Art therapy, a hybrid field largely influenced by the disciplines of art and psychology, uses the creative process, pieces of art created in therapy, and third-party artwork to help people in treatment develop self-awareness, explore emotions, address unresolved emotional conflicts, improve social skills, and raise self-esteem. Art therapy primarily aims to help individuals experiencing emotional and psychological challenges achieve personal well-being and improved levels of function.
Many people think going to rehab or getting sober is going to be a total snooze fest. They mistakenly believe sobriety is nothing more than a bunch or boring meetings, lame counseling sessions, and obnoxious groups. Not true!
Participating in new experiences during the healing process helps to create a new way of life beyond drinking and doing drugs. And – believe it or not – many people enjoy their personal recovery journey once they get to the other side of detox.
One of the ways sober people can become actively engaged in their own recovery is to participate in art therapy. Studies have shown that creativity positively impacts sobriety. Let’s talk more about this therapeutic approach and discuss how it can benefit someone who is recovering from a substance use disorder.
What is Art Therapy?
According to the American Art Therapy Association, “art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.”
In more simple terms, art therapy (when facilitated by a qualified art therapist) encourages personal growth while effectively supporting addiction treatment goals. The process involves a creative outlet of some kind; such as painting, drawing, sculpting, or collage-making. In no uncertain terms, participating in art therapy greatly improves the likelihood of ongoing, continuous sobriety.
Art therapy can happen at a rehabilitation center or a therapist’s private practice. Many art therapy professionals also perform home visits.
What is an Art Therapist?
Art therapists are licensed master’s level clinicians who are guided by ethical therapeutic standards. Their extensive education and supervised training prepares them to work in the counseling field and provide art therapy sessions to those in need.
In order for a recovering person to experience art therapy in its clinical context, a certified art therapist should be involved in the process. An art therapist directs a session so that the participant enjoys the maximum benefit of the experience. Art therapy isn’t just about making pretty things. There is work involved!
Mental health experts will tell you that art therapy is just as valid (and effective) as popular talk therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
Do You Need An Art Therapist to Participate in Art Therapy?
Addicted people should utilize a mental health professional during art therapy in the same way they would if they participated in CBT or DBT.
Many recovering people insist that they practice art therapy in the privacy of their own home in complete solitude. They might paint or draw as a way to process difficult emotions or counteract feelings of boredom, isolation, or loneliness.
We do not deny that people can appreciate the value of engaging in artistic activities alone. However; true art therapy should take place with an educated, trained, and licensed art therapist. Otherwise, it is not considered art therapy in the clinical sense – even if it may feel therapeutic to the soul.
Types of Creative Therapies
Art therapy is not the only type of creative art used in the treatment of mental illness. Other types of creative therapies include:
- Dance therapy
- Drama therapy
- Expressive therapy
- Music therapy
- Writing therapy
ART THERAPY VS EXPRESSIVE ARTS THERAPY
Distinguishing between art therapy and expressive arts therapy may be somewhat difficult, as both approaches utilize a wide variety of therapeutic techniques to provide mental and emotional relief.
Art therapy often incorporates techniques such as painting, finger painting, drawing, sculpting, and carving. Art therapy has become an integral part of many rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, crisis centers, private practices, schools, and various other social and community institutions that strive to promote health, wellness, and growth. Since art therapy focuses primarily on the visual arts, it is considered a single modality therapy. Expressive arts therapy is considered a multi-modal approach because it integrates techniques from many different artistic modalities. To illustrate, an expressive arts therapist may integrate therapeutic principles and tools from poetry therapy, dance and movement therapy, music therapy, and even art therapy in one therapeutic session.
Another noteworthy difference between the two approaches is the final product: At the end of an art therapy session there is likely to be a tangible product (such as a painting, drawing, or sculpture). Expressive arts therapy is not limited to the visual arts and so the primary means of expression may be visual, tactile, or auditory. The created product may be tangible or intangible, depending on the technique used.
HEALTH ISSUES TREATED BY ART THERAPY
Art therapy has been shown to benefit people of all ages. Research indicates art therapy can improve communication and concentration and can help reduce feelings of isolation. This type of therapy has also been shown to lead to increases in self-esteem, confidence, and self-awareness.
Positive results in art therapy may often be achieved by those facing issues such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Substance dependency
- Stress
- Posttraumatic stress
- Attention deficit hyperactivity
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Cancer
- Compassion fatigue
- Heart disease
- Anorexia
- Bulimia
- Other eating disorders
- Cognitive impairments
- Family or relationship issues
Because art therapy allows people to express feelings on any subject through creative work rather than with speech, it is believed to be particularly helpful for those who feel out of touch with their emotions or feelings. Individuals experiencing difficulty discussing or remembering painful experiences may also find art therapy especially beneficial.
Recent research suggests art therapy may help individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia see improvement of some of their symptoms, although trials are still being conducted.
The memoir, Sybil, and two movies of the same name, describe a woman diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder who, through the use of art, appeared to gain greater insight about her alters and trauma she had experienced in childhood. Painting both provided an outlet for Sybil and her alters to express feelings and rediscover memories of the trauma, which could then be discussed in therapy.
ART THERAPIST TRAINING AND ACCREDITATION
Art therapy practice requires a knowledge of the visual forms—drawing, painting, sculpture, and so on— as well as the creative process, human development and psychology, and counseling theories and methodology.
Those who practice art therapy, even at the entry level, must have earned at least a master’s degree from an accredited institution. The Educational Program Approval Board (EPAB) uses academic standards set by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) to evaluate the compliance of art therapy programs with the recommended requirements. Additionally, the body providing accreditation to the tertiary-level institution must be approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) was established in 1993. The primary goal of the ATCB is to safeguard the interests of the public by ensuring that practicing art therapists meet and maintain required ethical and quality standards. The ATCB does this by offering three professional credentials to individuals desiring to be art therapists:
- Registered Art Therapist (ATR): This confirms the therapist has taken and satisfactorily completed graduate-level courses in art therapy and gained post-graduate clinical experience under the supervision of a qualified mentor.
- Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC): This is the highest credential an art therapist can earn. Applicants are required to successfully complete a national exam to highlight their complete understanding of the clinical skills and theories associated with art therapy.
- Art Therapy Certified Supervisor (ATCS): This advanced supervisory credential may be earned by experienced Board Certified Art Therapists.
Art therapists who have earned their credentials at the ATCB are required to adhere to the institution’s code of professional practice. At present, the ATCB database contains over 5000 credentialed art therapists.
LIMITATIONS AND CONCERNS OF ART THERAPY
One of the major concerns of art therapy is the effectiveness of the approach. Though many support its efficacy, others are skeptical. Adults in particular may not be inclined to cooperate fully and openly with the treatment process or may refuse this type of treatment entirely. Additionally, some individuals may believe they are not creative or artistic enough for the treatment to be successful, although the goal of treatment is to express one’s thoughts and emotions, not produce artistic masterpieces. The effectiveness of art therapy may also be criticized, due to a lack of supporting empirical evidence.
Those who do proceed with art therapy treatment may find they have to commit to a series of sessions before they begin to experience the therapeutic benefits of the approach. Other concerns include the costs associated with the purchase of needed tools, media, and other materials. Obtaining a suitable setting for therapy to take place (especially if fluid media, special lighting, or other specialized equipment is used) may also prove challenging.
Techniques
The goal of art therapy is to utilize the creative process to help people explore self-expression and, in doing so, find new ways to gain personal insight and develop new coping skills.
The creation or appreciation of art is used to help people explore emotions, develop self-awareness, cope with stress, boost self-esteem, and work on social skills.
Techniques used in art therapy can include:
- Collage
- Coloring
- Doodling and scribbling
- Drawing
- Finger painting
- Painting
- Photography
- Sculpting
- Working with clay
- Painting
- Finger painting
- Doodling
- Scribbling
- Sculpting
- Drawing
- Using molding clay
- Carving
- Making pottery
- Making cards
- Using textiles
- Making collages
Art therapy can help people express those thoughts, emotions, and experiences that may be difficult to speak about. In a 2004 study, thirty-two women with heart disease were first interviewed and then asked to individually illustrate the illness. The resultant drawings were grouped into three categories: (1) the heart at the center, (2) the heart in the lived body, and (3) heart disease as a social illness. The use of color, spatial arrangement, and composition were analyzed, and the drawings ultimately helped health care professionals better appreciate how each woman understood her condition and provided insight on how to best to approach each case. Illness is often closely associated with intense emotions, and tactile techniques, such as working with molding clay, may provide a refuge from these feelings. These activities have also been shown to be effective in revealing unconscious material, providing cathartic release, and promoting verbal expression.
