Art Therapy

Art therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that combines traditional talk therapy with the use of non-verbal, creative interventions to deepen exploration, aid problem solving, and increase self-awareness and coping skills. It works by allowing clients to get out of their heads and use new ways of thinking and processing.

Anyone of any age can benefit from art therapy. No previous skills are required! It is the experimentation and play involved in making art that is important for self-discovery and growth. By stretching out of one’s comfort zone, new skills can be learned and perspectives can shift. It’s especially useful for people who have felt stuck in place in their lives or in a situation.

Our practice accepts multiple different insurance plans. Our sessions are billed to insurance using the same codes as regular psychotherapy sessions, and therefore reimbursement and coverage are similar if not identical to other more traditional types of therapy.

Art therapists in NY state have a masters degree, and post-graduate supervised experience that qualifies them for licensure by the NYS Office of Professions.  Art therapists can also be board certifed on the national level (ATR-BC) to practice in states other than New York.  NYS Licensed art therapists (LCAT) are required to get ongoing continuing education training to maintain their license.  Art therapists have training on par with the other licensed professionals in New York who practice psychotherapy.

Yes, art therapy can be a great substitute for traditional talk therapy. Sometimes talking can get you stuck in your head, where you may understand the issue but not be able to take action on the changes necessary to improve your situation. Because art therapy is action based, it allows you to connect better with the part of you that can be an active participant in making change in your life, by taking calculated risks and exerimenting with new ways of responding to stressors.

It’s hard to predict how long art therapy treatment lasts, as it varies based on each individual and what they are working on. Some changes can feel very immediate, especially around new insight and understanding. Maintaining these changes and seeing them through can take longer, and sometimes requires the guidance of a therapist over a longer period of time. And some clients love using art therapy for maintenance or just as a way to stay more connected to themselves on an ongoing basis.

Art therapy is not only for children.  Most children can benefit from art therapy because play and creativity are their first languages. Adults often lose connection with their innate creativity and ability to play, as the pressures of real life take precedence, but play and creativity are important coping skills to rely on when confronted with challenges, big life changes, or simply as a way to recharge and regroup.

Art therapists are trained to use a wide range of materials so they can work with those best suited to the needs of each client. Some materials are messy and help people get out of their heads and into their emotions and body. Other materials are good for organizing one’s thoughts and getting clarity on an action plan. Your therapist will work with you to determine which materials are best for you, whether to help you feel comfortable, or help you stretch yourself safely.

The goals of art therapy are similar to those of traditional therapy: better self-awareness, access to a wider range of responses, help clarifying goals and ways to achieve them, and an overall increase in well-being and agency over your life. Your art therapist will work with you to set specific goals related to the issues you are coming into treatment for.