What Is Art Therapy?

Where It Falls Short

There are some places where it's possible for art therapy to fall short. It works best when paired with other forms of therapy, but on its own, it's often not enough to make a significant impact. For individuals suffering from psychological conditions, art therapy might also be paired with medication like antidepressants or mood stabilizers. Art therapy cannot address chemical imbalances that cause mood disorders, including having too much or too little dopamine or serotonin. Art therapy can be used to help individuals better understand their thoughts and feelings, and develop coping mechanisms, process trauma, and work through inner emotional conflicts. However, art therapy doesn't often offer help with behavioral issues or the need for more in-depth lifestyle changes. For these things to be addressed, patients usually need to combine art therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps patients recognize their irrational emotions and behaviors, and then work to change these things.