How art therapy supports better mental health

Mental health concerns are rising across Australia, with more people reporting feelings of stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion than ever before. From the pressures of daily life to unresolved trauma and isolation, many individuals feel overwhelmed, unheard, or unsure of how to cope.

While traditional talk therapies can be effective, they’re not the right fit for everyone, especially when words fall short. That’s where art therapy comes in. This form of therapy uses creative expression as a safe, supportive way to explore emotions, process pain, and build resilience.

In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of art therapy for mental health, how it actually works, and why more Australians are turning to this gentle, creative approach. Whether you're facing stress, trauma, or simply feeling stuck, art therapy might offer the support you didn’t know you needed.

What is art therapy?

Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses creative activities to support emotional and psychological wellbeing. It allows individuals to explore feelings, behaviours, and thoughts through visual expression when speaking may feel too difficult or limiting.

The goal isn’t to create “good” art. Instead, it’s about engaging in the process and using it as a tool for insight, healing, and self-discovery. Sessions are led by a qualified art therapist who is trained to support clients through both the creative and reflective aspects of therapy.

Core elements of art therapy include:

• Combining talk therapy with creative expression

• Supporting emotional release through drawing, painting, or sculpting

• Encouraging self-awareness and personal insight

• Adapting to all ages and needs, including children and NDIS participants

• Providing a safe, non-judgemental space to explore feelings

To find out more, visit Art Therapy on Natural Therapy Pages or explore therapist guidelines and training at ANZACATA.

How art therapy works for mental health

Art therapy supports mental wellbeing by engaging different parts of the brain than traditional talk therapy. According to a 2018 review published in The Arts in Psychotherapy, creative art therapies can significantly reduce stress and anxiety while promoting emotional processing and self-awareness.

This is especially helpful for individuals who struggle to put their thoughts into words. Through the act of creating, emotions are externalised in a safe and non-verbal way. The process allows for reflection, release, and a stronger sense of inner clarity.

Some of the most commonly used techniques in art therapy include:

• Drawing and painting

• Collage and mixed media

• Clay work and sculpting

• Visual journaling or creative diaries

• Mandalas and guided visual art exercises

These methods are not about producing perfect art. They’re used to help people explore their feelings, access memories, and find meaning in their experiences—all while feeling supported by a qualified therapist.

Key benefits of art therapy for mental health

Art therapy offers a wide range of mental health benefits. By allowing people to explore their emotions through creative means, it provides a safe and supportive pathway to healing. Below are six of the most recognised advantages, supported by research and real-world applications.

1. Helps process trauma and frief

Art therapy is especially effective for individuals dealing with trauma, including survivors of abuse, domestic violence, or sudden loss. When it’s too painful to speak about what happened, art becomes a bridge to expression. Through drawing, painting, or creating symbolic images, people can gradually externalise painful memories and feelings.

This process helps reduce emotional overwhelm and creates psychological distance from distressing events. It also allows the person to revisit and reprocess memories at their own pace, under the guidance of a trained therapist.

In Australia, organisations like Beyond Blue recommend creative approaches as part of a trauma-informed care plan. Art therapy is often integrated into mental health support for veterans, bushfire survivors, and individuals affected by complex grief.

2. Reduces stress and anxiety

Engaging in art-making can reduce cortisol, the hormone associated with stress. The repetitive and tactile nature of creative activities like colouring, sculpting, or collaging helps activate the body’s relaxation response, which in turn calms the nervous system.

This benefit is not limited to adults. Many Australian art therapists work with school-aged children who experience anxiety around academic performance, social dynamics, or home life. Creative play and visual storytelling help children feel calmer, safer, and more understood.

For adults, even a single session of art therapy can promote mindfulness, similar to meditation. It creates a focused, present-moment experience that naturally reduces racing thoughts and internal pressure.

3. Supports people with depression

Depression often leads to emotional numbness, disconnection, and difficulty with motivation. Art therapy offers a creative outlet that helps individuals reconnect with their feelings in a gentle, non-confronting way. When words are hard to access, creating visual work becomes a bridge toward self-expression and emotional movement.

The process also introduces structure and routine—important elements in managing depression. Even completing a simple piece of art can restore a sense of control, accomplishment, and self-worth. For many Australians navigating mental health challenges, this small win can make a meaningful difference.

One study found that visual arts-based interventions were significantly associated with improvements in overall mental wellbeing, including reductions in depressive symptoms and emotional distress. These findings reinforce art therapy’s value as part of a broader mental health care plan.

