Yes, Adults Can do Art Therapy Too
By: Shaye Mueller
When I tell people that I’m an art therapist, the first thing that people assume is that I must work with children. While I do enjoy working with kids, many find it hard to fathom that art therapy is for adults too. And I get it. Before I became an art therapist, I was actually a client of art therapy first. I know firsthand from personal experience that art can feel childish, silly, or even intimidating. But adults can benefit from art therapy too.
When my adult clients walk into my office, some feel repelled by the prospect of making art while in therapy. This is all very normal. The truth is that there are a lot of reasons why we, as adults, feel resistant to artmaking. But maybe the reasons we push art away may just be the reasons to move towards it.
Art can be an extremely vulnerable thing to do- let alone do in conjunction with therapy. It not only requires a great deal of trust in yourself, but also in the therapist sitting in front of you. Doing something that you may not be comfortable with in such a situation is the definition of vulnerability. I know that asking my clients to make art while also spilling their guts is no small task. Which is why people need to feel like they won’t be judged for what happens in a session. My job is to create an environment where my adult clients feel safe enough to feel open to artistic exploration in their sessions.
As an art therapist, I am trained to guide you through this process with gentle and understanding encouragement. I don’t expect my clients to instantly pick up their materials and begin creating a masterpiece. That’s just not how art therapy (or being human) works. A more realistic picture is that a new art therapy client session usually begins with some apprehension and nervous giggling. So often, I see people eyeing the colored pencils or paint brushes that sit on my table. With a gentle nudge, I welcome their curiosity and give my clients permission to give it a go.
From there, I spend time introducing materials at my client’s pace and comfort level. Some of my clients dive right into the art, and some decline engaging with it altogether. I understand that both reactions are normal and okay. My job as an art therapist is to respect where my clients are at. And at the same time, my job is to know when to challenge them. This delicate dance is the heart of what art therapy is about. The truth is that all clients ebb and flow in their readiness to try new things- regardless of if art is involved or not. Because our readiness in life does not take a linear path. Our tolerance for newness changes day by day, and I understand this. Which is why amongst many other things, the art therapy process is an exercise in building trust with one another.
As adults, we have grown to be responsible, sensible, and to keep it together. To many, art therapy feels like the complete antithesis of what it means to be “adult.” But keeping everything so tightly wound together is what often brings people into therapy in the first place. Art therapy offers my adult clients the ability to exhale and express themselves in a safe, nonjudgmental, and regulated space. And with both professional and personal experience in art therapy, I have the knowledge and training to help guide you through this process.
I hope after reading this blog today, you can leave with a more open heart and mind to what art therapy can offer you. Art therapy is for everyone, not just for kids. If you or someone you know may be interested in giving art therapy a try, you can book an appointment with me here. I hope to hear from you soon!
In Joy,
Shaye
