Why It’s Important to Work with a Trained Art Therapist — Especially for Trauma Work
- LKB
- Oct 11
- 3 min read
Art can be a powerful part of healing. It offers a way to express what words can’t always reach — the body sensations, emotions, and memories that live beneath the surface. In trauma work, art can reconnect us to our story in safe, manageable ways. But the very tools that make art therapy so effective are also what make it essential to work with a trained and credentialed art therapist.
What Makes a Trained Art Therapist Different
A Registered Art Therapist (ATR) or Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) has completed specialized graduate-level education in both psychology, studio art, and art therapy techniques, approaches, and history. They’re trained to understand how the creative process interacts with the nervous system, emotion regulation, and trauma memory.
This training goes far beyond using art as a “fun” or “creative” activity. Art therapists learn how to:
Select and adapt art materials to support safety and regulation, not overwhelm.
Recognize trauma responses that might surface during art-making and help to provide containment and safety.
Integrate art-based processing within a trauma-informed clinical framework (such as EMDR, somatic work, or attachment-focused therapy).
Hold space for expression without interpreting or analyzing artwork in harmful ways (Note: Art therapists will never analyze your art!)
The Risks of Working with Someone Without Proper Training
Unfortunately, the term art therapy isn’t protected everywhere, and some professionals — or even well-meaning coaches or teachers — use it without the education or credentials. While creative expression can absolutely be therapeutic, calling it “art therapy” without the appropriate background can lead to unintended harm, particularly in trauma work.
Here’s what can go wrong:
Misinterpretation of artwork: Untrained individuals may try to “analyze” what a drawing means, making assumptions about a person’s emotions, history, or psyche. This can feel invasive or shaming and may damage trust or re-traumatize the client.
Use of triggering materials: Certain art media (like clay, paint, or collage images) can activate body memories or sensory flashbacks in trauma survivors. A trained art therapist knows how to offer materials that can mitigate the chances of this happening.
Lack of containment: Art-making can open up deep emotional material. Without clinical grounding and trauma-informed care, a person might be left dysregulated or emotionally flooded after a session.
No ethical or clinical oversight: Registered art therapists are bound by professional ethics, confidentiality standards, and continuing education requirements — offering an additional layer of protection for clients.
Why This Matters in Trauma Work
Trauma work requires a delicate balance of safety and exploration. A trained art therapist understands how to pace sessions, build trust, and use art as a bridge — not a shortcut — to deeper healing. The goal isn’t to interpret or expose, but to empower clients to connect with their own inner wisdom through creative expression.
Art therapy done well creates a space where your nervous system can settle, your story can unfold at your own pace, and healing becomes something you actively participate in, and you can connect with your own creative voice and practice choice.
How to Find a Qualified Art Therapist
If you’re seeking art therapy, look for professionals who are registered (ATR) or board certified (ATR-BC) through the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB). You can also check the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) directory to find credentialed providers in your area.
When in doubt, ask about their experience and qualifications. A trained art therapist will be transparent about their background and will welcome your questions!
At Mind Body Being, art therapy is offered as part of an integrated, trauma-informed approach to healing — honoring the connection between mind, body, and creative expression.If you’d like to explore how art therapy can support your healing process, reach out for a consultation!
