The Expressive Arts Therapies are a form of psychotherapy utilising creative modalities, including visual art-making, music, drama, and dance/movement, within a therapeutic relationship to improve and inform physical, mental and emotional well-being. 

Arts therapies are traditionally based on psychoanalytic or psychodynamic principles, and most art and arts therapists utilise varied practice-based and evidence-based theoretical frameworks in their work. 

Expressive Arts Therapies can be practiced with individuals as well as groups. 

Arts therapies differ from traditional art-making or performance in that the emphasis is on the process of creating and meaning-making, rather than on the end product. 

The arts therapies can help people to resolve conflicts, develop interpersonal skills, manage behaviour, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and achieve insight. Arts therapy can encourage clients to:

• express feelings that may be difficult to verbalise

• explore their imagination and creativity

• develop healthy coping skills and focus

• improve self-esteem and confidence

• identify and clarify issues and concerns

• increase communication skills

• share in a safe nurturing environment

• improve motor skills and physical co-ordination

• identify blocks to emotional expression and personal growth.