The information on this page has been reproduced from the app. To read it on your phone, go to the Before You Get Started section and the How To Use this App section for more details including creative activities to help you prepare for using the app and getting the most out of it.

Imagine a world where every stroke of the brush, every blend of color, and every intricate detail you create serves as a pathway to emotional healing and personal growth. That’s the essence of our art therapy app. By providing an accessible, user-friendly platform for creative expression, this app empowers you to explore your emotions and rediscover your inner strength.

Art therapy has long been recognized for its transformative potential. Our app brings this powerful therapeutic modality into the digital age, making it available to anyone, anywhere. Through a variety of guided exercises and activities, you can delve into your subconscious, express feelings that words alone cannot capture. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, or trauma, the app offers a safe space to explore and heal.

The empowering effects of this app are multifaceted. Firstly, it fosters a sense of autonomy and control. You can choose the pace and direction of your therapy, allowing for a personalized and flexible approach. This empowerment is crucial for those who feel overwhelmed or powerless in their daily lives, as it gives you the tools to take charge of your mental health journey.

Secondly, the app cultivates resilience and coping skills. Engaging in creative activities has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. As you immerse themselves in your art, you develop healthy coping mechanisms that can be applied in other areas of your life. The act of creating something beautiful from within oneself can be profoundly uplifting and reinforcing of one’s ability to overcome adversity.

In essence, an art therapy app is more than just a tool for creating art; it is a holistic platform for self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. By harnessing the therapeutic power of creativity, it helps you unlock your potential, embrace your emotions, and navigate life’s challenges with renewed confidence and resilience.

Mindful arts therapy is a combination of mindfulness and arts therapy, which includes painting, music, and drama, as well as other art forms, like drawing, sculpting, and journaling. This unique therapeutic technique has been shown to have a profound impact on self-awareness and self-empowerment. By delving into the depths of your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, mindful arts therapy provides a transformative journey toward self-discovery and self-understanding.

As you immerse themselves in the world of mindful arts therapy, you begin to understand the power of being fully present. You will learn to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, allowing them to develop a greater sense of self-acceptance.

At the core of all the expressive arts is creativity. Creativity expands and strengthens resourcefulness and is fundamental for the development of the imagination. In addition, creativity nurtures self-expression and self-reflection while enhancing your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Creating an art journal can be a transformative and freeing experience. It starts with selecting the right materials. You don’t need anything fancy, just a journal with blank pages, some markers, pencils, or paints, and whatever embellishments you fancy. The key is to ensure the materials feel right in your hands. 

This journal is a playground, so it should be comfortable and inviting. Choose materials that you love working with; it’ll make the whole process more enjoyable.

Begin by setting a personal intention or theme for your art journal. This could be anything from documenting your daily life, expressing emotions, exploring creativity, or capturing inspirations. Your theme will guide your entries and give you a sense of direction. 

There’s no right or wrong way to start an entry—maybe you scribble down a thought, doodle an image, or paste a photo or a magazine cut-out that speaks to you. Allow yourself to be messy, to make mistakes, and to embrace the imperfections. This journal is a reflection of your inner world, and there’s beauty in its rawness and spontaneity.

Using this app as a guide, create a routine around your art journal. Set aside a regular time for this app and journaling practice, whether it’s a few minutes a day or an hour a week. This will help you maintain a connection with your creative self and ensure that your journal grows and evolves with you. 

Creating art requires focus, concentration, and a tranquil environment that allows your ideas to flow freely. Having a dedicated art space provides you with a sanctuary where you can fully immerse yourself in your artistic pursuits. By designating a specific area solely for your art, you create a sacred space that acts as a visual reminder of your commitment to this form of self-expression. Now, list all the things you would like in your art-space.

Consider the amount of space you need to work comfortably. If you have large canvases or sculpture projects, you may require a more spacious area. On the other hand, if you work primarily with smaller materials, such as jewelry-making or drawing, a smaller space might suffice. Be mindful of not only the space needed for your artistic activities but also for any additional equipment or materials you may require.

When selecting your art space’s location, consider factors such as natural light, privacy, and accessibility. Natural light can enhance your workspace and showcase your artwork, so positioning your space near a window or in a well-lit area is highly recommended. The soft, natural light that filters through the window can create a soothing and inspiring atmosphere, allowing you to connect with your artistic vision.

