Art therapy is the creation or observing of art under the supervision of a trained, experienced mental health therapist . The therapist will also discuss your emotional state and help achieve your objective.

Art therapy can also be the creation of art on your own - although you will of course not have the benefit of being able to discuss emotions that come up with a professional. You can reduce this effect is you speak with a trained mental health professional, or at least with the members of a support group. (See "To Learn More".).

Many clinicians have observed and documented significant benefits among people who have used art therapy. Experience indicates that art therapy can help improve various mental and pysical symptoms including, but not limited to, reducing pain, anxiety, and tension.

If you haven't done any art, there are free sites on line that can help you get started. For instance, if you are interested in trying out a regular drawing practice, there’s a document on the About.com website that can help get you started at http://drawsketch.about.com/

You can find a certified art therapist through the website of American Art Therapy Association at www.arttherapy.org . Click on "Find An Art Therapist."

Art therapy is considered to be safe when conducted by a skilled therapist. Uncomfortable feelings may be stirred up at times.

NOTE: Like all complementary treatments, art therapy should be in addition to traditional western medicine, not instead of it.

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