Anyone can participate in Art Therapy, regardless of their artistic skill, background, age, disability, race, ethnicity, gender, or cultural identity. This is because Art Therapy creates a judgment-free space for play, growth, regulation, and connection.

Art Therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy that uses creative processes to help improve wellbeing alongside a qualified Art Therapist. It is non-verbal in nature, which helps people to explore feelings that may feel really big or difficult to express with words alone. This makes Art Therapy an accessible, autonomous, non-threatening, and empowering therapeutic intervention.

Art Therapists are mental health professionals who integrate diverse techniques and psychotherapeutic tools to assist others to practise mindfulness, regulate the nervous system, enhance neuroplasticity, rewire neural pathways, improve emotional regulation and communication skills, enhance self-compassion and understanding, and nurture self-discovery and self-esteem. Unlike traditional art classes, in Art Therapy, the emphasis remains on the reflective artmaking process and the therapeutic relationship, not just the final product.

To learn more about Art Therapy, visit the ANZACATA website.