Therapeutic Art Making and Art Therapy: What’s the Difference?
At Art for Wellness CIC, we believe creativity can support wellbeing, connection, and self-expression.
We also believe it’s important to be clear, honest, and transparent about what we offer — and what we don’t.
This page explains the difference between non-clinical therapeutic art making (which we provide) and art therapy (which we do not provide), so that participants can make informed choices and feel safe and supported.
What Is Non-Clinical Therapeutic Art Making?
Therapeutic art making is a creative, supportive, non-clinical approach to wellbeing.
Our sessions use art as a gentle tool to:
- Support emotional expression
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Encourage mindfulness and relaxation
- Build confidence and self-esteem
- Reduce isolation and increase connection
- Create a sense of belonging and shared experience
Sessions are process-focused, not outcome-driven. There is no pressure to be “good at art” and no expectation to discuss personal experiences unless participants choose to.
Our workshops are suitable for adults who may be:
- Experiencing stress, loneliness, or low confidence
- Living with long-term health conditions
- Neurodivergent
- Recovering from life changes or difficult periods
- Seeking creative wellbeing in a calm, inclusive space
Participants remain in control of what they share and how they engage.
What Therapeutic Art Making Is Not
While our sessions can feel deeply meaningful and supportive, it’s important to be clear:
- Therapeutic art making is not therapy
- We do not offer diagnosis, treatment, or clinical intervention
- We do not provide mental health counselling or psychotherapy
- Our facilitators do not work with trauma therapeutically
We do not analyse artwork or interpret meaning on behalf of participants.
What Is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a clinical mental health intervention delivered by a qualified and registered art therapist.
Art therapists:
- Hold postgraduate qualifications in art therapy
- Are registered with professional regulatory bodies
- Work within clinical, medical, or therapeutic frameworks
- Use art as part of a formal therapeutic process
Art therapy is appropriate for people who need structured therapeutic support, particularly around trauma, complex mental health needs, or psychological distress.
Key Differences at a Glance
Therapeutic Art Making (Art for Wellness CIC)
✔ Non-clinical
✔ Community-based
✔ Focus on wellbeing and creativity
✔ No diagnosis or treatment
✔ Accessible and inclusive
✔ Participant-led sharing
Art Therapy
✔ Clinical intervention
✔ Delivered by registered art therapists
✔ Part of a therapeutic treatment plan
✔ May involve assessment and therapeutic goals
Both approaches are valuable — they simply serve different needs.
Our Facilitators and Professional Boundaries
Our sessions are delivered by experienced, trauma-aware creative practitioners with backgrounds in community arts, wellbeing, and inclusive facilitation.
We work within:
- Clear safeguarding policies
- Strong professional boundaries
- A non-clinical wellbeing framework
- Ethical and person-centred practice
We prioritise safety, choice, consent, and respect in all sessions.
Working Alongside Other Services
We recognise that creative wellbeing is one part of a wider support network.
If a participant appears to need therapeutic or clinical support beyond our remit, we will:
- Gently and respectfully signpost to appropriate services
- Encourage engagement with GPs, mental health services, or qualified therapists
- Work collaboratively with local organisations where appropriate
This ensures participants receive the right support at the right time.
Why This Clarity Matters
Being clear about our offer:
- Protects participants
- Supports ethical practice
- Builds trust with partners and funders
- Strengthens collaboration with health and support services
- Models best practice in community wellbeing work
We are proud to contribute to a local ecosystem where creativity, care, and professionalism work together.
In Summary
Art for Wellness CIC offers non-clinical therapeutic art making — creative, inclusive sessions that support wellbeing through art, connection, and gentle exploration.
We do not offer therapy — and we believe being clear about that is a strength.
If you’re unsure whether our sessions are right for you, we’re always happy to talk things through.
Colour / Shape & Imagination
Written by Art For Wellness CIC