A study in which women with cancer were encouraged
to engage in various visual arts exercises and techniques found that the participants benefited in four key ways. While the women initially experienced a number of illness-related challenges such as loss of confidence, loss of sleep, and altered social relationships, after the study they reported an increased focus on positive life experiences, increased self-worth, maintenance of social identity (as opposed to being defined by cancer), and an increased ability to express their feelings in a symbolic manner.
Numerous other clinical reports have supported the therapeutic benefits of art therapy. Chronically ill individuals have reported better health and well-being, and people with breast cancer have reported a decrease in negative emotions and an increase in positive emotions. Further, individuals undergoing hemodialysis treatment reported reduced depression, and people adversely affected by trauma have reported lower levels of stress, less compassion fatigue, and an increased sense of purpose.
Art therapists work to help individuals, families, groups, and communities become more in touch with their emotions. Art therapy has become an integral part of many rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, crisis centers, private practices, schools, and various other social and community institutions that strive to promote health, wellness, and growth.
What Art Therapy Can Help With
Art therapy can be used to treat a wide range of mental disorders and psychological distress. In many cases, it might be used in conjunction with other psychotherapy techniques such as group therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).5
Some conditions that art therapy may be used to treat include:1
- Aging-related issues6
- Anxiety
- Cancer7
- Depression
- Eating disorders8
- Emotional difficulties
- Family or relationship problems5
- Medical conditions
- Psychological symptoms associated with other medical issues
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)5
- Psychosocial issues
- Stress
- Substance use disorder9
Benefits of Art Therapy
According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, less than an hour of creative activity can reduce your stress and have a positive effect on your mental health, regardless of artistic experience or talent.10
An art therapist may use a variety of art methods, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage with clients ranging from young children to older adults.
Clients who have experienced emotional trauma, physical violence, domestic abuse, anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues can benefit from expressing themselves creatively.
Some situations in which art therapy might be utilized include:
- Adults experiencing severe stress
- Children experiencing behavioral or social problems at school or at home
- Children or adults who have experienced a traumatic event
- Children with learning disabilities
- Individuals living with a brain injury
- People experiencing mental health problems11
Effectiveness
While research suggests that art therapy may be beneficial, some of the findings on its effectiveness are mixed. Studies are often small and inconclusive, so further research is needed to explore how and when art therapy may be most beneficial.12
- In studies of adults who experienced trauma, art therapy was found to significantly reduce trauma symptoms and decrease levels of depression.13
- One review of the effectiveness of art therapy found that this technique helped patients undergoing medical treatment for cancer improve their quality of life and alleviated a variety of psychological symptoms.12
- One study found that art therapy reduced depression and increased self-esteem in older adults living in nursing homes.14
Things to Consider
If you or someone you love is thinking about art therapy, there are some common misconceptions and facts you should know.
You Don’t Have to Be Artistic
People do not need to have artistic ability or special talent to participate in art therapy, and people of all ages including children, teens, and adults can benefit from it. Some research suggests that just the presence of art can play a part in boosting mental health.3
A 2017 study found that art displayed in hospital settings contributed to an environment where patients felt safe. It also played a role in improving socialization and maintaining an identity outside of the hospital.15
It’s Not the Same as an Art Class
People often wonder how an art therapy session differs from an art class. Where an art class is focused on teaching technique or creating a specific finished product, art therapy is more about letting clients focus on their inner experience.3
In creating art, people are able to focus on their own perceptions, imagination, and feelings. Clients are encouraged to create art that expresses their inner world more than making something that is an expression of the outer world.
Art Therapy Can Take Place in a Variety of Settings
Inpatient offices, private mental health offices, schools, and community organizations are all possible settings for art therapy services. Additionally, art therapy may be available in other settings such as:
- Art studios
- Colleges and universities
- Community centers
- Correctional facilities16
- Elementary schools and high schools
- Group homes
- Homeless shelters
- Hospitals17
- Private therapy offices
- Residential treatment centers
- Senior centers
- Wellness center
- Women’s shelters18
If specialized media or equipment is required, however, finding a suitable setting may become challenging.
