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Home / News / Art Therapy Explained: How creativity heals and builds resilience
January 30, 2025
Did you know that 70% of people with mental health challenges experience symptoms before the age of 18? Mental health support is vital, yet 1 in 3 Canadians with a diagnosed mental health condition still report unmet needs. For those struggling, finding accessible and effective care can feel like an uphill battle. In the Edmonton region, art therapy is making a profound impact by offering a creative pathway to healing.
At its core, art therapy uses creative expression to address mental health concerns, build resilience, and foster connection. In a recent episode of Do Local Good, a podcast by United Way of the Alberta Capital Region hosted by the GenNEXT cabinet, art therapists Derryl-Lynn Braumberger, MCP:AT, CCC and Laura Torgrimson, MCP:AT, CCC from The Family Centre shared their personal stories and professional insights into this practice.
For Derryl-Lynn, her journey to art therapy was shaped by personal loss and academic exploration. At 12, she became the “glue” for her grieving family, sparking an early interest in psychology. While preparing for a career in the field, she also discovered a love for art, ultimately blending her passions by majoring in Psychology and minoring in Art at university. When she learned about art therapy, everything clicked. “It ended up fitting so well,” she shared, leading her to a fulfilling career as a mental health therapist.
Similarly, Laura shares how when she was a child, she spent a lot of time in the Children’s Hospital and used art as an outlet during her stays. Later, a high school teacher introduced her to art therapy, and it clicked: “I started doing research and thought, absolutely, that’s what I want to do,” she shares. Her experiences with art, family, and mental health professionals inspired her to pursue art therapy as a way to help others.
Art therapy is more than painting or drawing. It’s a specialized form of psychotherapy that uses creative expression as a tool for emotional insight, coping, and growth. Laura and Derryl-Lynn both express that art therapy is not about creating something beautiful; it’s about the process. It’s a safe way to express emotions that are too complex or painful to put into words.
Art therapy is guided by trained professionals who help clients use art as a form of communication. While traditional therapy often relies on verbal discussion, art therapy allows individuals to externalize their thoughts and feelings through imagery and symbolism. This approach can be particularly beneficial for people who find it difficult to articulate their emotions verbally, such as children. However, it has shown to be effective with all populations, including adults.
According to research, the process of creating art activates different areas of the brain, fostering emotional regulation, mindfulness, and problem-solving. The tactile nature of working with art materials can also be calming, engaging the senses to reduce stress and anxiety.
Scientific studies underscore the effectiveness of art therapy as a tool for improving mental health. Research has shown that engaging in creative processes stimulates the brain’s reward pathways to release dopamine — a chemical associated with feelings of happiness and motivation. Art therapy also activates the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision-making and emotional regulation.
These neurological benefits align with the lived experiences of those who engage in art therapy. For example, individuals often report feeling calmer and more grounded after creating art, even when working through challenging emotions.
It’s important to distinguish art therapy from recreational or self-guided art activities. While making art on one’s own can certainly be therapeutic, art therapy involves working with a qualified professional who integrates psychological theories and therapeutic techniques into the creative process.
In art therapy, it’s not about the art being ‘good’ or even finished. The value lies in what the process reveals about the person creating it.
By facilitating reflection and dialogue, art therapy provides deeper insights and targeted strategies for healing and personal growth.
Agencies supported by United Way, like The Family Centre, use art therapy to help children, families, and individuals navigate life’s challenges. This creative approach provides a safe and supportive way to explore emotions, build resilience, and foster healing.
At an All in for Youth school, Laura works closely with local students, offering them a space to express themselves and develop emotional strength. Meanwhile, Derryl-Lynn works at The Family Centre’s main office as a mental health therapist and intern mentor where she oversees the free drop-in counselling program — made possible through United Way funding. She sees firsthand how art therapy can create meaningful breakthroughs.
“We want to create a space where people can express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences — whether they’re fully aware of them or not,” Derryl-Lynn shares. “This can offer a sense of safety, as talking about these things can be really challenging. Verbalizing emotions is a vulnerable act, after all.”
By focusing on expression, connection, and healing, art therapy plays a vital role in strengthening mental well-being across the Alberta Capital Region. With United Way’s support, more individuals can access innovative mental health resources that transform lives.
Together, we can ensure that everyone has access to the mental health supports they need to thrive.
Learn how art therapy is making a meaningful impact on mental health in the Alberta Capital Region on our Do Local Good podcast.
