Art Therapy or Art as Therapy?

“There is No Such Thing as a Baby”

Donald Winnicott, a foundational figure in relational psychotherapy, once said, “there is no such thing as a baby.” By this, he meant that a baby never exists in isolation, a baby always exists in relationship, held within the presence of a maternal or paternal figure who provides care, safety, and meaning. This idea offers an important lens for understanding the difference between art therapy and art as therapy.

Art Therapy

Art therapy is a recognised form of psychotherapy, a professional process where emotional and psychological healing happens through both art and relationship. Here, artistic expression is a tool for communication within a psychotherapeutic process, never an end in itself.

This space is held by a licensed art therapist, trained in art therapy theory, psychotherapy, and group analysis as well as clinical training, which includes at least 600 hours of direct clinical practice and 160 hours of supervision, which enables them to offer skilled and careful holding of the therapeutic process.

The Therapeutic Holding

In art therapy, the therapist holds the space in a way that mirrors Winnicott’s maternal holding: providing containment, safety, and meaning. This holding is not passive; it is an active and intentional process. In art therapy, this allows a person to explore feelings, thoughts, and memories through creative expression in a trusting relationship.

The therapeutic relationship is not just important; it is the pillar of the work. Neither the “baby” in Winnicott’s terms, nor art therapy itself, exists as an isolated entity. They find meaning only within the relationship that is created between therapist and client.

Art as Therapy

Art as Therapy refers to the powerful and transformative potential of creative expression outside a formal clinical setting. It can take place in communities, workshops, coaching environments, retreats, or personal practice, offering a space for self-discovery, emotional release, and personal growth. Through art-making, individuals can connect with their inner world, express feelings that may be hard to name, and gain a deeper sense of meaning and presence.

While art as therapy does not include the same structure, relational holding, or clinical framework that defines art therapy, it still offers profound opportunities for healing, connection, and transformation. It can awaken creativity, foster self-awareness, strengthen resilience, and provide a safe space for expression, all of which can be deeply enriching to the individual’s journey., retreats, or personal practice.