![A garden studio with its doors open, an easel holding paper washed with sage green and blue](https://viacara.com/img/content/approaches-art-therapy-feature-light.webp) # Art Therapy Learn how art therapy uses image making alongside talking, what a session is like, who it might suit and what the research shows. ## What is art therapy? Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses image making alongside talking. The British Association of Art Therapists says you do not need to be skilled in art. It is not an art lesson. You need no previous experience. The picture gives you and your therapist a third thing to look at together. Nobody marks it. Some people find that easier than sitting face to face and talking. Sources: [BAAT: art therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-1), [BAAT: what to expect](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-2) ## How it *works* You make something, and then the two of you think about it together. Materials might be paint, pastel or clay, or you might make a collage. You can work in silence if you would rather. Your therapist may sit quietly, or make art alongside you. You make something first. You think about it together afterwards. Sometimes the making carries more than the talking does, and sometimes it is the other way round. Making room for *expression* - **Art making** You make images with materials such as paint or clay. - **Shared attention** Your therapist explores the work with you. Art is the main medium here. Expressive arts therapy moves between several art forms. Sources: [BAAT: art therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-1), [IEATA: intermodal arts](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-23) ## What *sessions* look like Art therapy runs one to one or in a small group. You might meet in a private room or online. Like most therapy, a session usually lasts about fifty minutes. How long a course runs depends on you and your therapist. You do not have to fill the time with words. Some sessions are mostly quiet. The making can carry the hour on its own. Sources: [BAAT: art therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-1), [BACP: counselling](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-15) ![The easel seen from the armchair, the wash further along and a second chair turned towards it](https://viacara.com/img/content/approaches-art-therapy-mid-light.webp) In art therapy you and your therapist look at what you have made together ## Who it might *suit* It can be a good fit if you: - Find that words run out before the feeling does - Have been in talking therapy and felt stuck in your own explanations - Carry something from long ago that you have not yet described - Would rather do something with your hands than sit still - Are tired of hearing yourself tell the same story A trust running arts therapies on the NHS says so plainly. You need not be good at art, or have done any before. It may suit you less well if you want a structured course with tasks between sessions. Therapies such as [CBT](https://viacara.com/approaches/cbt/) work that way. Source: [SABP: arts therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-16) ## Who *provides* it Art therapist and art psychotherapist are titles protected in law. The Health and Care Professions Council keeps the register. Using a protected title with intent to deceive is a criminal offence. BAAT says the law requires an approved master's course. It lists eleven approved courses in the UK. In September 2026 the register held about 6,200 arts therapists across all four titles. That one figure covers art, music and drama together, because the regulator does not split it. Sources: [HCPC: protected titles](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-5), [HCPC: misuse of title](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-6), [BAAT: becoming a therapist](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-3), [HCPC: register summary](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-7) ## The *evidence* The research is thin, and we would rather say so than dress it up. Cochrane's review of art therapy for schizophrenia found only two trials. Its authors concluded that the benefits or harms remain unclear. That review was published in 2005 and has had no update since. Between them the two trials covered fewer than 140 people. The largest UK trial randomised 417 people with schizophrenia. Its authors reported that referral to group art therapy did not improve mental health or functioning. BAAT answers that only a small share of those referred attended a group. Newer work is warmer. A 2026 review of fourteen studies reported a fall in depressive symptoms. Its authors warned that the trials varied widely and carried a risk of bias. NICE says to consider offering arts therapies to people with psychosis. It says offer for CBT in the same guideline, which is the stronger word. NICE does not name art therapy in its guidance on depression. NHS Talking Therapies does not list it either, so the NHS route runs through community mental health services. An NHS trust running the therapy says there has been little research to show conclusively that it helps. Sources: [Ruddy & Milnes 2005](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-11), [Crawford et al. 2012](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-12), [BAAT: