 2017).
Strengthens self-esteem and resilience by offering a tangible expression of inner experiences (British Association of Art Therapists, 2022).
A Recognised Profession
Art therapy is a regulated profession in the UK. Art psychotherapists complete a postgraduate training and are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This ensures they meet professional standards and practice safely.
This makes art therapy not just “doing art for wellbeing,” but a clinical form of psychotherapy, backed by psychological training and scientific evidence.
Why Parents Might Choose Art Therapy
For children, art therapy can:
Provide a safe outlet for difficult feelings.
Support attachment and trust-building.
Help process trauma, grief, or anxiety in a child-friendly way.
Improve focus, behaviour, and confidence.
Art therapy is especially powerful for children who find talking therapy too direct, offering them a gentle and creative pathway to healing.
Final Thoughts
Art therapy is not simply about painting or drawing; it is a recognised form of psychotherapy that uses creativity as a bridge to emotional healing. Whether for children or adults, it provides a safe space where inner experiences can be expressed, understood, and transformed.
Find out more about art therapy at WayMaker here.
References for Further Reading
Kapitan, L. (2014). Introduction to Art Therapy Research. Routledge.
Malchiodi, C. A. (2020). Trauma and Expressive Arts Therapy: Brain, Body, and Imagination in the Healing Process. Guilford Press.
Kaimal, G., Ray, K., & Muniz, J. (2017). Reduction of cortisol levels and participants' responses following art making. Art Therapy, 33(2), 74–80.
British Association of Art Therapists (2022). What is Art Therapy? www.baat.org