What is Art Therapy ?

Art therapy is an invitation to slow down, connect, and let your story emerge — one brushstroke, movement, or symbol at a time.

Art therapy is a way of using creativity to explore, express, and heal. It combines the process of art-making with the support of a registered art therapist to create a safe, nurturing space where your story can unfold.

It’s not about being “good” at art. In fact, you don’t need any artistic skills at all. Art therapy is about the process, not the product. Every mark, movement, or creation has meaning — even if it

looks simple or abstract.

🌿 How Does Art Therapy Work?

Art therapy works by using creative processes as a conduit — a gentle pathway that allows feelings, memories, and stories to emerge in ways that words alone cannot.

When you’re painting, sculpting, moving, or creating in any form, you may find yourself expressing something that has been difficult to talk about. The artwork becomes a bridge between your inner world and the outside world, allowing emotions and experiences to be seen and safely explored.

🎨 What Can Be Used in Art Therapy?

Art therapy isn’t limited to pencils and paintbrushes. It can include many creative forms:

• 🎨 Visual arts: drawing, painting, collage, mixed media

• 🧵 Sculpture and textiles: clay, weaving, sewing

• 🎭 Drama and movement: role-play, body expression, storytelling

• 🎶 Music and sound: rhythm, instruments, singing

• 🏖 Sandplay and image cards: working with symbols and metaphors

• 🌸 Nature-based art: using flowers, leaves, or natural objects to create meaning

• 📸 Digital and photography: exploring through cameras and creative apps

The medium doesn’t matter — what matters is finding the right form for you.

🌱 Who Can Benefit?

Art therapy can support people of all ages — children, teens, adults, families, and older adults. It can be especially helpful for those experiencing:

• Grief and loss

• Trauma or difficult memories

• Anxiety or depression

• Stress and life transitions

• Identity and self-esteem challenges

• A desire for self-discovery and growth

Because art-making can access feelings that are hard to put into words, it often provides relief, clarity, and new ways of seeing your story.

🌸 Why Choose Art Therapy?

At Drawing Within, we believe every story matters. From the moment you walk through the garden path into the studio, you are already entering a safe conduit — a space where creativity, nature, and story combine.

Here, you’ll find:

• 🌿 A safe, non-judgmental environment

• 🎨 Freedom to express yourself in many creative ways

• 🌸 Gentle guidance from a therapist who will hold your story with care

• 💛 The understanding that there are no mistakes in creativity