What Is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a mental health profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.

*Artists mentioned in this article: Yayoi Kusama, Frida Kahlo, Henri Matisse, Niki de Saint Phalle

I. What is Art Therapy?

"Art therapy is an expressive form of therapy." The American Art Therapy Association(AATA) defines art therapy as: a form of psychotherapy primarily for patients who have suffered psychological trauma or have psychological difficulties.

1) Creative Form

It improves the physical, psychological, and emotional health of participants through the creative process of art. The artwork is primarily presented in visual art forms, including illustration, installation, interactive media, dance, and theater.

2) Therapeutic Logic

Also known as art therapy, art therapy spans the fields of art and psychology. Through the process of self-expression and the resulting artwork, the art therapist helps patients understand emotional conflicts, increase self-awareness, manage behavior, reduce stress, develop social skills, and enhance self-esteem.

Art therapy has no limitations on the population. During the creation of artwork, patients experience emotional relief and release. The artwork itself helps patients understand themselves more clearly, and when sharing their artwork with others, their inner voice is heard and they receive encouragement.

3) Development Background

Art therapy first appeared in the United States in the mid-20th century (around 1950-1960). After World War I, many people were traumatized by the war and developed PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Due to the side effects of psychiatric medications, most people resisted taking them.

4) Current Status and Prospects

"Art Intervention Therapy," as a treatment method that can achieve therapeutic effects without medication, emerged. With professional theory and scientific validation, the field of art therapy has become increasingly mature and developed.

II. The Artist's Self-Redemption

Without drug therapy, artists can heal themselves and recover solely through art. Let's see how they do it:

1) Yayoi Kusama

"If it weren't for art, I would have taken my own life a long time ago."

—Yayoi Kusama

2) Frida Kahlo

"I paint self-portraits because I am the person I know best. I paint my own reality. The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to and I paint whatever passes through my head without any consideration."

—Frida Kahlo

3) Henri Matisse

"What I dream of is a balanced, pure, and quiet art which can avoid the trouble or frustrating subjects. This kind of art gives everyone’s mind peace and comfort, like a comfortable chair where they can have a rest when tired."

— Henri Matisse

4）Niki de Saint Phalle

“My work has always been my way of expressing my problems and then exorcizing them. ”

—— Niki de Saint Phalle

IV. Top Universities Offering Art Therapy Programs

Universities offering Art Therapy programs (data from the internet):

New York University

Naropa University

Loyola Marymount University

Notre Dame de Namur University

Phillips Graduate University

Mount Mary University

Antioch University-Seattle

Eastern Virginia Medical School

Drexel University

Marywood University

Seton Hill University

College of New Rochelle

Hofstra University

Long Island University – Post Campus

Nazareth College of Rochester

New York University

Ursuline College

Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling

Caldwell University

Southwestern College

Adler Graduate School

University of Louisville

Lesley University

Springfield College

Wayne State University

Adler University

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Emporia State University

Florida State University

Albertus Magnus College

The George Washington University

Concordia University

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