Structure of a Typical Art Therapy Session (50 mins)
What does a session look like?
There is no single way to provide art therapy; as a result, it can look different according to the needs of a client.
1. Welcome and check-in (5–10 minutes)
The therapist greets the client and creates a safe, predictable environment. A brief discussion about current feelings, mood, or experiences may occur. Grounding or warm-up exercises may be used, especially for children or neurodiverse clients (e.g., deep breathing, stretching, or a sensory activity).
2. Introduction of art making (5 minutes)
The therapist invites the client to engage in creative expression through either structured, semi-structured, or open-ended art making, depending on therapeutic goals. Materials might include paints, clay, collage items, markers, slime, or mixed media. The therapist explores the potential of art therapy in a way that emphasizes choice, safety, and self-expression.
3. Art-making process (20–30 minutes)
The client then engages in the creative process, guided by the therapist but maintaining autonomy over choices. The therapist observes, reflects, and may facilitate expression through prompts or gentle questions or create alongside them. This stage encourages emotional processing, self-regulation, and exploration of themes in a nonverbal or symbolic way.
4. Reflection and discussion (10–15 minutes)
The therapist invites the client to be curious about their artwork and the process involved in the therapeutic art sessions. Reflection focuses on feelings, thoughts, or experiences evoked during art-making. The therapist may use verbal dialogue, storytelling, or nonverbal cues to help the client process emotions safely.
5. Closure (5 minutes)
The therapist guides a closure routine to help the client transition out of the session. Activities may include cleaning up materials, a grounding exercise, or summarizing insights from the session. Closure reinforces safety, predictability, and a sense of completion. Any artwork produced is then stored safely each week in the therapy room. If the session is online, the client will store the artwork.