Art therapy is a mental health practice that uses creative techniques like drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage to help individuals express themselves and cope with emotional struggles. It is facilitated by trained art therapists who guide participants through the creative process to help them gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

While the term "art therapy" was first introduced in the 1940s, its roots go back much further. Historically, people have used artistic expression to communicate and heal, even before formal therapeutic methods existed. Today, it is a recognized form of psychotherapy that is used in various clinical and non-clinical settings.

Art therapy is built on the understanding that creative expression can help individuals explore their emotions, process experiences, and develop effective coping mechanisms. Each session is uniquely tailored to the client’s needs, but generally follows a structured process that facilitates personal insight and healing.

Establishing Goals
The session begins with a discussion between the therapist and client to clarify their objectives. These goals might focus on emotional processing, stress reduction, self-discovery, or managing specific mental health challenges. The therapist may ask questions like:

• What emotions or thoughts have been weighing on you?
• Are there any specific experiences you’d like to explore through art?
• How do you hope to feel by the end of the session?

By setting clear intentions, the client and therapist create a roadmap for the creative process.

Choosing a Medium
Art therapy incorporates various artistic materials, allowing clients to choose the medium that best resonates with them. Options may include:

• Painting: Ideal for exploring emotions through color and fluid movement.
• Drawing: Helps with structured self-expression and reflection.
• Clay Sculpting: Encourages tactile engagement and can be useful for grounding techniques.
• Collage Making: Useful for processing memories and constructing personal narratives.
• The therapist may guide the selection process based on the client’s comfort level and therapeutic goals.

Creating Art
Once materials are chosen, the client begins creating. The therapist provides gentle guidance but does not dictate the outcome - this stage is about self-expression, not artistic skill. Clients may:

• Paint abstract shapes that represent emotions.
• Sculpt a form that embodies a personal struggle.
• Draw symbols or images that hold deep meaning.
• During this process, the therapist encourages mindfulness, allowing the client to focus on sensations, thoughts, and emotions that arise while creating.

Reflection and Discussion
After completing the artwork, the therapist and client explore its meaning together. Reflection may involve:

• Discussing how the artwork relates to the client’s emotions.
• Identifying patterns, themes, or unexpected discoveries.
• Exploring how the creative process felt - was it freeing, challenging, or cathartic?
• Clients may be invited to title their artwork or describe what they see, helping them articulate their inner experiences.

Planning for Future Growth
To reinforce progress beyond the session, the therapist may suggest exercises for the client to practice at home, such as:

• Journaling about their artwork and emotions.
• Experimenting with different art materials to explore new feelings.
• Creating a daily sketch or color diary to track moods.
• By incorporating art into their routine, clients can continue their healing journey outside of therapy.

One of the most important aspects of art therapy is that artistic skill is not required. The goal is not to create a polished piece, but rather to use creative expression as a tool for self-reflection and emotional healing. Through art, individuals can uncover hidden emotions, build resilience, and find new ways to express what words may not fully capture.

At Lina, we bring the benefits of professional art therapy straight to your fingertips. Designed for iOS and iPad, our app offers a convenient way to manage anxiety, boost self-esteem, and gain personal insights - no matter where you are. Whether you’re at home, commuting, or taking a break at work, Lina makes art therapy accessible anytime you need it.

Using Lina is simple. Each session starts with a guided prompt designed by certified art therapists. You’ll create a drawing based on the task, allowing you to express emotions and explore your inner world. With the help of our AI-powered insights, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your feelings and personal growth. No artistic skills are required - it’s about self-expression, not perfection.

Beyond drawing exercises, Lina offers journaling prompts, metaphorical cards, and guided meditations to help you reflect, relax, and reconnect with yourself. Every feature is backed by psychology and designed to support your mental well-being.

Our app is built with care by a team of therapists, psychologists, and tech experts who believe in the healing power of creativity. Lina is more than just an app - it’s a personal space for self-discovery, designed to fit effortlessly into your daily routine.

You can download Lina on iOS and iPad today and start your art therapy journey for free. Stay inspired and connected with us on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok, where we share creative insights, mental wellness tips, and behind-the-scenes content from the world of Lina.

Art therapy falls under the umbrella of expressive arts therapy, a broad field that uses creative expression as a tool for emotional healing and self-discovery. While art therapy focuses on visual arts like drawing, painting, and sculpting, there are several other forms of expressive therapy, each offering unique benefits based on individual preferences and needs.

Music therapy
Music therapy harnesses the power of sound to support emotional and cognitive well-being. This may involve playing instruments, singing, or simply listening to music that resonates with one’s emotions. Music has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance communication, making it particularly effective for individuals who find verbal expression challenging.

Dance therapy
Dance therapy is a movement-based approach that encourages people to process emotions and trauma through physical expression. Movement can help release tension, increase body awareness, and foster a deeper connection between the mind and body. This form of therapy is especially useful for those who struggle to articulate feelings with words.

Drama therapy
Drama therapy involves role-playing, storytelling, and performance to explore personal experiences. By stepping into different characters or reenacting life situations, individuals can gain new perspectives, build confidence, and process emotions in a safe and controlled environment. It is often used to address trauma, anxiety, and social difficulties.