Art Therapy Is Not for Everyone
Art therapy isn’t for everyone. While high levels of creativity or artistic ability aren’t necessary for art therapy to be successful,10 many adults who believe they are not creative or artistic might be resistant or skeptical of the process.
In addition, art therapy has not been found effective for all types of mental health conditions. For example, one meta-analysis found that art therapy is not effective in reducing positive or negative symptoms of schizophrenia.19
How to Get Started
If you think you or someone you love would benefit from art therapy, consider the following steps:
- Seek out a trained professional. Qualified art therapists will hold at least a master’s degree in psychotherapy with an additional art therapy credential. To find a qualified art therapist, consider searching the Art Therapy Credentials Board website.
- Call your health insurance. While art therapy may not be covered by your health insurance, there may be certain medical waivers to help fund part of the sessions. Your insurance may also be more likely to cover the sessions if your therapist is a certified psychologist or psychiatrist who offers creative therapies.
- Ask about their specialty. Not all art therapists specialize in all mental health conditions. Many specialize in working with people who have experienced trauma or individuals with substance use disorders, for example.
- Know what to expect. During the first few sessions, your art therapist will likely ask you about your health background as well as your current concerns and goals. They may also suggest a few themes to begin exploring via drawing, painting, sculpting, or another medium.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your art-making process. As the sessions progress, you’ll likely be expected to answer questions about your art and how it makes you feel. For example: What were you thinking while doing the art? Did you notice a change of mood from when you started to when you finished? Did the artwork stir any memories?
Becoming an Art Therapist
If you are interested in becoming an art therapist, start by checking with your state to learn more about the education, training, and professional credentials you will need to practice. In most cases, you may need to first become a licensed clinical psychologist, professional counselor, or social worker in order to offer psychotherapy services.
In the United States, the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. (ATCB) offers credentialing programs that allow art therapists to become registered, board-certified, or licensed depending upon the state in which they live and work.20
According to the American Art Therapy Association, the minimum requirements:
- A master’s degree in art therapy, or
- A master’s degree in counseling or a related field with additional coursework in art therapy
Additional post-graduate supervised experience is also required. You can learn more about the training and educational requirements to become an art therapist on the AATA website.
The Many Benefits of Art Therapy in Addiction Recovery
Here are just a few of the many ways that art therapy is beneficial to people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction:
- Provides exploration and release of emotions in a healthy way
- Improves self-esteem and confidence
- Positive outlet for resolving trauma
- Great stress reliever
- Allows for self-expression when there are no words
- Healthy coping skill
- Improves cognitive function and sensory motor skills
- Promotes social skills
- Enhances self-awareness
- Boosts a sense of spiritual connection
- Reduces distress and resolves conflict
- Constructive way to spend therapeutic time
- Improves symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Eases the process of drug or alcohol withdrawal
- It is fun!
The Link Between Creativity and the Healing of the Human Spirit
There is something cathartic about expressing yourself artistically. Just glance through the pages of the human history book. You will find that poetry, art, music, literature, and film have provided an emotional outlet for people throughout the ages. (Take a moment and think about how many popular songs are about being heartbroken during a breakup!)
Something special happens for people in recovery when they channel their thoughts and feelings and express them during an art therapy session. Many sober people say they are able to deeply communicate their innermost secrets during sessions in a way that they never could verbally.
Art therapy can be used in conjunction with a 12-Step recovery program like Alcoholics Anonymous. It is offered at many rehabilitation facilities and can be incorporated into an aftercare plan.
Get Your Therapy On – Unleash Your Inner Artist
If you are looking for a creative way to positively enhance your recovery journey, art therapy might be for you.
You do not have to be a Picasso in order to enjoy art therapy. In fact, if you have never picked up a paintbrush or a sketch pen, you will be in good hands with your therapist. No matter your artistic skillset (or lack thereof), you can still greatly benefit from taking part in this therapeutic approach in sobriety.
Art therapy is not so much about making artwork as it is about healing thyself. It promotes health and wellness in every aspect of the human experience through creativity. It will deepen your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual connection to your innermost being and to the world around you. Give it a try!
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