Art Therapy:Beyond Words

Through creative expression and image-making, we touch the hidden corners of ourselves, the quiet truths we do not fully know. Art becomes the voice of our inner world, speaking what words cannot.

Have you ever tried to explain your inner world, only to feel more alone than when you began? Or felt frustrated that you couldn’t find the right words to translate your experience?

Sometimes, words fall short. The phrase “An image is worth a thousand words” aptly applies to art and art therapy. We usually learn to draw before we learn to write—for a reason. Images are one of the natural languages of the body and psyche. In art therapy, we can harness this language to support your healing, growth, and innate wisdom.

Art-making is especially useful when you feel stuck—when emotions seem lodged beneath the surface or hard to access. It can help with identity exploration, processing complex emotional experiences, integrating trauma, and creating a sense of safety as you explore your inner world.

Most people stop creating images after childhood, but image-making remains a powerful method for adults who wish to reconnect with themselves and discover creative solutions to life’s challenges.

Because art-making activates the neural networks across the whole brain, it’s particularly effective at opening up new ideas and perspectives. It can also support the release and integration of difficult experiences stored deep in the limbic system and memory. Sensations, emotions, and realizations can gently emerge during the creative process—while the soothing nature of the materials helps your psyche feel safe, calm, and supported.

Sometimes, words come after the art. Other times, the image is all that’s needed.

Art Therapy sessions can look a variety of ways…

Sessions often begin with a centering exercise, giving you a chance to arrive and feel settled. This may include gentle breathing, mindfulness, brief mark-making on a piece of paper, or even a little bit of chit-chat to start.

You may or may not know what you need to bring into therapy—not knowing is welcome. Your therapist may offer an art therapy prompt, such as: “What is it like to be you right now? Express it using line, shape, and color.” Or they may simply get curious about which materials you're drawn to.

Do you enjoy colored pencils, chalk pastels, fabrics and thread, paints, messy materials—or more contained ones? There's no need to have the answers right away; this is something you’ll explore together.

Your therapist will also attune to your nervous system, noticing how safe you feel, and will suggest shifts to help you feel held, grounded, and confident.

Themes that bring people to art therapy:

Clients come to us for a variety of reasons, ranging from personal growth to healing trauma or grief. Some of the reasons someone may seek out art therapy include:

  • Feeling stuck or “circling” in talk therapy

  • Depression and difficulty accessing emotions

  • Anxiety and difficulty feeling safe while exploring big emotions

  • Trauma recovery

  • Grief and loss

  • Support with sensory processing and emotional regulation, often related to neurodivergence

  • Identity exploration and self-understanding

  • Transpersonal or spiritual exploration

  • Feeling disconnected from oneself

  • Feeling “off” but struggling to put words to why

  • Perfectionism in the creative process

  • Self-criticism

  • Low self-esteem

We know that being human can be hard sometimes. The internal and external worlds are complex, stressful, and often difficult to navigate. We would be honored to serve as your co-journeyer, guide, and ally as you explore the landscape of your life and inner world.

Art therapy can support this exploration—opening the door to a world of possibility, resilience, and wisdom beneath the surface.

Let us know if you’d like to connect about the possibility of working together. There is never any pressure.