Writing therapy
Writing therapy utilizes journaling, poetry, or creative writing to help individuals express emotions and gain clarity. Writing can serve as a powerful outlet for processing thoughts, organizing feelings, and reflecting on personal experiences. Many people find that putting their emotions into words allows them to make sense of difficult situations and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Each of these therapies provides a unique path to healing, catering to different personality types and emotional needs. While some may find comfort in visual expression through art therapy, others may resonate more with movement, music, drama, or writing. The key is finding the medium that feels most natural and effective in supporting emotional well-being and personal growth.

Art therapy includes a wide range of techniques designed to help individuals express themselves creatively. Some of the most common include:

• Doodling and Scribbling: A freeform way to release tension and tap into subconscious thoughts.
• Coloring: Simple yet effective for relaxation and mindfulness.
• Collage Making: Assembling images and textures to explore emotions or visualize goals.
• Sculpting and Clay Work: Creating tangible representations of emotions or life experiences.
• Painting and Drawing: A direct way to express thoughts and process emotions visually.
• Photography: Capturing meaningful moments to encourage self-reflection.

These activities can be done in guided sessions with a therapist or independently as a form of self-care.

Research shows that art therapy can have a significant positive impact on mental health. Engaging in creative expression has been found to reduce stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. It also plays a key role in improving self-esteem, as completing an art project fosters a sense of accomplishment and personal growth. For individuals processing trauma, creating art provides a safe and non-verbal way to express and work through painful memories, making it an effective tool for emotional healing.

Art therapy also enhances emotional awareness, helping individuals recognize and understand their feelings on a deeper level. By engaging in creative activities, people can develop a stronger connection to their emotions, which can lead to better self-regulation and mental clarity. Additionally, art therapy fosters problem-solving skills by encouraging cognitive flexibility and resilience. The process of creating allows individuals to experiment, take risks, and approach challenges from new perspectives, all of which can be applied to everyday life.

While art therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it serves as a valuable complement to other therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and traditional talk therapy. By integrating creativity into mental health care, individuals can access new pathways for self-expression, healing, and personal development.

Art therapy is generally safe and beneficial, but in some cases, it can bring up difficult emotions or memories. For individuals processing deep trauma, grief, or intense anxiety, certain exercises may feel overwhelming if not guided properly. Without the right support, emotions triggered by artistic expression can sometimes lead to distress, frustration, or emotional exhaustion.

Some potential risks of art therapy include:

• Emotional Overload: Engaging in deep self-exploration through art may bring up painful memories or feelings that are difficult to manage alone.
• Frustration with Artistic Expression: Some individuals may feel self-conscious about their creative abilities or frustrated if they struggle to express emotions visually.
• Potential for Comparison: In group therapy settings, some people may compare their artwork to others, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
• Triggering Effects in Certain Mental Health Conditions: Those experiencing severe psychosis, PTSD, or dissociation may need a specialized approach to avoid distressing responses.

To minimize these risks, art therapy should be guided by a trained therapist, especially for those with significant mental health challenges. A qualified therapist ensures that exercises are adapted to individual emotional needs and that the experience remains supportive and constructive. Self-guided art therapy is an option for those looking for a more personal approach, but individuals should pay attention to their emotional responses and seek professional guidance if needed.

Art therapy can be a powerful tool for many, particularly those who struggle with verbal communication or prefer hands-on, creative approaches to emotional healing. It is especially beneficial for individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, and self-esteem issues, as it allows for a non-verbal way to process emotions, build self-awareness, and promote relaxation.

Art therapy is often a great fit for:

• People who struggle to express emotions verbally: Those who find it hard to put their thoughts into words may benefit from using art as a communication tool.
• Children and teens: Younger individuals often respond well to creative therapies, as drawing and painting feel natural to them.
• Neurodivergent individuals: Those with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing differences may find structured creative activities helpful for emotional regulation.
• Anyone seeking an alternative to traditional talk therapy: Art therapy provides a low-pressure, exploratory approach that can feel more engaging than conventional verbal therapy.

However, art therapy may not be the best fit for everyone. Some individuals prefer structured, verbal communication and may feel uncomfortable or unmotivated when engaging in artistic exercises. Those who expect immediate results might also find art therapy challenging, as it is a process-driven approach that requires time and patience.

For those unsure about committing to full therapy sessions, self-guided options like journaling, expressive painting, or art therapy apps like LINA provide an easy way to explore creative healing at home. The best way to determine if art therapy is right for you is to try it with an open mind and see how it aligns with your emotional needs and personal growth journey.

Art therapy is more than just making art – it’s about using creativity as a tool for self-expression, healing, and personal growth. You don’t need to be an artist to benefit from it; the process itself is what matters, not the final product. Whether you're feeling stressed, working through difficult emotions, or simply looking for a new way to connect with yourself, art therapy offers a safe and supportive space to explore your feelings.

At the end of the day, art therapy is about giving yourself permission to create, express, and heal in a way that feels natural to you. So grab a pencil, some paint, or even just a blank piece of paper – and let your emotions take shape.