psychosis](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-4), [Qiao et al. 2026](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-13), [NICE CG178](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-8), [NICE NG222](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-9), [NHS England: talking therapies manual](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-10), [ELFT: ERA trial](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-14) ## Expressive arts therapy One theme, *several forms* - **Images** Drawing can give a theme a shape. - **Movement** The same theme may take a different form through movement. - **Words and sound** Writing or music may become part of the exploration. A therapist links the forms. These are examples, not a set order. Expressive arts therapy works across several art forms rather than one. A session might move between drawing, movement, music and writing. Expressive arts therapist is not a title the Health and Care Professions Council protects. We found no UK register for it. Ask a practitioner what they trained in and which body holds them to account. Sources: [IEATA: intermodal arts](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-23), [IEATA: registered therapist](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-17), [HCPC: protected titles](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-5) ## Sand tray and sandplay A scene in *sand* - **Sand and figures** You arrange miniature objects in a tray of sand. - **A scene** The scene takes shape without needing a spoken account. - **Therapist present** Your therapist provides space for the work. A sand tray is a medium. Jungian sandplay is the specific method Dora Kalff developed. You arrange small figures in a tray of sand to make a scene. Nothing has to be explained while you build it. Sandplay grew from the World Technique of the English psychiatrist Margaret Lowenfeld. The Jungian analyst Dora Kalff developed it with Carl Jung's encouragement. The British and Irish Sandplay Society is the UK member of the body Kalff founded. Sandplay is not one of the four protected titles. Ask which register a practitioner belongs to. Sources: [BISS: Jungian sandplay](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-18), [BISS: about](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-19), [HCPC: protected titles](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-5) ## *Play* therapy Play as *communication* - **The child's play** The child explores through play at their own pace. - **Therapist alongside** The therapist attends to what the child brings through play. Play is the main medium; words can accompany it. This differs from coaching a parent during play. In play therapy the play itself is the medium rather than the talking. The British Association of Play Therapists says it is most commonly used with children. The same body says it can support people of all ages. Play therapist is not a protected title, and people may practise without being on a register. Two registers are accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. We connect adults with professionals. If you are looking for help for a child, start with our [page for under-18s](https://viacara.com/support/under-18s/). If you are weighing up a few options, our [guide to the different approaches](https://viacara.com/guides/understanding-approaches/) sets them side by side. Sources: [BAPT: play therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-20), [BAPT: PSA accreditation](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-21), [PSA: register search](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#ref-22) On this page [What is art therapy?](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#what-is-art-therapy) [How it works](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#how-it-works) [What sessions look like](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#what-sessions-look-like) [Who it might suit](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#who-it-might-suit) [Who provides it](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#who-provides-it) [The evidence](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#the-evidence) [Expressive arts therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#expressive-arts-therapy) [Sand tray and sandplay](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#sand-tray-and-sandplay) [Play therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/art-therapy/#play-therapy) Related [Music Therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/music-therapy/) [Dramatherapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/dramatherapy/) [Humanistic Therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/humanistic/) [Trauma and PTSD](https://viacara.com/support/trauma/) [Understanding Different Approaches](https://viacara.com/guides/understanding-approaches/) Thanks for your interest. We're not taking on new clients at the moment. ## Looking for an art therapist? We ask what matters to you, then find professionals who fit. Leave your email and we'll let you know as soon as we're ready for you. This conversation helps us find you the right support. What you share helps us understand what you're looking for and find someone who fits. Your email keeps you updated on what's happening next and isn't shared with anyone we introduce you to. [Privacy policy](https://viacara.com/privacy/) [Terms of service](https://viacara.com/terms/) ## References 1. British Association of Art Therapists (n.d.). *What is art therapy?