Frequently Asked Questions
What is art therapy?
Talk therapy is valuable, but often words alone don’t reach the deeper emotional layers. Trauma and emotional difficulties leave imprints on the body and subconscious, which may manifest as anxiety, guilt, perfectionism, or self-neglect. Art therapy helps you recognize and process these patterns safely.
Art therapy is not just about expression: it’s about reimagining, daring to see life differently, and reconnecting with hope. Trauma and hardship can make us feel stuck in the past, but creative exploration can open new doors. In our sessions, I bring both my psychology background and an intuitive, holistic approach to help you make sense of your experiences. My role is to walk alongside you, witness your story without judgment, and support you in finding new meaning.
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy. Much like talk therapy, it helps you explore feelings, find meaning, and heal but it involves less talking and more hands-on creative expression. You don’t need any artistic skills; the focus is on the therapeutic process, helping people connect with their inner feelings and core beliefs and learn to trust their inner wisdom. It’s not about making a perfect piece of art; it’s about using drawing, photographs and other techniques to work through emotions, better understand yourself, and gain new perspectives that might be hard to reach just by talking.
Some examples: Someone dealing with difficult emotions may use photographs, or draw images to express emotions that are too difficult to put into words. As you work on this piece, we can explore what each element represents and how it relates to your sense of security. Or, you might create a self-portrait using a variety of materials. Then we talk about the process and what each colour or shape represents to you. This dialogue can help illuminate aspects of your identity and emotions that you may not have recognized before, bringing clarity to your goals and strengths.
Emotions don’t just exist in the mind, they live in the body. Stress, anxiety, or sadness can manifest as tension, restlessness, or a sense of heaviness. That’s why I integrate somatic and expressive art techniques to help you become more aware of these physical sensations and restore a sense of balance and well-being.
In an intercultural context, art therapy helps people express their experiences of change and cultural identity, allowing them to bridge the gap between different worlds without relying solely on words. For example, you might incorporate traditional materials or symbols that resonate with your cultural background, enhancing your connection to the space you are creating. This piece serves not only as a representation of safety but also as a reminder that you can return to this feeling whenever you need it.
2. So, what is NOT art therapy?
Art therapy is
…NOT the same as home art activities: While creating art at home can be enjoyable, it’s a whole different experience compared to art therapy. Activities like “50 Art Therapy Ideas” or colouring books marketed as art therapy can help you relax or find focus but they are not art therapy. Such therapeutic art activities don’t offer the same depth as a real art therapy session with a trained art therapist.
…NOT without guidance: Art therapy is served by trained art therapists who use various therapeutic orientations, techniques and verbal communication skills to guide you through thoughtful activities, helping you explore your emotions and gain insights.
…NOT just fun and games: While home art projects can be fun, art therapy can sometimes challenge you, bringing up emotions or memories that are both difficult and uplifting.
…NOT just for skilled artists: You don’t need to be a talented artist to benefit from art therapy. In fact, many art therapists aren’t trained artists, which may surprise you!
3. What is the difference between art therapy and talk therapy? Why should I see an art therapist?
Both art therapy and talk therapy are effective forms of psychotherapy, but they offer different approaches to healing. Talk therapy focuses on verbalizing your thoughts and emotions with a therapist, helping you process and make sense of them through conversation.
In contrast, art therapy involves not just talking but also engaging with materials—such as paints, clay, or drawings—that allow you to express your feelings in a more visual and symbolic way. This process leads to new insights, allowing you to better understand your emotions and uncover deeper issues that may have been hard to talk about or identify before. Art therapy offers a unique and powerful way to connect with and express your inner world, often leading to breakthroughs that verbal communication alone may not achieve.
4. What happens in an online art therapy session?
Art therapy allows you to explore and express your emotions in a creative way, using art materials and guidance from your therapist. As your therapist, I take an active role in guiding you through this process. A typical session begins with a discussion about your current concerns and therapy goals. From there, I suggest a specific activity that aligns with your needs, whether it’s working with art materials or incorporating other techniques like somatic art therapy work. Then we discuss what emerged, using your work and the process as a tool for self-reflection and deeper understanding. Together, we’ll explore what came up for you and gain insights into the emotions, thoughts, and conflicts that may have surfaced. Throughout the session, I provide active support and guidance, helping you navigate your feelings and develop strategies for emotional growth in a safe, nurturing environment.
5. What is the science behind art therapy? How does it work in the brain?
Art therapy has a strong support from brain-science: Creating art in therapy engages specific brain areas that help us process emotions, manage stress, creativity, and problem solving. It helps heal by engaging parts of the brain that control both emotions and thinking. When you make art, the prefrontal cortex (which helps with decision-making and reflection) and the amygdala (which processes emotions like fear and anxiety) work together. This helps you work through complex feelings, improve emotional control, and gain a deeper understanding of your experiences in a safe and collaborative way.
