Art Therapy at IPG
Unlock your Inner World
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a therapeutic approach that integrates creative expression with psychological healing. It allows individuals to explore their emotions, thoughts, and subconscious themes that may not be as accessible through traditional talk therapy due to conscious defenses. Through the process of making art, clients can bypass verbal limitations and access deeper layers of their psyche, uncovering feelings, memories, and patterns that influence their well-being.
Art therapy is rooted in both psychological theory and the understanding that creative expression is inherently healing. It embraces a mind-body approach, recognizing that emotions and trauma are often stored in the body. By engaging in the artistic process, clients can release tension, regulate emotions, and gain insight into their inner world. Spirituality can also play a role in art therapy, as the act of creating can foster a sense of connection to something greater—whether that be personal meaning, collective consciousness, or a higher power (Malchiodi, 2020).
How Does Art Therapy Help a Person?
Art therapy facilitates self-discovery, emotional regulation, and healing by allowing individuals to externalize their inner experiences. The process of creating art activates sensory and motor pathways, engaging different areas of the brain and encouraging holistic integration of thoughts and emotions. This makes it particularly effective for individuals who have difficulty verbalizing their experiences, such as those dealing with trauma, anxiety, or neurodivergence (American Art Therapy Association, 2017).
One of the key benefits of art therapy is that it allows for self-expression without the fear of being misunderstood. Words can sometimes fail to capture the complexity of emotions, but through creative expression, clients can communicate their inner world in a way that feels safe and authentic.
Additionally, art therapy functions as an active coping skill that helps the nervous system gradually learn regulation within the safety of a session. The rhythmic, repetitive motions involved in creating art—such as drawing, painting, or sculpting—can be soothing to the nervous system, promoting a state of relaxation and grounding. Over time, these experiences help clients build resilience and develop greater self-regulation skills that they can carry into their daily lives (New Jersey Art Therapy Association, n.d.).
What Happens During Art Therapy?
Art therapy sessions vary depending on the client’s needs and the therapist’s approach, but they typically involve engaging in artistic activities such as drawing, painting, collage, or sculpture. The emphasis is not on creating aesthetically pleasing artwork but on the process itself—what emerges, how the client feels while creating, and what insights arise. While most art therapy sessions include talk therapy, some sessions may vary and include silent reflection based on the clients’ needs and comfortability.
In some cases, the therapist may guide the client through specific exercises, but spontaneous art-making is also encouraged. Spontaneous art can look like doodling without a plan, creating abstract shapes, or simply letting the hand move freely without overthinking. This type of expression allows the subconscious mind to emerge naturally, often revealing emotions, patterns, or imagery that the client was not consciously aware of. Spontaneous art can be particularly helpful in reducing self-judgment, fostering playfulness, and allowing emotions to be processed organically (Malchiodi, 2015).
Some sessions may also incorporate movement, breathwork, or guided visualization to deepen the connection between mind, body, and creative expression.
How Long are Art Therapy Sessions?
The duration of art therapy varies based on individual goals and needs. Individual sessions are scheduled for around 50-53 minutes, allowing space for initial joining, the creative process, and reflection. The session then concludes with closing and clean-up time, which also serves as an opportunity to transition out of the therapy space. This structured timing helps ensure that clients feel grounded before leaving the session and returning to their daily routines. Some clients find short-term interventions effective for addressing specific concerns, while others engage in ongoing therapy as part of their long-term healing process. Sessions can be structured weekly or biweekly and may evolve over time as the client gains insight and develops coping strategies (American Art Therapy Association, 2017).
Can Art Therapy Be Combined with Regular Therapy, or Is it Used Primarily By Itself?
Art therapy can be a standalone therapeutic approach or integrated with other modalities, such as psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or mindfulness-based practices. Many clients find that incorporating both talk therapy and creative expression allows for a more comprehensive healing process, as it engages both verbal and nonverbal aspects of communication.
When signing up for art therapy, sessions can vary between art therapy, talk therapy, or a blend of both, depending on what feels most helpful at the time. Some clients may prefer primarily engaging in art-making, while others might shift between verbal processing and creative expression. If at any point a client feels ready to transition more into talk therapy, this can be seamlessly incorporated with the therapist to ensure a supportive and personalized approach.
Because art therapy acknowledges the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, it offers a flexible and holistic path for self-exploration, emotional healing, and personal transformation (New Jersey Art Therapy Association, n.d.).
Will my Insurance cover Art Therapy?
Yes. Art therapy at IPG is considered the same as any other form of psychotherapy and is covered under your mental health benefits.
References
American Art Therapy Association. (2017). What is art therapy? https://arttherapy.org/what-is-art-therapy
Malchiodi, C. A. (2015). Creative interventions with traumatized children. The Guilford Press.
Malchiodi, C. A. (2020). Handbook of art therapy and expressive interventions. The Guilford Press.
New Jersey Art Therapy Association. (n.d.). About art therapy. https://www.njarttherapy.org
Brigitt Yermakov, LAC, ATR-P
Brigitt is a Licensed Associate Counselor and Provisional Art Therapist dedicated to supporting clients on their journey toward healing and self-discovery. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Art Therapy specialization from Caldwell University.
Brigitt specializes in working with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, ADHD, LGBTQ+ identity exploration, and life adjustments. She takes a holistic perspective, integrating mind, body, and spirit while honoring authenticity, creativity, and a trusting relationship as powerful tools for healing. Her goal is to provide a welcoming, supportive space where clients feel safe to explore emotions, learn coping skills, deepen self-awareness, and uncover their unique path forward.
Brigitt works with children, adolescents, and adults, striving to nurture each client’s inner compass and empower them to navigate life’s challenges with clarity, purpose, and resilience. She looks forward to walking alongside her clients on their journey of self-discovery and empowerment.