- What is Art Therapy?
- Who delivers Art Therapy?
- How is Art Therapy different from an Art class?
- Do I need to be good at art to benefit from Art Therapy?
- What can Art Therapy help with?
- What happens in an Art Therapy session?
- Is Art Therapy confidential?
- How much does Art Therapy cost?
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art making to explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences. The act of creating art can access the unconscious mind, allowing feelings and experiences to emerge in a visual form, providing insight and opportunities for deeper reflection.
Rather than focusing on artistic skill, art therapy encourages individuals to create art as a way to process what lies beneath the surface. Together, the individual and the art therapist reflect on the artwork, making sense of what has surfaced and exploring its meaning. This process can help individuals express emotions and experiences that may otherwise be difficult to put into words, leading to greater understanding and emotional processing.
With the guidance of a trained art therapist, this reflective process supports mental well-being, offering clarity, emotional release, and personal growth in a safe and supportive environment.
How much does art therapy cost?
Face-to-Face 1-to-1 Sessions: £65 per session (all art materials included in cost)
Online 1-to-1 Sessions: £60 per session
Online 1-to=1 Sessions with Starter Art Pack: £80 for the first session, then £60 per session thereafter (includes a basic set of art materials)
Do I need to buy an art pack for online sessions? No, you are free to use your own art materials if you have them. However, if you’d like a Starter Art Pack provided, you can choose the Online with Starter Art Pack option. The first session will be £80 to cover the cost of the pack, and all future sessions will be £60 each.
Who delivers art therapy?
Art therapy should only be delivered by a qualified Art Therapist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and a member of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT). These qualifications ensure that the art therapist is professionally trained to provide a safe, ethical, and effective therapeutic experience with the expertise to support individuals on their mental health recovery journey.
How is art therapy different from an art class?
Art therapy is distinct from an art class. While an art class focuses on teaching techniques and developing artistic skills, art therapy is a therapeutic process centred on self-expression and emotional exploration with the aim of improving emotional well-being and mental health.
Do I need to be good at art to benefit from art therapy?
Art therapy is for everyone, regardless of artistic ability or experience. You don’t need to have any prior experience or confidence with creating art to benefit from art therapy.
What issues can holding space art therapy help with?
Art therapy can support individuals experiencing a wide range of emotional and mental health challenges, including:
- Stress / Burnout
- PTSD / Trauma
- Depression / Anxiety (including Perinatal)
- Chronic Pain
- Grief / Bereavement
- Autism / ADHD
- Low Self-Esteem
- Life Transitions or Major Life Changes
Providing a supportive space to work through these challenges at your own pace.
What happens in an art therapy session?
Each session is 50 minutes long, during this time you’ll have access to a range of art materials to use as you feel comfortable. The session might involve creating artwork, reflecting on the creative process, or discussing the feelings and thoughts that arise during the session. You’ll be supported in a confidential and non-judgemental space to explore whatever feels important to you.
Is art therapy confidential?
Yes, all art therapy sessions are confidential. HCPC-registered Art Therapists, adhere to strict professional standards to protect your privacy. The only exceptions to confidentiality occur if there is a serious risk of harm to you or others, in which case the art therapist is required to act to ensure safety.
Holding Space | Art Therapy 