FAQ’s: About art therapy

• I can’t draw: Is art therapy for me?

  Art therapy requires no drawing or artistic skill. Stick figures are fine! The art we make during an art therapy session isn’t meant for the wall, we are more concerned with the process of its creation. Art making with an Art Therapist offers a valuable source of communication between the therapist, the art and you…

• Isn’t art therapy just a fancy art class?

  Art therapy may sometimes look like an art class or workshop to the outside eye, but it works in very different and powerful ways. An Art Therapist has been trained to observe many subtle things and also has expertise in the management of therapeutic groups. While we may pass on our knowledge around creativity and art making, our primary goal is not to teach you anything particular in that regard. An art class can make your feel good: having an art therapist onboard deepens the experience immeasurably. Insight, reflection and another way of communicating are all part of the richness that we offer.

• Who is Art Therapy For?

  Art therapy is an appropriate therapy for many populations: it has been used with older adults; those living with mental health issues; anxiety; anger & grief. It is a wonderful intervention for kids & teens who are usually still ‘natural artists’. Part of the beauty of art therapy is that it offers a means to communicate that does not rely solely on words. We encourage the art to do the talking. Being a person-centred process, art therapy sessions follow the lead of the participant(s), adapting to their needs and desires. You will not have to do or say anything that makes you uncomfortable.

• Can anyone call themselves an Art Therapist?

  Professionally trained Art Therapists study for years to earn their place in the psychotherapeutic professions. We are a nationally accredited, evidence-based mental health profession. Best Practise involves studying for a Masters degree (MAaTH). Our governing body is ANZACATA, who regulate creative therapists. Ethics, safety, diversity and inclusion are primary in the execution of our services. Every collaborator sourced through ART (co) LAB is a highly educated, informed and empathetic professional who belongs to our professional organisation.

• Do you read our minds?

  Um, no. An Art Therapist cannot know more about you or your images than you do! We support your investigation of your art making through discussion and reflection. ART(co)LAB are here to encourage you to see, feel, create, engage, repair…and repeat… Collaborate with us!