What is Expressive Art Therapy?

Expressive Art Therapy uses different art forms to communicate and allows people to express their thoughts and emotions using creative mediums. The good news is that you don't need to be very creative or artistic to take up this therapy. There are may forms of Expressive Art Therapy, including art, dance/movement, music, and drama. Each medium is unique and different and can bring about different experiences and results. The two I use most in my practice for those who are interested are art (painting, drawing, journaling, mandala work, clay, and drawing) and music.

These two mediums can be done easily both online and in person in sessions. There is a lot of research to show the effective of these therapies with decreasing symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and loneliness. Not only do I offer these therapy modalities as an option for my clients in sessions, but I also encourage clients to integrate these mediums into their life as a way to relax, work through complex problems and conflicts, and to have ways to process and express their emotions.