4. Improves emotional awareness

Many people struggle to identify what they’re feeling, particularly when emotions are layered or complex. Art therapy helps bring these emotions into focus by turning abstract internal states into visual forms. The process makes it easier to notice, name, and reflect on feelings.

This benefit is especially useful for children, adolescents, and neurodivergent individuals who may find it difficult to communicate verbally. Using colour, texture, or symbols, clients can show what they might not be able to say.

Over time, improved emotional awareness contributes to better self-regulation, decision-making, and relationship skills—key areas of growth supported in therapy.

5. Boosts self-esteem and confidence

Art therapy offers a space where there’s no right or wrong—only expression. This freedom helps reduce fear of failure and builds confidence in people who may feel unsure of themselves or their abilities.

Creating something tangible, whether it’s a simple drawing or a mixed media piece, reinforces the message that their voice matters. For those with a history of negative self-image, the process of being seen and validated through their creative work can be profoundly healing.

In many Australian community centres and mental health services, art therapy is used as part of recovery-focused programs to support self-worth and personal development.

6. Benefits for neurodiverse individuals and NDIS participants

Art therapy is highly adaptable, making it an ideal therapeutic option for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, intellectual disabilities, or sensory processing differences. It provides a structured yet flexible space where individuals can communicate and self-regulate in ways that suit their unique preferences.

Sessions can be adjusted to support sensory sensitivities—using soft materials, limiting visual clutter, or integrating movement-based art. Many art therapists in Australia offer services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which helps fund support for participants.

You can learn more about eligibility and access at NDIS.gov.au, or search for art therapists who provide NDIS-funded sessions on Natural Therapy Pages.

Thinking of turning your passion into a profession? Learn more about how to become an art therapist in Australia.

What happens during an art therapy session?

Art therapy sessions are structured to create a safe, welcoming space where emotional exploration happens through creativity. A typical session begins with a brief check-in or conversation about how you're feeling, followed by a guided creative activity. This might involve using specific materials, exploring a theme, or simply seeing where the process leads.

No artistic skill is required. The focus is on the experience of making art—not on producing something perfect. What matters is the expression, not the outcome. The session usually ends with time to reflect on what was created, often supported by gentle questions from the therapist to help uncover thoughts or emotions that surfaced.

Materials commonly used in sessions include:

• Paints, coloured pencils, pastels

• Clay or modelling materials

• Collage materials and photos

• Paper, canvas, or recycled items

Sessions can be held one-on-one or in groups, depending on the client’s needs. Online art therapy has also become more common in Australia, providing access for people in remote areas or those more comfortable at home.

Who can benefit from art therapy?

Art therapy is a flexible approach that supports emotional wellbeing across age groups and life experiences. It's particularly helpful for people who may not feel comfortable with verbal therapy or those dealing with long-term stressors.

Below are some examples of who might benefit from art therapy and how it can help:

Whether you're navigating a personal challenge or seeking support for someone in your care, art therapy offers a gentle yet powerful form of expression and healing.

Looking for a trusted practitioner? Here's what it means to work with an ANZACATA-registered art therapist.

Accessing art therapy in Australia

In most cases, you don’t need a referral to start art therapy in Australia. You can contact a therapist directly to book a session. However, some GPs or psychologists may suggest it as part of a mental health treatment plan, particularly for clients managing trauma, anxiety, or emotional regulation issues.

Here’s how you can access and fund art therapy:

• Self-funded: Many private art therapists charge between $90 and $150 per session. Some offer sliding-scale rates.

• NDIS-funded: If you're an NDIS participant with goals related to emotional wellbeing or self-expression, art therapy may be included in your plan under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living.

• Private health insurance: Some extras policies may provide partial rebates. It’s best to check directly with your insurer, as coverage varies.

Always check that your therapist is registered with ANZACATA, which ensures they meet professional standards in creative arts therapy. You may also want to filter by areas of experience, such as trauma-informed practice, neurodiversity, or child and adolescent therapy.

Wrapping up: let art speak when words can’t

Not everyone finds it easy to put their emotions into words, and that’s completely valid. Art therapy offers a different kind of support. Through creativity, it becomes possible to process thoughts, release feelings, and reconnect with yourself in a way that feels safe and natural.

This approach is especially helpful when traditional methods fall short. Whether you're managing stress, navigating grief, or simply needing space to feel, art therapy allows you to explore what’s going on beneath the surface in a calm and supportive setting.

If you’re seeking a more holistic way to care for your mental health, art therapy could be the step forward you’ve been looking for.

Explore qualified practitioners and take the next step toward healing on Natural Therapy Pages.