Quite often people refer art therapy sessions as art classes. This is not correct. I will explain a few differences between the two. Hopefully we will start using the correct term by the time art therapy practice becomes more common. Knowing the difference between the two might help you decide which one suits you best when looking for arts based mental health supports.
The primary function of an art class is to teach an art making technique as well as to teach the client how to improve or correct their mistakes. In the end the expectation is to produce a finished piece which might be evaluated by their technical ability, also perhaps for the art style knowledge in general. The class is usually provided by an art teacher who might, or might not, have a degree in art education.
The primary function of art therapy session is to provide psychological therapy. In art therapy the therapist has a specialised training in art therapy. For instance, in my case, I completed Masters in Mental Health (specialisation in Art Therapy Studies) at the University of Queensland. (This is in addition to my separate Social Work degree.) There are also other universities, institutes and colleges that teach art therapy, and the approaches might vary, but the main idea is to provide therapy through art in one way or another. The therapist is not a teacher. This does not mean the client would not learn new techniques during art therapy session, but the techniques are not the goal.
The goal of an art therapy session is the process, and potentially a reflection with, or through, the art. The art making also serves other functions such as creating new neural pathways in brain, helping to communicate either through art or while making the art (often words flow better when we do something while talking) or pure relaxation in a safe, supportive environment. It might sound like it does not matter who is sitting with us when we make art. This is not true. A trained art therapist takes their cues from the client. The art therapist does not pose critical comments or assume things but guides the session in a mentally and psychologically safe manner. For instance, an art teacher might say: “I will show you how to draw a human head.” Whereas an art therapist might say: “I am interested in your thoughts while you are drawing that shape.” You might say: “I am trying to draw a human head.” Art therapist might say: “Can you tell me more about that?” The difference is about you learning about you (in therapy) or about you learning a technique (art class).
I had an enquiry recently from a parent who was looking for art therapy for her young child who had experienced psychological trauma. My practice was too far away for her to bring her child to the studio, but I said I am happy to refer her to my colleagues. She then stated that she does not mind whether the person is a qualified therapist, just as long her child is receiving art therapy. I always become alarmed when I hear such a comment. I have worked with severely traumatised children. In my experience the untrained ‘therapist’ can do much damage and even re-traumatise the client. My recommendation is always to check the art therapist training. If they are trained, they are happy and proud to tell you (because it is a long, expensive and arduous road to become an art therapist!). If they are not, they probably do not want you to ask about it, and this is a warning sign for you. You want to make sure that the person treating your child knows what they are doing. You would not ask a receptionist from an electrical company to check the wiring in your house, would you? You would want the trained electrician to attend the problem. The same goes for art therapy. If you or your child has experienced psychological trauma, please find an accredited /registered art therapist.
And a final word. Art classes are great. I love art classes. I love learning art and craft techniques. It can be sometimes very therapeutic to attend in an art class. But if you need therapy and like the idea of a third entity in the therapeutic relationship, your artwork, then seek for a professional art therapist. There are plenty of them around these days.