Types of Creative Arts Therapies

To learn more about all the creative arts therapies fields, visit the National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies Associations. The creative arts therapies described below are utilized by Creative Forces.

Art therapy

Patients use art materials to express themselves with the guidance of an art therapist. With the therapist, patients talk through the themes that emerge in their artwork.

Methods include:

• Making a mask to process change and express themes about one’s identity and sense of self
• Engaging in anxiety-reducing arts processes, like pour painting

Music therapy

Patients use music to identify, express, and process their experiences and emotions. Music therapists guide patients through activities that can help them achieve their goals.

Methods include:

• Playing instruments to support motor coordination, cognition, and relationships
• Singing to improve breath support and speech

Dance/movement therapy

Patients use dance and movement to promote healing, with the guidance of dance/movement therapists. Dance/movement therapy helps patients understand their mind body connection.

Methods include:

• Mirroring another person’s movements to increase social engagement and support self-exploration
• Mind-body skills training to improve autonomic nervous system regulation and manage chronic pain