How the Transition From Talk Therapy to Art Therapy Can Support Counselling Psychologists

Most counselling psychologists are trained to use verbal dialogue as the main tool in therapy, and for many clients, it works well. But over time, many practitioners notice a familiar challenge: sessions that feel stuck and clients who struggle to put feelings into words. 

This is often where curiosity about art-based interventions begins.

Why Should You Introduce Art Therapy to Your Practice?

Art therapy offers a non-verbal pathway that doesn’t rely on finding the “right” words. For clients who feel overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally shut down, this can feel more accessible and less pressured than traditional talk therapy.

Many psychologists who integrate art into their sessions notice a reduction in resistance. Instead of explaining how they feel, clients can show it. The focus shifts from performance to process, often opening the door to more honest and spontaneous expression. Sessions can begin to feel less effortful and more exploratory.

Art-making also brings a new layer of insight into the therapeutic space. Once an image exists, it becomes something both therapist and client can reflect on together. Symbols, patterns, and themes often emerge organically, sometimes revealing emotions or experiences the client hadn’t consciously recognised. 

For clients who tend to shut down in talk therapy, art-based work can be especially supportive. Simple creative choices such as selecting materials, working abstractly, and repeating movements can help regulate the nervous system and restore a sense of agency. 

Why Learning Through Experience Matters for Psychologists

Psychologists hesitate to use art-based interventions not because they doubt their value, but because they haven’t had the chance to learn it experientially. Knowing about art therapy is different from learning how to guide the process safely and ethically. Experiential training through direct art-making, reflection, and supervision allows practitioners to understand pacing, symbolism, and emotional impact from the inside out. 

With the right training and support, art therapy becomes a natural extension of psychological practice. It offers another way to listen, respond, and support clients. 

At the Madras Institute of Art Psychotherapy (MIAP), the Certificate of Applied Art Therapy Practice introduces counselling psychologists to these tools through hands-on learning, reflective practice, and ethical supervision.

To explore more about art therapy and future learning opportunities,

visit www.miap.institute