The American Art Therapy Association defines art therapy as a mental health intervention in which “individuals, facilitated by the art therapist, use art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem.” The goal of art therapy varies for each individual, as the art therapist and individual work together to explore different media, creative directives, and a variety of experiential processes to improve or restore the individual’s sense of personal well-being.

Art Therapy is an effective treatment for people of all ages experiencing developmental, medical, educational, and social or psychological difficulties. Art therapy helps individuals resolve conflicts, improve interpersonal skills, manage problematic behaviors, reduce negative stress, build coping skills, and achieve personal insight. Art Therapy also provides an opportunity to build self-concept, self-worth, and self-esteem through guided and open art making. 

Art Therapists require specialize training and knowledge is visual art (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms) and the creative process, as well as of human development, psychological, and counseling theories and techniques. For more information about art therapy and its evidence based research, please visit the American Art Therapy Association’s website at: arttherapy.org

For further questions about Art Therapy feel free to contact our Art Therapist, Ms. Christine Creighton by phone: (630) 549-6497 x 706 or email: creighton@picaassoc.net.