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Art Therapy Resources 

Supporting your creative therapy journey, at home or in the studio

Art materials are an important part of art psychotherapy, helping you express thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to put into words.


This art therapy materials guide offers simple, flexible suggestions for clients preparing for sessions. For those attending online, its a guide of what to bring to your session. And for those attending in person at my Manchester studio you will find these material's and many more available to use throughout your sessions. You might like to gather pencils, colouring pencils, pastels, watercolours, paintbrushes, clay or playdough, a range of papers, or a basic set of paints. Choose what feels right for your process. Sometimes a single material is all you need. If you’re working from home, you’ll also find ideas here for online art psychotherapy preparation, such as creating a calm space and storing artwork safely between sessions.

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These creative therapy resources are here to support you in feeling ready and inspired for your sessions, whether you’re exploring art therapy at home or in person.

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Colouring Pencils 

Colouring pencils are often used in art therapy because they offer a gentle, accessible way to express feelings through colour and form, helping clients explore emotions at their own pace.

Image by Roman Kraft

AIR DRYING CLAY

No kiln needed! As art therapist, we know just how much clients can benefit and heal when using sensory items such as clay.

paintsticks

PAINT STICKS

These are one of my most used items, especially for those who love the look of paint but aren't quiet ready for the mess!

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Art Folder

An art folder is used in art therapy because it provides a safe and confidential place to store artwork between sessions, helping to contain and protect the personal meanings held within each piece.

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Pencil set

A pencil set is used in art therapy because it allows for subtle shading, structure, and exploration of form, offering a grounding way to focus, reflect, and bring clarity to inner experiences.

Resources: Resources
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Dual felt tip pens

Dual tip felt tip pens are used in art therapy because they offer both precision and freedom, allowing clients to shift easily between detailed expression and bold, emotive mark-making.

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Oil Pastels

Oil pastels are used in art therapy because their rich colours and tactile texture encourage sensory engagement, emotional expression, and spontaneous, intuitive creativity.

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Watercolour paint

Watercolours are used in art therapy because their fluid, unpredictable nature encourages emotional release, flexibility, and reflection on how we respond to change and flow.

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Paint brushes

Paintbrushes are used in art therapy because they offer a sense of movement and control, allowing clients to explore expression through gesture, rhythm, and connection with the materials.

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Art Paper

Art paper is used in art therapy because it serves as the container for the creative process. It safely holds space for emotions, thoughts, and imagery as they take shape and find meaning.

Therapy Resources

Welcome to a space to explore, learn, and feel supported on your journey. I've created this page with fellow art therapists, art trainee's and yoga students in mind. This pages offers clear, accessible resources which are a sneak peak into an art psychotherapist toolbox. Whether you’re a prospective client, parent, carer, or professional referrer, it’s designed to offer psycho‑education that’s relevant, humane, and grounded in your lived experience as well as creative ways to express yourself. 

trauma is strange comic

TRAUMA IS REALLY STRANGE

This comic makes introducing the effects of trauma, what trauma is and how to heal from trauma really accessible. Its a great psychoed resource to help your clients understand trauma.

mood cards

MOODCARDS

I often use these cards to help clients reflect on their experience by mindful selecting cards that feel right. This is a great resources to gently bring feelings into the room and build emotional awareness.

Core values cards

CORE VALUE CARDS

This is a great resource to help clients find their core values, building up their confidence within themselves.

little grey fox book

THE LITTLE GREY FOX; WONDERED WHY THINGS WERE SO HARD

I recommend this book for working with clients who have had experience of being displaced in early childhood. The author gently guides the reader through difficult feelings such as shame and loneliness.

bag of worries book

THE HUGE BAG OF WORRIES

I often use this book with young people in the first few sessions to help set the frame for art therapy. Its a great way to introduce sharing worries with another to help them feel less big!

invisible string book

THE INVISIBLE STRING

A beautiful book exploring feeling connected to others even when they are not close by. This is a lovely narrative for younger clients whom are exploring themes of belonging and/or loss.

Resources: Resources

RECOMMENDED READING

For those who are training, new qualified or thinking of undergoing the art therapy training. A list of books I have read that I have found to be the most insight for working with my clients.

drama book

THE DRAMA OF
BECOMING A CHILD

A short book that covers a huge topic of the impact of parenting on childhood. Think, developmental trauma and intergenerational trauma.

A book that goes into insightful detail of how trauma is stored within our bodies and our minds. This is explored through clinical case studies published in 2014. 

three voices book

THREE VOICES OF
ART THERAPY

This is a great book which opens the door on art therapy sessions with a client. Each chapter describes a session from the art therapists understand, the clients and theory! I highly recommend this book for all thinking about studying art therapy, trainee's and any art therapists that have not yet come across it.

body keeps the score

THE BODY KEEPS
THE SCORE

Resources: Resources

SIGNPOSTING

I am unable to provide crisis services, if you feel unable to cope or keep yourself safe, please contact your GP or 111 immediately, or an organisation who specialises in crisis support.

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| Samaritans 24/7 Service – 116 123 |

| Childline – 0800 1111 |

| Young Minds Parent Helpline – 0808 802 5544 |

|Mind, Anxiety UK – 03444 775 774 

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