Myth 1: “Arts Therapy is just like an art class, where you learn to make art”

Reality: Arts therapy isn’t about creating “perfect” artwork – it’s about using creativity as a powerful tool for healing, self-discovery, and communication. Arts therapy supports emotional wellbeing by helping individuals express thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to put into words, making it especially helpful for those who struggle with traditional talk therapy. Through the creative process, arts therapy encourages self-expression, builds self-awareness, and promotes personal growth.

Myth 2:  “Art Therapy is just for artists”

Reality: You don’t need any artistic skill or prior experience to benefit from arts therapy. What matters is being open to using creativity as a way to explore your thoughts, connect with yourself, and support your emotional wellbeing. In arts therapy, there is no judgment about the quality of your artwork — there is no “right” or “wrong” way to create art.

Many people have been told at some point that they are “bad at art” or “can’t draw.” This can actually become a meaningful topic to explore during an arts therapy session, but it never prevents anyone from participating or experiencing its benefits. In fact, people with little or no art experience often find arts therapy to be especially liberating, insightful, and empowering.

Myth 3: “Art Therapy is just for kids or people who can’t communicate“

Reality: Arts therapy is a powerful therapeutic approach for people of all ages. It engages children, teens, adults, and seniors in a creative and transformative process that supports emotional expression and personal growth. Children are often especially responsive to arts therapy because it allows them to play, explore, and problem-solve without relying solely on words.

While arts therapy is highly beneficial for individuals who find verbal communication difficult or overwhelming, it is not limited to these groups. Talking about the creative process can be an important part of each session, helping clients reflect and gain deeper insight. Professional art therapists are trained to tailor their approach to each client’s age, needs, and abilities, making arts therapy a truly inclusive and flexible form of support.

Myth 4:  “Art Therapists know what you are thinking by looking at your artwork“

Reality: No one can know what you’re thinking just by looking at the art you create in an arts therapy session. An art therapist works collaboratively with you to explore and understand the meaning behind your images, often combining visual and verbal techniques.

There can be multiple ways to interpret artwork, and a skilled art therapist will offer ideas and reflections for you to consider — never telling you what you “must” think or feel. Their role is to be a respectful, supportive partner in your therapeutic journey, not a detective searching for hidden secrets.

Myth 5:  “Anyone can call themselves an Art Therapist because it isn’t a real type of therapy“

Reality: Arts therapy is a nationally accredited and evidence-based profession. Qualified art therapists receive advanced training in psychotherapy, creative processes, and therapeutic practice to ensure safe and effective support. Arts therapy has been a recognised profession for over 50 years, with training and practice guided by professional associations and standards.

There is a growing body of research supporting the effectiveness of arts therapy worldwide. It is used to help people manage depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, grief, life transitions, spiritual distress, and other mental health concerns — offering a creative and holistic pathway to healing.

Considering a Career as an Arts Therapist?

At Ikon Institute of Australia, we proudly offer the only Bachelor of Art Therapy course in the country, dedicated to training the next generation of compassionate and skilled therapists. Our graduates may qualify for tier membership with ANZACATA, the leading professional body for creative arts therapists across Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia/Pacific region. Additionally, Ikon provides a Diploma of Art Therapy to help you launch a fulfilling and impactful career.

Enjoyed exploring these five myths about Arts Therapy? At the Ikon Institute of Australia, we’re dedicated to empowering individuals to create life-changing futures. We achieve this by nurturing curiosity and personal growth through meaningful learning experiences in our courses in Arts Therapy, Counselling and Psychotherapy, Community Services and Early Childhood Education.

1. Design a Postcard

Want to get something off your chest? Bring your words to life by decorating them in your own unique style.
If your postcard is to someone who’s caused you pain, try using it as a release – burn it safely as a symbol of moving forward.

2. Draw in Response to Music

Music is a remarkable form of art that often evokes profound emotions. Energise or relax by putting pen to paper and creating art dictated by rhythm and emotions.

3. Bring Motivational Quotes to Life

Do you have a favourite phrase or saying that lifts your spirits? Try cutting the words from old magazines and arranging them into an encouraging display. By taking the words of wisdom from someone else and turning them into something visually inspiring, you’ll experience how simple creativity can spark a sense of encouragement.

4. Give thanks with cards of your own 

Focus on words and thoughts of gratitude, expressed in your own unique way. Think about thanking those who are helping you through current challenges, as well as those who have supported you in the past. Even if you’ve already expressed gratitude in person, a card is a thoughtful way to show that their kindness made a lasting difference.

5. Cut and paste a collage 

Do you have some spare magazines, newspapers or advertisements lying around? Take a pair of scissors to them, and let your imagination run wild. If you are seeking encouragement in a certain area – love, finances, body image, and so on – focus on images and phrases that lift you up or reflect the goals you want to move toward. 

6. Draw your vision of a perfect day 

Think about what a perfect day would look like to you and draw or paint it. What about this drawing can you make happen today? Pablo Picasso once said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” It’s no surprise, then, that many people around the world use art as a means to deal with stress, trauma and unhappiness – or to just find greater peace and meaning in their lives.

7. Balloon Message 

Let go of negative emotions or spread positive ones by attaching a note or drawing to a balloon and releasing it into the sky.

Remember, do not allow yourself to judge your work. After all, there’s no right or wrong way to create art. There’s no way to fail. Just draw, paint, or sculpt freely, and let yourself enjoy the process.

At Ikon Institute of Australia, we aim to provide education with real purpose, achieving this by fostering curiosity and self-development through meaningful learning experiences with our courses in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Arts Therapy, and Early Childhood Education. 

Arts therapy supports people from all walks of life — including children, trauma survivors, and those with disabilities or language barriers — to use creative expression as a pathway to healing, self-discovery, and emotional regulation.

The focus isn’t on creating “perfect” artwork. Instead, the process of making art becomes a healthy outlet for expressing thoughts and emotions. A qualified art therapist gently guides clients through this process, helping them reflect on and find meaning in what they create. No formal art skills are required — only a willingness to explore creativity as a tool for growth and wellbeing.

Research has shown that arts therapy can significantly enhance mental health outcomes, particularly for young people in clinical settings (Lost for Words?, UNSW). The Australian and New Zealand Arts Therapy Association (ANZACATA) has also highlighted numerous studies demonstrating its effectiveness in supporting cancer patients, individuals living with chronic pain, and those experiencing mental health challenges. Additionally, arts therapy has been proven to have positive impacts when implemented in school environments (The Proven Efficacy of Creative Arts Therapies: What the Literature Tells Us, ANZACATA).

Our Bachelor of Arts Therapy equips students with the latest knowledge and practical skills in arts psychotherapy. This program explores how creative processes can support people experiencing mental health challenges, emotional distress, or physical difficulties. Students will discover how art-making and symbolic communication can facilitate healing, promote self-expression, and encourage personal growth.

The degree offers small group, experiential learning in a supportive environment, allowing students to build confidence and refine their therapeutic skills. Industry placements and professional networking opportunities are also included, helping graduates prepare for a rewarding career as qualified art therapists.

At Ikon Institute of Australia, we are committed to empowering individuals to create life-changing futures. We achieve this by nurturing curiosity and personal growth through meaningful learning experiences in our courses in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Arts Therapy, Community Services and Early Childhood Education.