Busting Common Myths About Creative Arts Therapy

Creative Arts Therapy includes the use of dance, drama, visual art, music, and poetry (amongst other modalities) as a tool for communication, expression and reflection in therapy. The profession is increasingly being recognised as an important and holistic approach to emotional and psychological wellbeing. Despite this, common myths about creative arts therapy remain. In this article, I debunk these myths and highlight the benefits of this powerful work. If you are an art therapy newbie, a sceptic or are well-versed in art therapy - this piece is for you!

Myth 1: You need to be creative, have artistic talent, or be “good” at art to benefit
This is the most common phrase I hear about creative arts therapy! And I completely understand why - therapy can be vulnerable on its own, let alone adding what we generally see as a skill into it. But, it’s really important to remember that creative arts therapy is not (I repeat, not!) about performance or artistic talent or skill. You do not need to be a trained dancer, exceptional sculptor, or even know the difference between watercolours and acrylics. 
Most clients have no formal training! It isn’t about the outcome of any pieces created in session, but rather is about what the movement, image, song, or drawing expresses to you, for you, and about you. 
Let’s use my speciality as an example. The goal in dance and movement therapy is not to perfectly execute Swan Lake. The goal is to support you in connecting to your body so you can understand what it is telling you. The goal is to experiment with non-verbal ways of reflecting on, processing and expressing your experiences. The goal is to connect your mind and body so they work together as one in support of your wellbeing.

Myth 2: Creative arts therapy is for “serious” issues
In my opinion, this misconception can apply to any type of therapy! And, just like other therapeutic options, creative arts therapy is for everyone - from the person experiencing trauma through to the person who wants to get to know themselves on a deeper level.
There’s an array of peer reviewed articles that discuss the benefits of creative arts therapy for people working through trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic illness and disease, grief/loss and disability. However, there is also evidence to support art therapy’s capacity to help those who want to grow, reduce stress, enhance self-awareness and cultivate a little more mindfulness. 
And, because creative arts therapy can support a range of people experiencing a range of different challenges, emotions and situations, art therapists are seen in many, many places. These include; schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, residential aged care, private practice, youth mental health, community centres, Government organisations and arts organisations. 

Myth 3: Creative arts therapy is basically arts and crafts
I can see exactly how this myth has come about. We often think of creative pursuits as hobbies, or something we enjoyed during play time as children. And, from the outside, a creative arts therapy session might look like just sticking images together in a collage or dancing around to music. However, creative arts therapies are legitimate, evidence-based practices. 
Let’s bust this myth by discussing what it takes to become a trained arts therapist. First, a university degree. For some people, this is a Bachelor’s, for others (including myself), this could be a Master’s. Then, we need to ensure we meet a minimum number of placement hours. In my Master’s, this was 750 hours. This is almost as much as a Master of Clinical Psychology (approx. 1000 hours), and far more than a Master of Counselling (typically around 200-250 depending on the program). Then, we must register with a peak governing body, such as the Australian, New Zealand, and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA). The work doesn’t stop there! To maintain registration, we must complete a minimum amount of ongoing training and development and supervision to ensure our practice is ethical, safe and up-to-date. 
So, when we are creating a collage with a client, it is intentional and guided by a framework. When we are dancing around to music, there is observation, attunement and a goal in mind. 

The truth?
Creative arts therapy is unique. It is a therapeutic option that doesn’t rely on talking, nor does it rely on having creative talent. Creative expression and the process of creation is what heals and connects - art therapy is not a test or measure of skill. It is for everyone! Whether you have a diagnosis or just a desire to explore, creative arts therapy supports people of all ages, backgrounds and experiences. It is clinical practice grounded in research that expands beyond “arts and crafts”.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in creative arts therapy, or in mixing creativity with traditional counselling, I currently have space for new clients. You can make a booking here.
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Image credit: Leiko Manalang-Frequin