The use of artistic methods to treat psychological disorders and enhance mental health is known as art therapy. Art therapy is a technique rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being.1 People have been relying on the arts for communication, self-expression, and healing for thousands of years. But art therapy didn't start to become a formal program until the 1940s.2 Doctors noted that individuals living with mental illness often expressed themselves in drawings and other artworks, which led many to explore the use of art as a healing strategy.3 Since then, art has become an important part of the therapeutic field and is used in some assessment and treatment techniques. Types of Creative Therapies Art therapy is not the only type of creative art used in the treatment of mental illness. Other types of creative therapies include: Dance therapy Drama therapy Expressive therapy Music therapy Writing therapy4 Techniques The goal of art therapy is to utilize the creative process to help people explore self-expression and, in doing so, find new ways to gain personal insight and develop new coping skills. The creation or appreciation of art is used to help people explore emotions, develop self-awareness, cope with stress, boost self-esteem, and work on social skills. Techniques used in art therapy can include: Collage Coloring Doodling and scribbling Drawing Finger painting Painting Photography Sculpting Working with clay As clients create art, they may analyze what they have made and how it makes them feel. Through exploring their art, people can look for themes and conflicts that may be affecting their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.1 What Art Therapy Can Help With Art therapy can be used to treat a wide range of mental disorders and psychological distress. In many cases, it might be used in conjunction with other psychotherapy techniques such as group therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).5 Some conditions that art therapy may be used to treat include:1 Aging-related issues6 Anxiety Cancer7 Depression Eating disorders8 Emotional difficulties Family or relationship problems5 Medical conditions Psychological symptoms associated with other medical issues Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)5 Psychosocial issues Stress Substance use disorder9 Benefits of Art Therapy According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, less than an hour of creative activity can reduce your stress and have a positive effect on your mental health, regardless of artistic experience or talent.10 An art therapist may use a variety of art methods, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage with clients ranging from young children to older adults. Clients who have experienced emotional trauma, physical violence, domestic abuse, anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues can benefit from expressing themselves creatively. Some situations in which art therapy might be utilized include: Adults experiencing severe stress Children experiencing behavioral or social problems at school or at home Children or adults who have experienced a traumatic event Children with learning disabilities Individuals living with a brain injury People experiencing mental health problems11 Effectiveness While research suggests that art therapy may be beneficial, some of the findings on its effectiveness are mixed. Studies are often small and inconclusive, so further research is needed to explore how and when art therapy may be most beneficial.12 In studies of adults who experienced trauma, art therapy was found to significantly reduce trauma symptoms and decrease levels of depression.13 One review of the effectiveness of art therapy found that this technique helped patients undergoing medical treatment for cancer improve their quality of life and alleviated a variety of psychological symptoms.12 One study found that art therapy reduced depression and increased self-esteem in older adults living in nursing homes.14 Things to Consider If you or someone you love is thinking about art therapy, there are some common misconceptions and facts you should know. You Don't Have to Be Artistic People do not need to have artistic ability or special talent to participate in art therapy, and people of all ages including children, teens, and adults can benefit from it. Some research suggests that just the presence of art can play a part in boosting mental health.3 A 2017 study found that art displayed in hospital settings contributed to an environment where patients felt safe. It also played a role in improving socialization and maintaining an identity outside of the hospital.15 It's Not the Same as an Art Class People often wonder how an art therapy session differs from an art class. Where an art class is focused on teaching technique or creating a specific finished product, art therapy is more about letting clients focus on their inner experience.3 In creating art, people are able to focus on their own perceptions, imagination, and feelings. Clients are encouraged to create art that expresses their inner world more than making something that is an expression of the outer world. Art Therapy Can Take Place in a Variety of Settings Inpatient offices, private mental health offices, schools, and community organizations are all possible settings for art therapy services. Additionally, art therapy may be available in other settings such as: Art studios Colleges and universities Community centers Correctional facilities16 Elementary schools and high schools Group homes Homeless shelters Hospitals17 Private therapy offices Residential treatment centers Senior centers Wellness center Women's shelters18 If specialized media or equipment is required, however, finding a suitable setting may become challenging.