What is Art Therapy

What is Art Therapy?

Have you ever felt stuck in your process? Like something is happening inside that can’t be expressed? Or have you ever felt like you understand a concept being taught to you but struggle to embody it in day to day life?

Art is simply a vehicle that opens up our inner world to possibilities, mistakes, and resilience. At The Well we use art in many different ways to support the process for clients moving through their story.

With courage and vulnerability, our clients take the step to explore their needs, emotions, grief and identity through the art materials. Our therapists are highly trained in using art in therapy and are passionate about the power of this modality in working with trauma, anxiety, depression, attachment wounds and more.

IEATA International Expressive Arts Therapy Association

ARIZONA ART THERAPY ASSOCIATION

Creating art fundamentally changes our biology. Art therapy impacts the brain by increasing neuroplasticity, enhancing connectivity between brain regions like the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, and boosting the release of mood-regulating neurotransmitters such as dopamine. Research shows it improves cognitive functions by strengthening the prefrontal cortex, helps with emotion regulation by engaging the amygdala, and can support recovery from neurological conditions by activating the hippocampus and promoting motor function. Overall, art therapy fosters a sense of well-being, reduces stress and anxiety, and can even rewire the brain for greater resilience, especially in cases of trauma or cognitive decline.

Art Therapy Group for Adults

Learn More About the Art Studio at The Well

The Unwell Studio is the art studio within The Well and in many ways the heart of The Well also. It was named as a play on words to highlight the messiness of being human and the process that unfolds when making art.

The Studio is fully functioning for a wide variety of art materials and while it supports brave clients in therapy sessions during the week – it transforms into an equally warm and supportive creative space for artists and community members for workshops and groups at night and on the weekends.

Our studio is small and cozy. It fits 6 people max at one time and makes for an authentic and inviting space for all levels of art makers. We have 2D drawing supplies, paints, printmaking, collage and mixed media, clay, model magic, plaster, inks and more!