Art Therapy vs. Therapeutic Art Making: What's the Difference?
In recent years, the use of art as a path to healing and self-discovery has gained widespread popularity. Whether it’s adult coloring books or expressive painting workshops, many people are turning to creative outlets to manage stress and improve emotional well-being. But amidst this rise in creative self-care, two terms often come up—art therapy and therapeutic art making—and they’re not the same thing.
Though they sound similar and both involve creating art, they serve different purposes and are rooted in distinct approaches. Understanding the difference can help you decide which one is right for you or how each might support your personal journey.
What Is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that integrates mental health counseling with the creative process of making art, guided by a trained and credentialed professional.
In Canada, becoming an art therapist involves extensive postgraduate training. Most Professional Art Therapists have at least a master’s degree in art therapy or a related field such as counseling psychology. They also complete supervised clinical hours and coursework in areas like:
Psychological theory and development
Counseling and psychotherapy techniques
Ethics and professional practice
Assessment and diagnosis
The use of various art materials and processes in therapeutic contexts
Credentialing is overseen by professional organizations like the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA), which sets standards for education, ethics, and practice. Some provinces also require registration with a college of psychotherapists, depending on the region’s regulations.
This clinical background means art therapists are qualified to work with individuals dealing with a wide range of mental health concerns—including trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, developmental disorders, and more.
Key elements of art therapy:
Conducted by a trained and certified art therapist
Involves assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic goals
Based on evidence-informed psychotherapy principles
Found in clinical, hospital, school, and private practice settings
Governed by ethical standards and privacy laws
You don’t need to have any art skills—what matters is how the process of creating art supports insight, emotional expression, and healing.
What Is Therapeutic Art Making?
Therapeutic art making, in contrast, refers to any creative activity that supports emotional well-being, stress relief, or personal expression, but is not facilitated by a trained art therapist.
This might include painting at home, joining a community art group, or doing crafts as a form of mindfulness or relaxation. It’s non-clinical, meaning it doesn’t involve diagnosis, treatment plans, or formal psychotherapy.
Key elements of therapeutic art making:
Self-directed or led by non-clinical facilitators
Not considered mental health treatment
Emphasizes enjoyment, expression, and exploration
Often done in community centers, schools, or workshops
Open to anyone, regardless of background or experience
While this kind of art-making can be deeply meaningful and even healing, it isn’t a substitute for professional mental health care if that’s what someone needs.
Why the Difference Matters
Both art therapy and therapeutic art making have value—but it’s important to distinguish between the two.
Someone experiencing emotional distress or trauma may benefit from working with a certified art therapist who has the training to provide a safe, supportive, and clinically informed environment. On the other hand, someone looking to unwind or reconnect with their creativity might find joy and relief in therapeutic art practices outside of therapy.
Understanding this distinction helps ensure that people receive the appropriate level of support and don’t unknowingly mistake one for the other.
Which One Is Right for You?
If you’re dealing with mental health challenges, past trauma, grief, or life transitions, and want a structured, supportive approach, art therapy with a trained professional may be the best path.
If you’re looking for a creative outlet to relax, de-stress, or express yourself, and aren’t in need of clinical support, therapeutic art making might be just what you need.
You don’t have to choose one forever—many people explore both at different points in their lives.
Final Thoughts
Creativity is a powerful force for healing. Whether it’s through the clinical guidance of a certified art therapist or your own personal creative practice, art offers a way to connect with yourself on a deeper level. The key is understanding your needs—and finding the right path to support them.
