Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative art making process to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It believes that artistic self-expression helps people resolve conflicts, develop skills, manage behavior, and reduce stress and increase self-esteem. Art therapy can be used to assess and treat individuals with mental health issues, substance abuse, trauma, physical or cognitive problems, and more, in places like hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practices.

1. ART THERAPY
Shameal Norwood

2. WHAT IS ART THERAPY?
Mental health profession that uses the
creative process of art making to improve
and enhance physical, mental and
emotional well-being of individuals of all
ages

3. ART THERAPY CONTINUED…
Belief that the creative process involved in
artistic self-expression helps people to
Resolve conflicts/problems
Develop interpersonal skills
Manage behavior
Reduce stress
Increase self-esteem

5. USES FOR ART THERAPY?
Objectification and projection (works that separate self from issues
Permanence (art work exists in the real world and cannot be changed or
forgotten)
Art as transitional object (growing reliance on self through art for
understanding and less dependence on therapist relationship)

6. PURPOSE FOR ART THERAPY
To assess and treat people with:
Mental and emotional health problems
Substance abuse and addictions
Family and relationship issues
Abuse and domestic violence
Trauma/loss
Physical/Cognitive/neurological problems
Psychosocial difficulties

7. WHERE IS ART THERAPY’S USED?
Hospitals
Clinics
Public and community agencies
Wellness Centers
Educational institutions
Businesses
Private practices