What Is Art Therapy, Really?

When people hear “art therapy,” they often think of art lessons with a therapeutic twist—but it's so much more. For art therapist Karen Odell, art is both expression and transformation. With a background in visual arts and over a decade of experience, Karen shares how art becomes more than a tool—it becomes a collaborator in healing, especially when words fall short.

There has been growing discussion around the value and efficacy of art therapy, particularly within the context of NDIS-funded supports. In this piece, Karen reflects on the moments that drew her into the field, from early experiences in a women’s rehab centre to witnessing trauma and resilience unfold through paint and clay.

What is art therapy anyway? Is it more than an art lesson?

There has been growing discussion around the value and efficacy of art therapy, particularly within the context of NDIS-funded supports. As art therapists, we not only draw on the established evidence base that affirms art therapy as a legitimate and effective form of psychotherapy—we also witness its power firsthand through the meaningful changes we see in our clients.

My first experience with art therapy occurred while volunteering at a women’s rehabilitation centre, where it was integrated into the daily program. Soon after, I encountered its impact in a profoundly moving way, through artworks created by military personnel and first responders in an inpatient setting. Using paint, clay, and other media, these individuals translated traumatic experiences into powerful visual forms. No words were needed; the pain, resilience, and emotional depth expressed in their work spoke volumes.

As a visual artist with a deep curiosity and desire to understand the human experience, I needed to learn more. That was ten years ago, the beginning of a personal and professional change as I began studying art therapy. During this time, I came to understand not only the therapeutic potential of creative expression, but also the unique way art itself becomes a central part of the therapeutic process. In this approach, it’s not just about the individual, it’s about the dialogue between the person and their artwork, and what emerges from that relationship.

"It’s taught me that behaviours are often not a true reflection of what’s going on internally..."

How has your experience as a carer for someone with Complex PTSD and dementia influenced the way you hold space for others in your art therapy practice?

Lived experience brings a depth of understanding that can’t always be gained through clinical training alone. Being a carer for someone with Complex PTSD and dementia has given me a more intuitive, compassionate approach to working with others. It’s taught me that behaviours are often not a true reflection of what’s going on internally, they’re frequently protective responses or signs of distress.

This perspective helps me to meet clients with greater empathy and curiosity, rather than judgment. It encourages me to hold space in a way that is patient, grounded, and open to what may lie beneath the surface. It’s a reminder that every person brings their own story, and that creating a safe, respectful environment is essential for meaningful therapeutic work to unfold.

"The creative process becomes a bridge between them, offering insights into boundaries, emotions, and shared experiences"

Can you speak to how different settings—individual, group, or mother–daughter/ menopause group sessions—shape the depth or direction of the therapeutic process in your work?

The setting has a strong influence on the therapeutic process in art therapy. While the creative process remains central, the structure and goals shift depending on whether it’s individual, group, or relational work.

Art therapy prompts are always thoughtfully tailored to meet the needs of the participants and the focus of the session. In group settings, the emphasis is on creating a safe, supportive environment that fosters expression, connection, and community. While deep personal material may emerge for individuals in a group session, it’s essential to maintain appropriate boundaries and redirect any need for more intensive support to a separate one-on-one context. This may be with the art therapist or with another clinician, as one of the significant aspects of working at the Base is the ability to collaborate with other practitioners. Groups are not typically the place for in-depth personal processing, so part of the facilitator's role is to contain and manage that with sensitivity.

For example, when working with a targeted group such as women navigating menopause, sessions are designed around shared experiences. A theme like “overheating,” which many women can easily relate to, might inspire a playful activity, like decorating a paper fan using vibrant inks. This type of exercise helps ease participants into the creative process, allowing for spontaneous discussion, mutual support, and a sense of shared understanding, all of which build safety and trust within the group.

In individual sessions, the therapeutic process tends to be more in-depth and personalised. Art prompts are carefully tailored to the client’s specific needs and goals, supporting exploration of identity, emotional experiences, and personal challenges. The one-to-one setting provides a safe space for vulnerability and allows the client to process material at their own pace. Over time, and particularly in longer-term work, sessions often become more client-led, allowing the therapeutic relationship and creative expression to evolve naturally and meaningfully.

Parent-child sessions require a different approach again. These are often centred on enhancing connection, exploring relational dynamics, and improving communication, sometimes without the need for words, but usually, discussion will happen naturally. The creative process becomes a bridge between them, offering insights into boundaries, emotions, and shared experiences.

"This seemingly small shift can bring about the most insightful moments through gentle processes with minimal pressure on the client"

You say art therapy is for those who find “traditional talk therapies challenging.” Can you share a story where creativity unlocked something that words couldn’t?

I worked with a young person a few years ago who suffered from severe anxiety and depression, unable to attend school, and not engaging in talk therapy. We started working together very gradually. Just getting to the appointment was often a challenge. Creating a space that was calm and inviting was essential in providing a sense of safety and building a trusting therapeutic relationship. Learning to hold space and feel comfortable with long periods of silence was key to engaging with this young person. Through drawing, painting, and engaging in mindful activities at home, they began to find words to describe their internal experiences. However, most of the work took place during the creative process and through discussion around the artwork.

Using the artwork as the central focus is the main point of distinction between art therapy and more traditional talk therapies. This seemingly small shift can bring about the most insightful moments through gentle processes with minimal pressure on the client. 

We moved on to setting some achievable short-term and long-term goals and representing them in simple drawings. Using the visual reminder, they gradually started working toward these goals and have now accomplished each one. The goals ranged from waking up before noon and going for a walk to obtaining a driver's license and pursuing academic studies. Through ongoing encouragement and a team-based approach, this young person has achieved far more than they ever imagined.

"It deepened my appreciation for the creative process as a powerful form of communication and healing"

You're trained in visual arts and pursuing a Master in Mental Health. How do your academic and artistic backgrounds feed into one another in your therapeutic work?

Combining my background in visual arts with many years of creative practice, and then transitioning into art therapy, completely transformed the way I understand and approach art. It deepened my appreciation for the creative process as a powerful form of communication and healing. The versatility to move between abstract imagery with one client and figurative work or portraiture with another allows for a responsive, person-centred approach, one that supports both emotional expression and skill development.

For clients who are looking to build confidence or reconnect with their creative identity, this flexibility can be empowering. At the same time, pursuing a Master in Mental Health is expanding my clinical knowledge, particularly around the complexities of mental illness, trauma, and neurodiversity that many of our clients present with. This deeper understanding allows me to more effectively integrate therapeutic insight with creative expression, ensuring that the work remains safe, informed, and meaningful, grounding my practice in both creativity and clinical understanding

"... while always keeping in mind that there is an underlying story..."

How do you tailor art therapy to a trauma-informed, person-centred approach—especially when working with individuals who might be cautious or hesitant?

Approaching each client with a person-centred, trauma-informed perspective is essential for establishing a foundation for therapy. If an individual is cautious or hesitant, being aware of this and adjusting the session structure will influence whether they engage or not. When a history of trauma is known, I use this awareness to select appropriate prompts and specific art materials for the session. Many individuals are sensitive to certain materials; for example, if someone has OCD or ASD, starting with clay is usually not the best choice.

This material may be introduced later as therapy progresses, but it can be potentially triggering. A person-centred approach allows me to be guided by the individual's presentation, while always keeping in mind that there is an underlying story. This understanding helps me approach with empathy and kindness.

Curious to learn more or experience art therapy for yourself?

Whether you're navigating trauma, stress, or simply seeking a deeper connection with your inner world, art therapy can offer a safe and powerful space to explore.

Karen is also currently facilitating a creative arts therapy group for women navigating menopause—a supportive space to express, reflect, and reconnect during this transitional time.

Feel free to get in touch with admin us and ask admin for more information about Karen or explore our current programs at The Base Health.

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