The Amazing Benefits of Art Therapy

I always knew the benefits of creative outlets. My Grandmother taught me from a young age to use writing as a creative outlet and taught me how to use a typewriter. Theater, painting, and making bracelets followed. Creative arts have always been my best and most effective form of therapy. And art therapy is hypnotherapy!

Art therapy is not just about creating pretty pictures or mastering techniques. It’s about unlocking something deeper in the psyche. The creative arts offer a channel to express emotions that words often fail to capture. If you’ve ever found yourself soothed by doodling, painting, drawing, sewing, knitting, etc and didn't know why, you just knew that you liked creating and that making things with your hands made you feel better, or brightened your mood, art therapy might be for you.

How Art Therapy Benefits Your Mental Well-Being

Art is more than just a creative outlet. It’s a powerful tool that taps into the subconscious, allowing us to explore feelings and experiences in a safe, nonverbal way. A friend once pointed out to me that I was painting with a very bright color pallet and we both knew that I was in a rather dark state of mind at the time. However, my art did not reflect that. My art was bright, colorful, and happy. Seahorses, with bright colored fish, in a bright blue ocean background, surrounded by lush green sea plants...Yet my mindset was dark, heavy, and depressed. When we make the unconscious conscious, we are able to untangle the webs in our mind and understand our own subconscious programming. Upon this conscious realization that in my dark moods, I use bright colors, I learned something new about myself. And in contrast, when I'm in a good spirits, with a happy and healthy mindset I'm more likely to use a dark color pallet. The brighter the color, the darker my mood. The darker the color, the lighter my mood. So, it's not always true that what someone creates is an accurate reflection of their thoughts or mindset. Sometimes it might reflect the opposite. Know your baseline. That's mine. What's yours?

One of the most profound mental well-being benefits of art therapy is its ability to reduce stress. When you focus on creating, your mind shifts away from worries and negative thoughts. It’s a form of mindfulness, but with color and texture. The repetitive motion of brush strokes or the tactile sensation of clay can calm the nervous system, lowering cortisol levels and promoting relaxation.

A paint palette filled with vibrant colors ready for use

Art also fosters self-awareness. By externalizing emotions through art, you can identify patterns and triggers that might otherwise remain hidden. This awareness is the first step toward change. For example, a client of mine noticed recurring themes in her drawings that pointed to unresolved grief. Recognizing this consciously allowed her to address it more openly in therapy sessions and get to the root of what was really bothering her; a deep and heavy grief. You might also notice that when you are creating art, the rhythmic pattern of doing the actions with your hands, your mind wanders. When your mind wanders you might have inner conversations and resolve an inner conflict, or have one of those ah-ha moments that provides a solution to a problem you've been having. You might even be inspired with an idea for a story you want to write, a business you want to start, a new recipe you want to try, or just get a "download" of inspired-information. This is hypnosis, the natural Theta brainwave state, also known as "flow state", or being "in the zone". The benefits of crafting and creating art is scientifically documented. Have you ever noticed after creating a piece of art, that it feels like a really good therapy session, without a word having been spoken?

The Emotional Release and Healing Power of Art

Sometimes, words feel inadequate. When emotions are too complex or painful to articulate, art becomes a language of its own. Many times when I'm frustrated, depressed, or overwhelmed I don't want to talk to anyone or be around anyone because I don't want my negative energy to affect those I care about. Sitting down with my paints, paint brushes and a blank canvas is a way to let go without judgment or allowing my bad feelings to affect anyone else around me.

This emotional release is one of the most healing aspects of the creative and performative arts. It provides a safe outlet for feelings that might otherwise be suppressed or ignored. Whether it’s anger, fear, joy, or confusion, expressing these emotions creatively can bring relief and clarity.

Art and performance also strengthen our resilience. By engaging in the creative process, you practice patience, problem-solving, and adaptability. You learn that mistakes are part of growth, not failure. This mindset can translate into everyday life, helping you navigate challenges with greater confidence.

How to Start Your Own Healing Through Art Journey

You don’t need to be an artist to benefit from art therapy. The beauty of this approach is that it’s accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level. Here are some practical steps to begin:

1. Gather simple materials: pencils, crayons, watercolors, or clay. You don’t need fancy supplies; just what feels comfortable.

2. Set aside time: even 15 minutes a day can make a difference. Find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted.

3. Focus on the process, not the product: let go of expectations about how your art should look. The goal is expression, not perfection.

4. Reflect on your work: after creating, take a moment to observe what you made. What feelings or memories come up? You might want to jot down your thoughts in a journal.

5. Consider professional guidance: if you want to dive deeper, working with a certified art therapist can provide structure and support tailored to your needs.

   
   

A watercolor painting being created on a wooden table

What is Art Hypnotherapy?

As a Hypnotherapist, the way I use art with my clients, is not the same way a traditionally licensed Art Therapist with a Masters degree uses it, as a traditional "Art Therapist" is treating or curing a patient using art as their therapeutic modality. In hypnotherapy, we are not treating or curing personality disorders, mood/emotional disorders, or mental illness. Hypnotherapists will put clients in a state of hypnosis to access the subconscious programming, and to communicate with the subconscious. When we use art in hypnotherapy, we use art (imagery and symbols) as a communication tool, instead of words, which is how our subconscious communicates.

I call this process Art Hypnotherapy, since I'm aware that "Art Therapy" is a protected term, reserved for licensed therapists with Masters degrees. It's important for clients and patients to understand the difference and when they're in need of psychotherapy vs vocational and avocational self-improvement, self-exploration, as well as exploration and understanding of your subconscious programming. 

This kind of modality pairs nicely with talk therapy (psychotherapy), journaling, and meditation. Often times, combining therapeutic modalities yields the best results. More than healing, it's about understanding. Through understanding, we are able to reflect, and become more self-aware. We grow, we evolve, and through that we heal parts of us without realizing it until we look back and realize we're not dwelling on or hurting over things that we previously did...

Embracing Creativity as a Path to Transformation

At its core, art invites us to connect with our innate creativity; a source of healing and transformation, or self-expression. It reminds us that we are more than our thoughts and worries. We are beings capable of creating meaning and beauty, even in the midst of struggle.

If you’re ready to explore this path, remember that it's a personal journey, unique to your story and needs. By embracing this creative process, you open doors to self-discovery, emotional freedom, and mental well-being. And in doing so, you take a powerful step toward transforming your life from the inside out. Who knows what you might create, and what new talents you might tap into? There are so many creative and artistic mediums to explore, that you are sure to find the one that brings out your inner artist.