Common myths about Art Therapy

#1 - It is similar to an art class

Art Therapy is not an art class because it focuses on the process of making art with the sole purpose of emotional and psychological healing. It does not focus on teaching an artistic technique. The relationship that is actively nurtured between the therapist and the client is key and unique to the healing process. It is facilitated by a qualified art therapist versus a qualified art teacher.

#2 - I need to have an inclination towards 'art' to benefit from Art Therapy.

There is no pre-requisite of artistic inclination, training or talent to benefit from art therapy. It wholly depends on how open you are to trying it out for your mental and emotional wellbeing.

#3 - Art Therapy does not involve any talking.

While art therapy gives us the option to communicate when words fail, the process of art therapy encourages one to slowly find words and to reflect on the art making process, the image, and the life situation at hand. And since art therapists are trained counsellors as well, it is not necessary to make art every single session, talking is welcome too!

#5 - Art Therapy is suitable only for children.

Art Therapy is suitable for adults and children (above the age of 5). Adults can benefit equally.

#6 - Art Therapy is about painting different colours for different conditions, related to colour therapy.

Though colours inherently have specific effects on the human psyche, art therapy does not prescribe different colour treatments for different conditions. It is not prescriptive nor is it a quick fix. The therapeutic journey is unique to each individual and the art therapist caters to each person specifically even if they are suffering from similar states of mind. 

#7 - My drawings will be interpreted and I will be given a diagnosis and a solution.

Any interpretations of the images made are provided by the maker of the image and not by the art therapist. The art therapist facilitates reflection and exploration of the image so that the individual may arrive at his or her own meaning of the image. Through the process of reflection the individual might eventually arrive at a possible solution for themselves.