Art therapy is an established form of psychotherapy, delivered by trained art therapists (also known as art psychotherapists).

Art therapy uses art as the primary mode of expression, alongside talking with an art therapist. It aims to reduce distress and improve social, emotional and mental health by promoting insight, self-compassion and a sense of agency and self-worth.

During art therapy, you are supported by an art therapist to use art to express and articulate often complex thoughts and feelings through art making. This may be following difficult or traumatic experiences which may be hard to talk about.

Who is art therapy suitable for?

Art therapy can help people of all ages and at all stages of life, including those whose life has been affected by difficult personal or cultural experiences, illness and/or disability. You do not need to be skilled in art to benefit from art therapy.

How is art therapy regulated?

In the UK, the title art therapist and art psychotherapist are protected by law. All UK art therapists must be state registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). All registered art therapists can be found on the HCPC’s register.

I had so much benefit… real lasting benefits that I’ve been able to carry on with on my own, like a new way of doing things and different methods of coping. I think I got more from it than I ever thought possible.

Service user, Creative Therapies Service, Exeter