Beyond Coloring: How Art Therapy Can Be a Positive Impact for All

Art therapy is a service that helps to enrich the lives of individuals, families and communities through active art-making, creative process and human experience. Art therapy, with a professional art therapist, supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns.

Honoring individuals’ values and beliefs, art therapists work with people who are challenged with medical and mental health disorders, as well as individuals seeking emotional, creative and spiritual growth.

Art therapy engages the mind and body in ways that are different from language alone. Visual and symbolic expression gives voice to experience and empowers individual, communal and societal transformation.

How Can Art Therapy Help?

• Positive Physical Impact: improving motor skills, enhanced physical movement and feeling.
• Positive Cognitive Impact: improving memory, prioritization, planning, problem solving, attention span and organization.
• Positive Psychosocial Impact: improving interpersonal skills, expression of feelings and collaboration. Fostering self-expression and communication, providing experiences that promote positive and meaningful interactions between patients, families, friends and caregivers.
• Positive Emotional Impact: improving impaired control, easing anxiety, and easing depression from feelings of loss, loneliness, guilt and frustration. Promoting a sense of comfort and normalization. Fostering positive self-esteem and instilling hope.

What If I’m Not Good at Art?

Not being “good enough” does not exists with art therapy. Artistic talent is not needed nor important. By utilizing various media including but not limited to: painting, drawing or sculpture, the participant has the opportunity to create something meaningful and learn new skills. Art therapy is about the process of creation and the personal experience over the final product. Art therapy is for any and everybody with no exceptions!

How Do I Find a Registered Art Therapist to Work With?

Art therapists are healthcare professionals who provide necessary health services to a growing number of people receiving care in a variety of health care settings and through private practice. They work in hospitals, clinics, K-12 schools, educational institutions, community programs and other settings to help people address health and well-being.

Learn more about how our partner, JOANN, has unique ways to emotionally empower your kids through art.