How Art Therapy Helps with Anxiety, Trauma, and Self-Doubt (Even If You're Not an Artist)

Feeling overwhelmed—but tired of talking in circles?

If you’ve tried traditional therapy or struggle to put emotions into words, art therapy might be what you need. Whether it’s anxiety that keeps you stuck, trauma that still lingers, or self-doubt that’s holding you back, art therapy offers a different path toward healing.

You don’t need to be an artist. You just need to be open.

What Is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a mental health treatment that combines the power of creative expression with psychological support. Guided by a licensed creative arts therapist, you’ll use materials like drawing, painting, or collage—not to make something good, but to externalize what’s going on inside.

This can help you:

• Process emotions without needing the right words

• Access deeper memories or patterns

• Calm your nervous system through hands-on activity

• Feel more connected to yourself and your story

Art Therapist Attiya Awadallah doodling in a sketchbook.

Why It Works for Anxiety, Trauma, and Self-Doubt

🌀 For anxiety: Art-making creates a calming, grounding experience that helps regulate your nervous system and focus your thoughts.

🪞 For trauma: Trauma is stored in the body—not just the mind. Art therapy provides a safe, non-verbal outlet to explore and process experiences that are hard to talk about.

🫥 For self-doubt: Visual expression can build self-awareness, shift critical inner dialogue, and help you see your strengths in new ways.

You don’t have to explain everything. You can show it—and that’s powerful.

Is This for You?

If you’ve ever said things like:

• “I overthink everything, but I don’t even know how to start fixing it.”

• “I’ve been through a lot, but I don’t want to keep reliving it.”

• “I feel like I should be doing fine by now, but I’m not.”

Then art therapy might be a great fit.

It’s especially helpful for Gen Z & Millennials who:

• Struggle with perfectionism or people-pleasing

• Feel pressure to always “have it together”

• Grew up without safe spaces to talk about emotions

• Want healing that goes deeper than talk therapy

What to Expect in a Session

Every session is tailored to you. You’ll have a choice of materials, clear guidance, and emotional support the entire time. Sometimes you’ll reflect on your art, sometimes you won’t—it’s never about making something perfect. It’s about feeling more connected, grounded, and clear.

No experience needed. Just curiosity and honesty.

Many of my clients bring a notebook and pen to sessions—not just for writing, but to keep track of reflections, titles for their pieces, and thoughts that come up during or after drawing. We often look back on previous artwork to check in on progress, recognize perspective shifts, or simply honor how far they’ve come. Sometimes writing is part of the process too—like jotting down a phrase that came to mind while drawing, or journaling before we start.

Start Where You Are

You deserve a space that sees beyond your surface. One where healing isn’t rushed, where you don’t have to talk the whole time, and where you can feel safe being exactly where you are.

✨ I offer virtual art therapy sessions across New York State.

📞 If you're curious about how art therapy might help you reconnect with yourself and make sense of everything you're carrying, I’d love to meet you. Sessions are personalized, structured, and grounded in both creativity and evidence-based care. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation.