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Art therapy: expression beyond words
When words are difficult to find, people sometimes become curious about art therapy or expressive arts. These conversations explain what the guests mean by those terms and how creative expression enters their work. Begin with Anna Green’s introduction to art therapy, then explore Cathy Williams’s perspective on movement and expressive arts.
Conversations hosted by Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, QS.
A little context before you listen
What is art therapy, and do I have to be good at art?
Art therapy uses art-making within a therapeutic relationship with a trained art therapist. Artistic talent is not a prerequisite. Making art for enjoyment can be valuable, but it is different from receiving art therapy from a qualified professional.
Learn more: American Art Therapy Association: what art therapy is.
What makes these two interviews different?
Episode 110 introduces art therapy and also discusses Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT). Episode 86 brings movement, music, body awareness, and expressive arts into the conversation. Listen for each guest’s background and the specific practice being described.
Where would you like to begin?
Episode 110
Start here: what art therapy is and what it is not
Anna Green, LMHC, discusses expression when words feel difficult, the role of creativity in her work, and questions about artistic skill. The interview also introduces mentalizing: curiosity about one’s own and other people’s inner experience.
Original episode: When Words Aren't Enough: How Art Therapy Heals Trauma, Anxiety & Relationships (MBT Explained) | Anna Green, LMHC
Episode 86
Movement, music, and expressive arts
Cathy Williams discusses body mapping, movement, and music in expressive-arts work. This adds a broader creative and body-focused perspective without suggesting that every creative practice is the same as art therapy.
Original episode: Somatic Healing & Expressive Arts Therapy for Trauma Recovery with Cathy Williams founder of Intuitive Self
Questions to take with you
- What kind of creative or nonverbal expression am I curious about?
- What are the practitioner’s qualifications, and how would they explain their approach?
These prompts are invitations to reflect, not a screening tool or a diagnosis.
Keep exploring the archive
The following episodes also mention art therapy or expressive arts in their titles, show notes, or available transcripts. Some mentions are brief. They are additional places to explore after the featured interviews.