Art Therapy in London

Waving your hands in the air “like you just don’t care”; painting a peaceful landscape; singing from the top of your lungs in the shower — there’s something about unleashing your creativity that just feels so good! 

Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that draws on the connection between happiness and the creative process to boost physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Through art therapy, the act of expressing yourself is believed to reduce stress, improve self-esteem and resolve inner and external conflicts. And you don’t have to possess Picasso-like talents either. Your art is whatever you conjure from the depths of your subconscious — no judgement, no rules! 

Get creative today and embrace the power of art by booking in for art therapy today.

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What Are the Benefits of Art Therapy? 

Combining psychotherapeutic therapies and techniques, art therapy digs deep into the psychological dimensions of the creative process to delve into your true sense of self. Put simply, art therapy is a form of self-discovery and exploration.

Skilled in both art and therapy, art therapists use creativity to reveal aspects of yourself that you may not have comprehended through reading the images and creations that you produce. 

• Among the many benefits are: 
• Better insight into what makes you who you are
• A greater ability to cope with adversity 
• A promoted sense of personal development 
• Enhanced cognitive function 

What to Expect from an Art Therapy Session

No two art therapy sessions are the same. Your session will depend entirely upon your needs, desires and experiences. For most, the therapy will begin with a brief consultation, where you’ll be given the opportunity to discuss how you’re feeling, what you want from the session and your past creative experiences. This informal conversation is designed so that the therapist can personalise the session towards you and your needs, so don’t be afraid — the more information you provide, the better. If you already have some form of artistic practice, you may want to bring along some examples of your work to show and discuss with your therapist. 

You will then be given some paper, charcoal, watercolours, pencils or whatever tools you need to creatively express yourself, and given time to work through your creation. It’s not uncommon to feel a little uncertain at first — the blank canvas can be a little intimidating, and for most of us, creativity and artistic expression aren't things we’ve consistently embraced during our adult years. But don’t worry, your therapist will work with you to overcome any insecurities and guide you through the creative exercises. Over time, you will become more comfortable and confident with the process and even look forward to your sessions. 

Whether enormous murals or tiny paper origami, your creations will form the basis of your therapy. Through artistic analysis, your therapist will unpack your creations and help you to process your emotions and feelings. Using these insights, they will also help you to begin to heal from past trauma and anxiety. 

The best part? Once you’ve learnt how to tap into your creativity, art therapy is something that you can practice yourself from the comfort of your own home. All you need are a few sheets of paper, a couple of pencils, an open mind and a little creativity. 

Feeling disconnected, stressed and restless? Book yourself an art therapy session near you and express yourself!