When you engage in art therapy, it lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increase dopamine, promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being. Research shows that art-making engages neural networks that aid in emotional processing and memory, helping people reconcolidate difficult memories. Art therapy has been very helpful for individuals with trauma, as it activates areas of the brain involved in memory and emotion, enabling the person to process painful experiences safely and creatively. Art therapy helps stress management in everyday life, such as with working professionals or students. For example, Kaimal et al. (2016) found that creating art for just 45 minutes significantly reduced cortisol levels (a stress marker) in adults.
Materials used in art therapy, like clay or paint, also impact the brain in distinctive ways. Highly structured tasks are related to cognitive processing, while less structured tasks help emotional flow and regulation. The therapist uses these tools and specific activities purposefully to guide clients towards a more balanced and flexible functioning.
The therapist plays a key role in co-regulation and reflection, which helps the brain process emotions. When a therapist offers emotional support, it activates brain areas like the prefrontal cortex (for reflection) and the amygdala (for emotions like fear). This collaboration helps clients better manage difficult emotions. The therapist also helps reflect on the artwork, which encourages brain areas responsible for self-reflection and meaning-making This reflection deepens emotional understanding and promotes healing.
6. How does online art therapy work?
Online art therapy allows you to connect with a therapist from your home or a private space using video platforms like Zoom or Google Meet. You'll use art materials you have on hand to engage in therapeutic exercises guided by the therapist. More about online art therapy here.
7. What art materials do I need for online art therapy?
You can use a wide range of materials such as pencils, markers, paints, clay, and even natural elements like leaves or stones. Your therapist can help you adapt materials to what's available to you.
8. How effective is online art therapy compared to in-person sessions?
Online art therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy when conducted by a qualified therapist. It offers flexibility and convenience, allowing clients to engage in therapy from anywhere with an internet connection.
9. Are online art therapy sessions confidential?
Yes, online therapy sessions adhere to the same confidentiality and privacy standards as in-person therapy. Therapists use secure video platforms and ensure your privacy during sessions.
10. What if I'm not good at art?
Art therapy is about the process of expressing yourself and exploring emotions, not about artistic skills or talent. Your therapist will guide you through exercises that are meaningful and accessible to you.
11. Can I combine art therapy with other types of therapy?
Yes, art therapy can complement other therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, or trauma-focused therapies. I integrate different approaches in our sessions based on our therapy goals and your needs.
12. Who is suitable for online art therapy?
Online art therapy is suitable for everyone but I accept clients aged 16 and older who have access to a private space where they can manage the sessions without interruptions. It's ideal for clients comfortable with using digital platforms like Google Meet or Zoom.
13. Do you accept clients only from Belgium?
No. I accept clients from Belgium, Turkey, and other countries, as long as they speak good enough English, Turkish, or Dutch. However, due to licensing requirements, I am unable to provide services to individuals residing in the US, Canada, and the UK.
14. Can I participate in online art therapy sessions from any location?
Yes, as long as you have a stable internet connection and a private space, you can participate in online art therapy sessions from any location, including your home, office, or other secure environments.
15. How can I pay for my online art therapy session?
Payment can be made via bank transfer, before the sessions or as a bundle of 3 or more sessions, to the bank account you will receive after your first contact via email or the contact form.
16. What is Brainspotting therapy?
Brainspotting is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals access and process deep emotional experiences and trauma through eye positions (brainspots) that correlate with specific neural connections in the brain. It operates on the principle of bottom-up processing, focusing on the body's physiological responses rather than purely cognitive processes. It involves identifying specific eye positions, or "brainspots," which correlate with areas of stored trauma or emotional distress in the brain. Through visual and sensory cues, clients are guided to access these areas, facilitating deep processing and release of unresolved emotions.
The therapeutic relationship in Brainspotting emphasizes trust and collaboration between the client and therapist. By focusing on internal experiences and non-verbal cues, the therapist helps the client navigate and process intense emotions in a safe and supportive environment. This method can be particularly effective in addressing trauma, anxiety, and other complex emotional issues, fostering healing and personal growth over the course of therapy sessions.
17. How does Brainspotting work?
Brainspotting works by identifying and processing unresolved trauma and emotional issues stored in the brain. Therapists use eye positions, identified via various techniques, to locate and process these "brainspots," facilitating healing and emotional release.
18. Who can benefit from Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is beneficial for individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional challenges. It can also help athletes, performers, and individuals seeking personal and professional growth.
19. Is Brainspotting effective in online therapy sessions?
Yes, Brainspotting can be effectively conducted in online therapy sessions, by way of specific techniques that allow clients to focus on internal experiences while working with a trained therapist via platforms like Google Meet or Zoom.
20. How many Brainspotting sessions are typically needed?
The number of sessions varies based on individual needs and goals. Some clients experience significant benefits in a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy for more complex issues.
21. How do you combine Brainspotting with art therapy?
There are many creative ways to combine art therapy with Brainspotting, for example, using photos and visual spots simultaneously. This process can help you access and process deep-seated emotions and traumas, making the therapeutic experience more profound and integrative.