What Is Art Therapy?
What Is Art Therapy?
Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative expression—such as drawing, painting, or collage—as a way to explore emotions, process experiences, and support healing. It is facilitated by a trained art therapist (ATR-P, ATR, ATR-BC) and does not require any artistic skill or background from you. For more info
The focus is on process over product—on what creating brings up, not what it looks like.
“It’s like the art knew exactly what I needed to say”.
Key Benefits:
Emotional Release & Stress Relief
Access to Deeper Insight
Self-Expression Without Words
Empowerment & Identity Exploration
Safe Space for Healing
The Neurobiology of Art Therapy
Art therapy engages both hemispheres of the brain—the creative, intuitive right brain and the logical, verbal left brain—supporting whole-brain integration.
It also helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, which governs our stress responses (fight, flight, freeze, and fawn). Through mindful art-making:
The parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) is activated, helping the body calm and reset.
Cortisol (stress hormone) levels can decrease while dopamine and serotonin levels rise, improving mood and focus.
The limbic system, which stores emotion and trauma, is gently accessed without re-traumatization.
Nervous System Awareness & Regulation
Women often internalize stress, trauma, or emotional suppression. Art therapy creates a safe, embodied space to:
Build interoceptive awareness (noticing internal states)
Recognize patterns of dysregulation (e.g., chronic anxiety, burnout, emotional numbness)
Develop tools for self-regulation through color, movement, texture, and rhythm
This deepens the connection between body and mind, helping clients feel more grounded, safe, and in control of their internal world.
Location + How to Get Started
Sessions take place in person at my Lake Elmo office. Art supplies are always provided. You’re welcome to try one session or incorporate this work into ongoing therapy.
