The purpose of art is to make the invisible visible.

Art Psychotherapy is a form of therapy that uses the creative process of making art to help people explore emotions, resolve conflicts, and gain insight into their inner world. It is not about artistic skill — you don’t need to be able to draw or paint beautifully. The focus is on self-expression, reflection, and emotional growth.

Art psychotherapy integrates traditional psychotherapeutic principles with creative methods. Clients are encouraged to use images, colours, shapes, and forms to express feelings and thoughts that may be difficult to put into words. This process can help uncover unconscious patterns, release emotional tension, and support personal healing.

The roots of art psychotherapy can be traced to Carl Jung, who used drawing, painting, and mandalas as a tool for self-discovery and psychological exploration. Jung observed that images could reveal inner conflicts, archetypes, and aspects of the unconscious, showing how art could help people understand themselves in profound ways.

Later pioneers formalized these ideas into therapy practices. Margaret Naumburg, often called the “mother of art therapy,” emphasized creative expression in psychoanalytic work, while Edith Kramer highlighted the healing potential inherent in the act of art-making itself. Today, art psychotherapy combines these approaches with modern psychological theory and professional standards, such as HCPC guidelines in the UK.

Art psychotherapy can benefit people of all ages and backgrounds — whether facing anxiety, trauma, depression, or simply seeking self-awareness. Through art, we can access feelings and insights that words alone sometimes cannot reach, providing a unique pathway to healing, reflection, and personal growth.