What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy combines the creative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate.
Canadian Art Therapy Association. (2017). What is art therapy.
How Does a Professional Art Therapist Differ from a Therapist that Uses Art?
As indicated by the Canadian Art Therapy Association (2025) "Art therapists are trained professionals with expertise in counselling psychology and fine arts."
Canadian Art Therapists must have at minimum a master’s level diploma or master’s degree in art therapy to practice. This graduate level education includes supervised clinical practicum hours ensuring the safety of the client as well as professional liability for agencies and employers offering this form of therapy. Art Therapists adhere to Ethical Guidelines specific to Art Therapy, in addition to ethical guidelines set out by their Psychotherapy or Social Work College.
Art Therapy Research is Expansive and Ongoing
Art therapy outcome research with diverse populations continues to be published in different academic journals in art therapy, psychology, psychotherapy, counselling, special populations, and art education including those by the Canadian Art Therapy Association, American Art Therapy Association and The British Association of Art Therapists. In 2023 the World Health Organization shared ground-breaking research on the importance of Arts and Health, creating more opportunities for Creative Arts Therapies around the world to meet the needs of holistic wellbeing on a global scale.
What an Art Therapy Sessions May Look Like
All sessions are tailored to the individual needs of each client and are grounded in a strong therapeutic relationship. Each session is personalized to meet your needs as the client. A session usually begins with a check-in through art making or conversation to meet the client in the moment. After the check in, the client will be invited to either choose their own art materials and create whatever they feel called to in the moment, or, a directive (planned, and specific) art invitation may be shared with the client by the Art Therapist.
Materials and art making may include: painting, modelling clay, pastels, markers, to name a few—to express emotions, explore senses or share a special interest. The session may end with a developmentally appropriate discussion about the art made, and/or art making process, focusing on insights or feelings that came up during the activity.
Want to learn more about what to expect in an Art Therapy Session? Check out the latest blog post here!
About Art Therapy with Stefanie
Art Therapy from the comfort of your own home!
Our office is well stocked with art supplies waiting for you!
Our office is well stocked with art supplies waiting for you!
Interesting in Art Therapy but coming into the office is not an option? Consider reaching out to see if Virtual Art Therapy is right for you. As long as you have a private space in your own, a computer/smart phone/tablet with internet access, and basic art making supplies - you have what you need.
Our office is well stocked with art supplies waiting for you!
Our office is well stocked with art supplies waiting for you!
Our office is well stocked with art supplies waiting for you!
Who doesn't love making a mess and not having to clean up after yourself? In studio (office) Art Therapy we provide the space and supplies to create and explore your feelings and goals and focus on the process - not the prep or clean up! This setting is ideal for people who prefer in person connection.
Nature + Art + Horses - need we say more?
Our office is well stocked with art supplies waiting for you!
Nature + Art + Horses - need we say more?
We really don't know what more to say! Nature + Art + Horses provide a unique therapeutic experience that may be right for you if traditional therapy offices feel too clinical. Come out to the barn and practice heart resonance and practical skills while learning from and connecting with horses.