Art as Therapy: Emotional Support Online

Today, more than ever, people are looking for new ways to cope with emotional stress, anxiety, and depression.One method that has been gaining popularity is art therapy, which combines creative expression with emotional healing.In the digital age, it’s now possible to receive art-based emotional support online.This post will explore how art can serve as a therapeutic tool, the benefits of online therapy, and how to get started.

“A Hug from Afar,” oil pastel on paper.

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of emotional therapy that uses the creative process to help individuals express feelings, process experiences, and improve mental health. Instead of relying solely on words, the client creates drawings, sculptures, collages, or any other form of art that allows them to externalize what is difficult to express verbally.

The main advantage is that art opens the door to deeper self-understanding. It enables:

• Nonverbal emotional expression

• Reduction of stress and anxiety

• Strengthening the sense of control and self-confidence

• Creation of a safe space to process difficult experiences

Art as therapy can help in treating depression, PTSD, anxiety, and can even improve the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses. It is also a common therapeutic tool for individuals on the autism spectrum (ASD) and with other diagnoses.

How does it work online?

In the past, art therapy was mostly done face-to-face. However, following the global COVID-19 pandemic and advances in technology, it is now possible to receive therapy and emotional support online. Online art workshops, video sessions with therapists, and virtual support groups allow people everywhere to connect to the process.

The advantages of online art therapy include:

• High accessibility – no need to travel or sit in traffic

• Privacy – participate from home in a familiar, comfortable environment

• Flexible scheduling – sessions can fit your personal timetable

• Community connection – online support groups allow sharing and connection with people who have similar experiences

On this website, you can contact me, a certified therapist, for online therapeutic sessions where we can create, talk, and connect personally.

Common Uses of Online Art Therapy

• Treating Anxiety and Depression - Depression and anxiety have become very common in recent years. We’ve lived through pandemics, wars, revolutions, and climate changes that affect both body and mind. Through art, we can explore difficult emotions that are sometimes impossible to express in words—whether through speech or writing. Art can serve both as an emotional release and as a grounding, calming force through touch, sight, and even smell.

• Processing Trauma - Like depression, trauma is often difficult to verbalize. Art therapy allows individuals to process experiences through creation, approaching them indirectly in a way that makes it easier to cope. Online therapy also enables people in remote areas to access the support they need to deal with trauma.

• Improving Emotional Communication - People who struggle to express emotions verbally can learn through art how to communicate better with themselves and with others. Through discussions about their art and creations, they can practice communication and find the language that suits them best.

How to Begin Online Art Therapy

Before starting, a few important things to know:

• Find a certified therapist – make sure your therapist has professional training in art therapy.

• Check the platform – ensure the platform used for sessions (Zoom, Google Meet, Discord, etc.) is comfortable and convenient for you.

• Prepare a creative space at home – choose a quiet, private room where you can be alone during sessions. Prepare a table or a cozy corner with basic materials like paints, paper, clay, or any medium that interests you.

• Start with an introductory session – most therapists offer a first meeting for free or at a reduced rate to get acquainted with the process. I do as well.

• Be open to the process – art therapy is gradual; give yourself time to learn and feel comfortable. You don’t need prior knowledge or “talent”—just openness, patience, and the understanding that sometimes the art that comes from within isn’t “beautiful,” and that’s perfectly okay.

Tips for Success in Online Art Therapy

• Dedicate regular time – like any emotional therapy, consistency is key, even online.

• Avoid comparisons – you don’t need to be a professional artist; the goal is personal expression.

• Create a pleasant environment – good lighting, calming music, and quality materials enhance the experience. Sometimes, silence helps create a sense of calm and safety.

• Be patient – progress may take time. Emotional healing, in all its forms and colors, takes time—sometimes more, sometimes less—but it cannot be rushed.

• Ensure the therapist fits you – every therapist has a unique approach and style. Take time to make sure you feel comfortable sharing and creating together. If we discover that we’re not a good fit, I’ll gladly suggest alternatives or recommend other therapists, even in different therapeutic approaches.

Research and Scientific Support

Since this is my personal website and blog, I don’t publish full articles here. For professional reading about art therapy, I highly recommend exploring online libraries of universities and colleges, the Journal of Clinical Psychology, the website Betipulnet, and the Hebrew Psychology website.

Now, Take Action

To sum up, art therapy is a powerful tool that can help people cope with difficult emotions and improve mental health. Thanks to technology, emotional support is now accessible, private, and flexible online. If you’re looking for a new way to express yourself and feel better, art therapy can be an excellent starting point.

The next step is to find a certified therapist who suits you and begin your journey toward emotional calm and creative expression. This may be the most challenging step—but if you’ve read this far, you’re ready to take it.

And greetings from Georgia! :)