Our Premium Selection of Best Online Art Therapy Programs

Art therapy is a distinct form of psychotherapy that involves free self-expression through various activities such as modeling, drawing, and painting. It utilizes visual art media to incorporate creative methods of expression. The best online art therapy programs help patients improve their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The creative process associated with art therapy can also help resolve various other issues, reduce stress, and improve the patient’s awareness and self-esteem. Virtual therapy reviews are usually very positive, as patients really enjoy the activities they are presented with. And the best part? You don’t need to be an artist, nor particularly talented, to receive all the benefits that this therapy offers! How does it all work? Let’s find out!

Who can benefit from art therapy?

Almost anyone can utilize art therapy to great effect. It is not the ideal solution for everyone, of course, but art therapy presents a great therapy alternative for people looking for more ways to express themselves. Most, if not all, other therapy types utilize words to convey their communication, whereas art therapy utilizes other means of expression.

In art therapy, an individual is able to express their feelings through art. Any form of art. While the therapy is usually focused on traditional art types (painting, photography, sculpturing, etc.), there is no limitation to visual expression. This is also why online therapy and in-person therapy are quite similar when it comes to this particular modality. Exceptions are the art that needs to be physically touched, of course.

Why would you use art therapy?

The main reason why anyone chooses to undergo therapy is to improve their well-being. Art therapy is a great treatment modality for a number of issues, such as relieving stress/tension, or for self-discovery. It is also a great creative outlet. By engaging in art, patients boost their confidence and slowly get more resilient. Art therapy offers a way to achieve greater understanding and insight through self-expression that comes with the creative process. Explaining your thoughts in words might be impossible but you may be able to do so through your art.

Do you need to have a talent for arts?

This is one of the best parts of art therapy, you don’t need to possess any talent whatsoever. What is important is to express yourself through art, and to communicate through it. The goal is not to create a masterpiece but to express your feelings and thoughts through your art. And it is art, as it is 100% unique to you. The creative process is one of the most rewarding aspects of our lives, and you may be able to feel better just by going through it. By working with an art therapist, you will slowly become more and more comfortable with expressing yourself in an artistic way.

What is the role of the art therapist?

The best online art therapy programs involve working with a therapist that is trained in therapy and art. This means that your therapist will usually have a Master’s Degree in both art and therapy. To become an art therapist, one needs to fulfill certain requirements, as well as certifications, as evidenced by American Art Therapy Association. This, in turn, means that these professionals are masters of using art to assess another person’s state of mind and provide aid even for serious mental illnesses. Art therapists can work with practically anyone, regardless of their creed, sex, age, etc.

A professional art therapist is trained to pick up and understand nonverbal cues that patients express through their creative process. These concepts are usually very difficult to express with words, and can only be expressed through art. The therapist then uses these cues to help the patient overcome their issues. You can usually recognize a bad therapist quite easily, as they will not be able to pick up on these cues.

Online art therapy

With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, online art therapy is gaining more and more prominence. Online art therapy sessions are very similar to regular studio sessions, but they are conducted in a virtual room, through the use of specialized software. You get to see the therapist via a video chat and are able to “feel” their presence.

One of the main benefits of the best online art therapy programs is the fact that art-sharing is a lot easier in an online environment. It is one of the major advantages of online counseling, in fact. You do not need to physically carry anything you’ve made to the therapist’s office. Your therapist can simply make a screenshot of the art for further study. This provides the patients with unparalleled convenience, as well as potentially lower costs.

Major benefits of online art therapy include:

• Availability
• Affordability
• Convenience
• Easier scheduling
• Home comforts

There are some inherent disadvantages to online therapy modalities, that are not exclusive to art therapy. They include:

• Usually not covered by insurance
• Technology limitations
• Lack of response in times of crisis
• Limited body language
• Privacy issues

How does online art therapy work?

Each online session involves a 2-part process – Creative expression and sharing. You present the therapist with your art, be it drawing, photography, collage, digital art, crafts, or anything else, and explore its meaning. The therapist is there to engage you in the healing process, guiding you to the right path. You can even do artwork between the sessions and share it with the therapist in the next session. In fact, this is usually preferable.

The best online art therapy programs also involve the use of sophisticated software to allow therapists to better meet the needs of their clients. But not every therapy network is the same. If you are looking to start with online art therapy, you may want to start by exploring what some of the top networks have to offer. The best place to start is the Consumer Opinion Guide, where we will provide you with up-to-date information on all the top online therapy providers.