*. [baat.org](https://baat.org/art-therapy/what-is-art-therapy/) 2. British Association of Art Therapists (n.d.). *What to expect when you start art therapy*. [baat.org](https://baat.org/art-therapy/what-to-expect-when-you-start-art-therapy/) 3. British Association of Art Therapists (n.d.). *How to become an art therapist*. [baat.org](https://baat.org/art-therapy/how-to-become-an-art-therapist/) 4. British Association of Art Therapists (n.d.). *Art therapy and psychosis*. [baat.org](https://baat.org/art-therapy/evidence/art-therapy-and-psychosis/) 5. Health and Care Professions Council (n.d.). *Professions and protected titles*. [hcpc-uk.org](https://www.hcpc-uk.org/about-us/who-we-regulate/the-professions/) 6. Health and Care Professions Council (n.d.). *Misuse of title*. [hcpc-uk.org](https://www.hcpc-uk.org/concerns/what-we-investigate/misuse-of-title/) 7. Health and Care Professions Council (2026). *Register summary, valid as of 1 September 2026*. [hcpc-uk.org](https://www.hcpc-uk.org/data/the-register/register-summary/) 8. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2026). *Psychosis and schizophrenia in adults: prevention and management (CG178)*. [nice.org.uk](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg178/chapter/Recommendations) 9. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2022). *Depression in adults: treatment and management (NG222)*. [nice.org.uk](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng222) 10. NHS England (2024). *NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression manual, version 7.1*. [england.nhs.uk (PDF)](https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/nhs-talking-therapies-manual-v7.1-updated.pdf) 11. Ruddy, R. & Milnes, D. (2005). *Art therapy for schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like illnesses*. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. [doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003728.pub2](https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003728.pub2) 12. Crawford, M. J. et al. (2012). *Group art therapy as an adjunctive treatment for people with schizophrenia: a randomised controlled trial (MATISSE)*. BMJ. [doi:10.1136/bmj.e846](https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.e846) 13. Qiao, L. et al. (2026). *Art therapy for depressive symptoms in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis*. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. [doi:10.1111/jpm.70127](https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.70127) 14. East London NHS Foundation Trust (n.d.). *About the ERA trial*. [elft.nhs.uk](https://www.elft.nhs.uk/era/about-era) 15. British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (n.d.). *What is counselling?*. [bacp.co.uk](https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/what-is-counselling/) 16. Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (n.d.). *Arts therapy*. [sabp.nhs.uk](https://www.sabp.nhs.uk/our-services/mental-health/arts-therapy) 17. International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (n.d.). *What is a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist?*. [ieata.org](https://www.ieata.org/what-is-reat/) 18. British and Irish Sandplay Society (n.d.). *Jungian sandplay*. [sandplay.org.uk](https://www.sandplay.org.uk/jungian-sandplay/) 19. British and Irish Sandplay Society (n.d.). *About BISS*. [sandplay.org.uk](https://www.sandplay.org.uk/about-biss/) 20. British Association of Play Therapists (n.d.). *What is play therapy?*. [bapt.info](https://www.bapt.info/play-therapy/what-is-play-therapy/) 21. British Association of Play Therapists (n.d.). *Professional Standards Authority*. [bapt.info](https://www.bapt.info/bapt/professional-standards-authority-psa/) 22. Professional Standards Authority (n.d.). *Find a register*. [professionalstandards.org.uk](https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/organisations-we-oversee/find-a-register) 23. International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (n.d.). *What is intermodal expressive arts?*. [ieata.org](https://www.ieata.org/what-is-intermodal-expressive-arts/) ## Related ### [Music Therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/music-therapy/) Learn how music therapy uses sound and instruments, what happens in a session, who it might suit and what the research shows. ### [Dramatherapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/dramatherapy/) Learn how dramatherapy uses role, story and movement, what happens in a session, who it might suit and what the research shows. ### [Humanistic Therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/humanistic/) Learn how humanistic therapy sees you as a whole person, what happens in a session, who it tends to suit and what the research covers. ### [Trauma and PTSD](https://viacara.com/support/trauma/) Trauma can keep a frightening event alive long after it ended. PTSD is common and treatable. Find a professional who works with trauma. ### [Understanding Different Approaches](https://viacara.com/guides/understanding-approaches/) A plain-English guide to the main therapeutic approaches including CBT, person-centred therapy, psychodynamic and integrative methods.