What happens in Art therapy? 5 reasons why an Art Therapist would Make Art Alongside You

Would you like me to make art alongside you today?

Or would you prefer I sit with you while you create?

Sometimes, if it seems fitting, I pose this choice to my clients during sessions.

Firstly, there is no wrong response to this invitation. You get to decide what would feel best. Secondly, there are so many reasons why your art therapist would make art alongside you. Let's look at a few in no particular order.

1. Showing you how to begin with art

For many of us, the last time we created art in front of others was as children. To sit with paper, paints, or chalk as an adult, under the gaze of another, can feel kind of weird and a little bit vulnerable. We know that using art to look at life can be new to most of our clients.

So, rather than sitting silently and watching you, your therapist may model how art materials can be used or offer suggestions for how to begin.

2. Gentle connection in art

Art therapy is not only about the image—it’s about the relationship. Sometimes, creating alongside you can feel like playing together or like two minds exploring the same challenge.

Over the years I have learned that I can soften my presence by joining you in the act of art making. I might pick up a pencil or brush to accompany you. In this way my art making becomes a way of saying: I am here and you are not alone. It's a gentle way to connect.

This is especially important in online therapy, where physical distance is built into the process.

 By making art alongside you, even across a screen, we build connection and bridge that gap. 

BUT WAIT!

If the therapist makes art too doesn't this make it less about me?

Don't worry the art your therapist makes alongside you isn’t about them.

Yes, they will be present in it, and sometimes their own themes and feelings will overlap with yours (this is for them to consider)—because they're human too. But the art created during sessions is always in service of you and the therapeutic relationship.

3. The art of Attunement

You should know that even as they create alongside you, your therapist will be holding awareness of what you are doing.

They will notice:

• How active or hesitant you are.

• Whether you are immersed and expressive, or tentative and quiet.

• How quickly you select materials.

• The rhythm of your process—long pauses, deep sighs, gentle humming, or rapid pencil marks.

• How much silence or conversation you need as you use the materials

  
  

By noticing these details, they attune to you. Yes, the art helps with that too. It's pretty amazing.

4. Processing through art

   Your therapist might use their art making to hone in on or process what might be going on with you.

   Stay with me here, I know this sounds strange, but it works. They could choose materials you might be using to get an insight into what's going on for you. Or they could balance your process with their own. Small and light marks made by you, might be complemented with larger or bolder shapes in your therapist's art.

   
   

5. Reflecting with art

   The art can focus on a topic you have brought that stands out to the therapist or deserves more exploration.

   A theme, emotion, or colour that feels present in the session can be drawn out in your therapists art. This creates a subtle dialogue between your work and theirs. Together you can reflect upon what comes up.

   
   

Ultimately, Art is a way to attend to you

If you have ever had the experience of sitting with your therapist while you both create art, I am sure it revealed something new about old stories. I also hope it conveyed a sense of being attended to that we all deserve to experience. Making art alongside you becomes your therapist's way of saying:

I'm really listening.

What next?

If this has made you curious about art therapy go ahead and read my other blogs. They're free and full to the brim with creative ideas. Share and like to spread the word.

If you would like to try art therapy for yourself, please do contact me. I'm here, ready and full of ideas and empathy.

Until then,

Stay creative.

Ellen