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 artmaking, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.

Art Therapy, facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art Therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.

Art therapists are master-level clinicians who work with people of all ages across a broad spectrum of practice. Guided by ethical standards and scope of practice, their education and supervised training prepares them for culturally proficient work with diverse populations in a variety of settings. Honoring individuals’ values and beliefs, art therapists work with people who are challenged with medical and mental health problems, as well as individuals seeking emotional, creative, and spiritual growth.

Through integrative methods, 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.”

In short: it’s a way of combining art and psychology to support healing, growth, and emotional well-being—all within the context of a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship.

Sometimes it’s hard to put things into words, or words alone just aren’t enough. Art therapy offers another way in. Through drawing, collage, or even just simple marks on a page, creative expression can help you process emotions, understand yourself more fully, and move forward in meaningful ways.

Art therapy isn’t about being artistic or making something “good.” It’s about showing up honestly, getting curious, and letting the creative process guide the work.

As a Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), I’ve been trained to use art in clinically grounded, evidence-based ways. If you’re looking for something deeper than talking—or maybe talking has never felt quite right—art therapy might be a powerful fit.

Sure do! While creativity is a big part of how I work, we don’t have to use art if it doesn’t feel right for you. My goal is to meet you where you are.