Session Experienceart therapy

What Happens During an Art Therapy Session?

Worried you cannot draw? That is not the point. Here is what art therapy actually involves — the process, what materials are used, and what to expect from your first session.

By Gyfts Editorial Team 20 March 2025

Reviewed by Dr. Ava Gardner · Integrative Medicine Researcher12 March 2026Emerging evidence

What Happens During an Art Therapy Session? — holistic health

Photo by Eugenia Pan'kiv on Unsplash

Quick answer

Worried you cannot draw? That is not the point. Here is what art therapy actually involves — the process, what materials are used, and what to expect from your first session.

Key Takeaways

•Art skill is irrelevant — expression is the goal, not aesthetics.
•Sessions begin with a brief check-in, not immediately making art.
•A range of materials is typically available — you choose what feels right.
•The therapist does not interpret your art for you or tell you what it means.
•Reflection on what you made is as important as the making itself.
•Sessions are typically 50–60 minutes, often weekly.

Before You Arrive

An initial assessment appointment typically precedes regular therapy sessions — a primarily verbal chance for the therapist to understand your background and what you hope for from the work. No preparation is needed. Arriving with curiosity and a willingness to engage is enough.

The Beginning of a Session

Sessions typically begin with a brief check-in: how you have been since the previous session and how you are feeling as you arrive. Your therapist may then invite you to the art materials, or you may feel ready to begin. There is no pressure to make anything quickly.

The Materials

A well-equipped art therapy studio offers paints, drawing materials (pencils, charcoal, pastels), collage materials, clay, and sometimes fabric or found objects. You are not expected to know what to choose — part of the process is noticing what draws you.

There is no correct way to use the materials. Some people work representationally; others work abstractly with marks and colours. Both are equally valid.

During Making

Your therapist may sit quietly while you work, make occasional observations, or ask open questions. Their role is not to direct but to be present and attentive. Many people find that once they begin, the self-consciousness about artistic ability fades and a more direct engagement with feeling comes through.

Reflection

After making, you and your therapist look at what you have made together — not for the therapist to tell you what it means, but to explore it with curiosity. What do you notice? What does it bring up? This dialogue between you, the therapist, and the artwork creates a triangular space distinctive to arts therapies.

Ending the Session

Sessions end with attention to how you are feeling, particularly if difficult material has surfaced. Your therapist will ensure you feel grounded before you leave.

Evidence Context

moderate

Patient experience research consistently finds art therapy sessions accessible, meaningful, and distinct from other therapeutic approaches.

Safety & Considerations

Art therapy can surface difficult emotions — this is normal and expected. The therapist is trained to hold this safely. Communicate with your therapist if you feel overwhelmed.

Who May Benefit

People curious about art therapy before committing
Those worried their lack of art skill will be a barrier
Anyone wanting to understand how art therapy differs from regular therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cry or feel overwhelmed?

This is not unusual, particularly early in therapy. Sessions are structured to hold this safely. You can always choose to stop the art-making and speak directly if that feels more appropriate.

Does the therapist keep my artwork?

Typically yes — artwork is kept securely as part of the therapeutic record. It belongs to you and can be returned at the end of a therapy course.

Can I do art therapy online?

Online art therapy has developed significantly since 2020. It requires preparation (your own materials, a suitable workspace) and some adjustments, but research suggests it can be effective.

Written by

Gyfts Editorial Team

Editorial team at Gyfts researching holistic health modalities.

Reviewed by

Dr. Ava Gardner

Integrative Medicine Researcher

MB BCh BAO, MSc Integrative Medicine, MRCGP

Dr. Ava Gardner is a Dublin-based integrative medicine physician with over 15 years of clinical experience bridging conventional general practice and evidence-based complementary care. She holds a Masters in Integrative Medicine from the University of Arizona and has worked extensively in chronic pain management, women's hormonal health, and mind-body medicine. Dr. Gardner reviews health content for Gyfts to ensure clinical accuracy, balanced evidence presentation, and responsible safety guidance across modality and condition pages.

View full profile →