Consider utilizing vertical storage options such as wall-mounted shelves or pegboards. These can be great for storing and displaying your art supplies, keeping them within arm’s reach while also adding a decorative touch to your space. By utilizing the vertical space, you can free up valuable tabletop or floor space for your artwork.

Consider the lighting in your art space. Natural light is often preferred by artists as it provides a more accurate representation of colors. If your art space lacks sufficient natural light, consider investing in full-spectrum light bulbs or additional lighting fixtures to create an ideal working environment.

Your art space should reflect your artistic style and personality. Consider incorporating elements that inspire you, such as artwork, photographs, or meaningful objects. Surrounding yourself with visual stimuli that resonate with you can enhance your creative process and spark new ideas.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different layouts and configurations. Rearranging your art space can breathe new life into your creative practice and help you discover new ways of working. Keep an open mind and be willing to adapt your space as your artistic journey continues to unfold.

Ensure you complete the mindful practice at the beginning of each activity.

Don’t be tempted to skip it.

Rather, make it a part of your daily art therapy routine and reap the rewards mindfulness can bring.

Before you begin each activity, make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment.

If you can’t find exactly what is required, don’t worry, you will still gain the benefits of the activity.

For example, if it requires you to paint and you would prefer to use pencils, that’s ok.

In time, you will find your collection of art materials grows until you have everything you need right at hand.

If you find that trauma triggers memories, please stop and always seek professional help. If you need to have someone on standby who you can speak to if things get too difficult.

This mindful practice has been specially created for use with this app and the Mindful Arts Therapy books.

This is repeated before each activity as a reminder to stop, relax and breathe before you begin.

If you repeat this practice each day, it will become second nature and you will find yourself doing it at other times during the day.

Sit in a quiet area. Make sure you are sitting comfortably. Close your eyes. Take three, slow deep breaths in, imagine you are surrounded by a golden light.

As you breathe out, become aware of your body. How does it feel? Acknowledge areas of pain or stress, let them go. Now, let go of any thoughts in your mind and begin this activity.

Let’s take a look at what premium content is and how you can access it.

There are two distinct sections:

Free content and premium content.

There are six different categories. Each one was designed to help you on your journey of self-discovery and healing.

Each category has 25 art therapy activities.

Five of those are free – that’s over 30 art therapy activities in total.

If you wish to access the remaining art therapy activities – there’s 150 in total – you will be required to subscribe with an annual fee.

The amount will depend upon your currency.

Once you have subscribed you will then have access to 150 premium art therapy activities.

Premium content displays a small diamond logo below the title of the art therapy activity.

To access premium content, click the back arrow, top left hand corner on this screen and then select “Logging In.”

This section explains the difference between being a guest and takes you through the logging in process.

Please note:

The art therapy activities can be used on your own or you are welcome to share them with your friends and family.

New art therapy activities will be added in the following months. There will always be a number which are free, and for the rest you will be required to subscribe.

Logging in vs Guest – What’s the difference?

Hello and welcome to The Art Therapy App!

You are welcome to use our guest option.

This will guarantee you access to the available free content.

So, what does that mean?

There are six categories and each one has 30 art therapy activities.

As a guest, you have access to five art therapy activities in each of these categories – that’s 30 in total.

If you would like access to the total amount of 150 art therapy activities, you will be required to log in and subscribe.

Subscription fees cover the development and the maintenance of the operating system.

Please note:

If you are a guest and you click on premium content, you will be taken to the login page and asked to sign up.

You will then be asked to log in. This may seem like a repetition, but it guarantees that your details are secure.

And, it is only a one time operation. Once you are logged in, you’ll stay logged in.

You can then select any of the premium art therapy activities and you’ll be taken through the subscription process.

Also:

How can you tell the difference between free content and premium?

Premium content displays a small diamond below the title of the art therapy activity.

If you have any questions, please contact Susan, art therapy coach, author and app developer, via the Settings Page in your app or click here: Contact Support

You are also welcome to join me each week for a free art therapy activity, stories, free giveaways, and more. And, you’ll receive my guide, Rekindling Your Soulful Spark with Mindful Arts Therapy: