Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Art Therapy

1. What is art therapy?

Art therapy is a professional mental health practice that embeds art or crafting into psychotherapy techniques. This approach aims to enhance emotional well-being by allowing individuals to experience psychotherapy through art-making activities. A qualified art therapist is a registered mental health and allied health professional facilitating an art therapy session.

2. Do I need to be good at art for art therapy?

No, you don't need any art skills to experience art therapy. Art therapy is about expression and exploration, not about creating a "perfect" artwork. Art therapy focuses on the therapeutic experience, and the art-making is a tool, not the goal.

3. How does art therapy work?

Through guided creative activities like drawing, painting, collage, or sculpture, clients can express emotions, process trauma, explore identity, and gain insight into their thoughts and behaviours.

Art therapy is based on psychotherapy theories such as Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Trauma-informed therapy.

4. What issues can art therapy help with?

Art therapy can support people experiencing:

Anxiety or depression
Trauma and PTSD
Grief and loss
Stress and burnout
Chronic illness or pain
Identity exploration
Neurodiversity and developmental challenges

Art therapy can help a person gain

Coping skills
Interpersonal relationship management skills
Resilience

5. Is art therapy just for children?

No, art therapy is effective for people of all ages, including adults, adolescents, and older adults.

6. What happens in an art therapy session?

Sessions may include a check-in, a creative activity designed to meet your needs or therapeutic goal, and time to reflect on the art made and its meaning with your therapist.

7. Is everything I create in sessions confidential?

Yes. Artworks and discussions in sessions are confidential, following professional ethical guidelines.

8. Can I take my artwork home?

Yes, you can take your artwork home if you feel comfortable that others at home might see your artwork.

9. How long is a typical art therapy session?

Sessions are usually 50 minutes long, but they can vary depending on your needs and the setting. If you need to book a session longer than 50 minutes, you should contact your therapist.

Email: xiang@arttherapymelbourne.com.au

10. Do you offer online art therapy?

Yes, online sessions are available and can be tailored to the materials you have at home. (Update this based on your actual offering.) A camera is necessary for an online art therapy session.

11. How do I get started with art therapy?

You can book an initial consultation to discuss your goals, ask questions, and determine whether art therapy suits you.

Book via: https://calendly.com/xiangliarttherapy/free-15-minutes-consultation

12. Is art therapy covered by Medicare, NDIS or private health insurance?

Art therapy is not currently covered by Medicare in Australia.

NDIS covers art therapy. In Art Therapy Melbourne, a standard session is also eligible for BUPA private health insurance if you have counselling services covered.

13. What materials will I need?

All materials are provided in face-to-face sessions. A simple kit (e.g., paper, pencils, markers, scissors, glue) can be used for online sessions.

14. How is art therapy different from an art class?

Unlike an art class, art therapy focuses not on developing technical skills, but on emotional expression, healing, and self-discovery, guided by a trained therapist.

15. Who is a registered art therapist?

Professional Art Therapists in Australia are registered with the Australian, New Zealand, and Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association (ANZACATA). Our work is to ensure a safe space for the clients to process their emotions, and we use the right tools and theories to support their recovery journey.

16. Are you a registered art therapist?

Yes, all therapists in Art Therapy Melbourne hold a Master of Art Therapy and are registered with ANZACATA. Xiang is also a level 2 counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association.

Do not find the answer you need? You can reach out to us via email xiang@arttherapymelbourne.con.au