What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a recognised, evidence-based form of psychotherapy that uses the process of art-making and creative expression to promote communication and self-reflection. By working with a qualified art therapist, clients can explore their emotional experiences in a safe, trauma-informed environment, allowing them to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences authentically. This transformative process fosters deep self-awareness and personal growth, bridging the gap between the conscious and subconscious mind and leading to meaningful developments and transformation.

What does Art Therapy Involve?

Art therapy uses extensive creative mediums and modalities, including drawing, painting, and sculpting, to explore and enhance connections between the mind, body, and spirit. Art therapy with trained and qualified art psychotherapists offers a safe space for processing and expressing complex emotions and experiences by integrating creative expression, verbal and non-verbal communication, somatic techniques, and sensory exploration.

Clinically, art therapy supports self-reflection, heals attachment wounds, addresses trauma, and aids in processing emotional and physical challenges. Through expressive and bodily movements, art-making and creativity promote neurological regulation, stabilize the central nervous system, and foster holistic well-being and personal development.

Unlike art lessons or therapeutic art, art therapy involves a qualified art psychotherapist guiding clients through emotional expression and healing. This clinical process prioritises growth, development, and self-awareness over technical skill, making it a transformative approach to addressing emotional, psychological, medical and physical challenges.

Art therapy can be offered in multiple formats, including one-on-one sessions, sessions with couples or families, private group settings, or open drop-in sessions.

Art therapy aims to achieve profound and meaningful outcomes, including:

  • Expressing feelings that might be challenging to articulate verbally

  • Exploring one's imagination and creativity

  • Developing effective coping mechanisms and focus

  • Enhancing self-esteem and confidence

  • Boosting communication abilities

  • Sharing experiences in a supportive and nurturing setting

  • Improving motor skills and physical coordination

  • Identifying obstacles to emotional expression and personal development.

    https://ahpa.com.au/allied-health-professions/art-therapy/

Why Art Therapy is suitable for all ages and abilities

Art therapy is a versatile and inclusive therapeutic approach that supports individuals of all ages, abilities, and needs by addressing emotional, mental, physical, and relational challenges in a creative and accessible way. Art therapy’s strength lies in its flexibility and ability to meet people’s unique needs. It supports emotional expression, helps process difficult experiences, promotes physical rehabilitation, strengthens relationships, and fosters self-awareness and personal growth.

By combining creative play, sensory exploration, verbal and non-verbal communication, and somatic techniques, art therapy offers an inclusive, transformative space for healing and growth. Whether addressing autism, trauma, attachment issues, or physical challenges, art therapy provides a universal tool for enhancing well-being across all ages, abilities, and circumstances.

Art therapy offers a safe, nonverbal avenue for emotional expression and identity exploration. It is especially valuable for individuals who find verbal communication difficult or prefer alternative forms of self-expression.

Art Therapists are qualified professionals who have undergone extensive tertiary training in art and psychotherapy. They have a deep understanding of human development, psychological theories, and counselling techniques, which they use to create a safe and expressive therapeutic space for individuals through art-making.

In Australia, to practise as a Professional Art Psychotherapist and use the recognised title AThR (ANZACATA registered art therapist), the following requirements must be met by the practitioner:

  • Completed a recognised Masters degree in Arts Psychotherapy.

  • Complete a minimum of 750 hours of supervised clinical placement.

  • Be a registered member of a professional peak body. For example, ANZACATA or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia and the Australian Counselling Association (PACFA)

  • Complete continuing professional development, undertake regular clinical supervision and work under a code of ethics.

  • Professional level Art Therapists may be required to undergo an annual audit by their peek body.

What is an AThR Art Therapist?

Memories and trauma are stored in a different part of the brain than verbal language, suggesting that talk therapy on its own may not be as beneficial for people who have experienced trauma as when it’s combined with art therapy. (Emily Davenport, MA)

Art Therapy and the NDIS

Art therapists working as or for NDIS-registered providers must meet the qualification standards required for professional membership of the Australian, New Zealand, and Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association (ANZACATA), the Counselling Associations, such as the Psychotherapy and Counselling Association of Australia (PACFA) or the Australian Counselling Association.

Any of these memberships assure the quality of the therapy and the therapist's qualifications, as well as evidence that the Allied Health Professional Association represents the therapist.

How much does an art therapist cost? Can I use my NDIS funding for an Art Therapist?

A qualified art therapist is entitled to charge under the NDIS Price Guide, which allows up to $193.99 per hour (metro) and can be charged under the Other Therapy groups of funding. The line items are listed below:

Note: If the participant is attending a group session, prices may be lower depending on the number of people in the session.

What NDIS budget do I use for art therapy?

Art therapy is usually funded from the Improved Daily Living budget. However, some participants are eligible for Disability-Related Health Support, which can be taken from the Core budget.

What NDIS goals can an art therapist help me reach?

Art therapy is recognized by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) as a valuable therapeutic support that can assist participants in achieving various personal goals. Incorporating art therapy into an NDIS plan can address a wide range of objectives, including:

Enhancing Emotional Well-being: Art therapy provides a creative outlet for expressing emotions, which can lead to reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. This aligns with NDIS goals focused on improving mental health and emotional regulation.

Developing Communication Skills: For individuals who find verbal communication challenging, art therapy offers alternative means to convey thoughts and feelings, enhancing overall communication abilities.

Building Social Connections: Participating in art therapy sessions can foster social interaction and community engagement, supporting NDIS goals related to social participation and relationship building.

Improving Cognitive and Motor Skills: Engaging in artistic activities can enhance fine motor skills, cognitive functioning, and problem-solving abilities, contributing to greater independence in daily tasks.

Boosting Self-Esteem and Confidence: Creating art can lead to a sense of accomplishment, thereby increasing self-esteem and confidence, which are essential for pursuing personal aspirations.

Processing Trauma and Life Transitions: Art therapy provides a safe space to explore and process traumatic experiences or significant life changes, aiding in emotional healing and adjustment.

Participants should discuss how art therapy aligns with their goals during planning meetings to include it in the NDIS plan. It's essential to demonstrate that art therapy is reasonable and necessary to support the achievement of the desired outcomes. Collaborating with qualified art therapists and support coordinators can facilitate the effective integration of art therapy into the NDIS plan.