Art Therapy vs Counselling: Understanding the Difference and Choosing the Right Path for You
- Chloe
- Aug 18
- 4 min read
The Difference Between Art Therapy and Counselling: Understanding Your Options
Choosing the right therapeutic support can feel overwhelming especially when the terms art therapy and counselling are often mentioned in the same breath.
Both are valuable, both can support your mental health but they are not the same.
At heyfromwithin.co.uk, I meet people who arrive unsure which path is right for them. So, here’s a closer look at how they differ and how each can meet different needs.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that integrates creative processes like drawing, painting, clay work, and collage into the therapeutic relationship.
You don’t need to be “good” at art the focus is not on making something beautiful, but on using creative expression to explore emotions, memories, and sensations that might be difficult to put into words.
It draws on approaches like Attachment Theory, the Person-Centred Approach, and Sensorimotor Art Therapy to work not only with your thoughts, but also with your body and nervous system.
Sometimes, the body holds feelings long before the mind can form language around them. Through guided creative processes, those feelings can emerge safely, without pressure.
Training and Expertise in Art Therapy
In the UK, an Art Psychotherapist (also called an Art Therapist) must complete:
A Masters degree in Art Psychotherapy, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Rigorous clinical placements across a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, and mental health services.
Ongoing professional supervision and CPD (continuing professional development).
Art therapy is a protected title, it is a legal requirement for all practising Art Therapists to be registered with the HCPC. Not all therapy-related titles are protected. “Counsellor,” “Psychotherapist,” and “Therapist” are not legally protected in the UK. This means anyone can call themselves a therapist without any formal training, registration, or accountability.
Why this matters: HCPC registration means your therapist meets strict professional and ethical standards, has the necessary training to work safely and effectively, and is accountable to an independent body. This offers you protection, reassurance, and confidence in the care you receive.
This level of training equips art therapists to work with complex mental health needs, developmental trauma, neurodivergence, and situations where talking alone may not be enough.
What is Counselling?
Counselling generally involves talking through challenges, feelings, and life experiences with a trained listener who can help you explore your thoughts and make sense of your emotions.
Training routes for counsellors vary widely. Some complete diplomas or postgraduate courses, while others train to degree level. Registration with professional bodies such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is considered best practice, but is not a legal requirement.
Counselling can be a great option if you feel comfortable expressing yourself in words and want to work with your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a more direct, conversational way.
Art Therapy vs Counselling: Which is Right for You?
It’s not about one being better than the other, it’s about what meets you where you are.
You might choose art therapy if:
You find it hard to put feelings into words.
You’ve experienced trauma and your body still holds the memory.
You want to work creatively, symbolically, or through sensory processes.
You might choose counselling if:
You prefer to focus on talking and reflection.
You want to explore patterns in your thoughts and relationships.
You’re seeking short-term, solution-focused support.
And sometimes, people move between the two at different points in their journey.
Questions to Ask When Deciding Between an Art Therapist and a Counsellor
Choosing the right therapist is as much about the fit as it is about the method. Here are some questions and reflections to help you decide which might be right for you:
How do I best express myself?
If words sometimes feel limiting, or you struggle to articulate feelings, art therapy can offer a creative, non-verbal route.
If talking and thinking things through cognitively feels like your most natural way of processing, counselling might feel more comfortable.
Do I want to work with the body as well as the mind?
Art therapy often integrates approaches like Sensorimotor Art Therapy, recognising how the body holds experiences.
Some counsellors may explore the body-mind link, but the focus is usually more verbal and cognitive.
What kind of training and regulation matters to me?
Art therapists are legally required to be registered with the HCPC, ensuring a protected title and adherence to professional standards.
Counselling is not a protected title in the UK, meaning training and registration can vary.
Am I drawn to a structured approach or an open exploration?
Counselling can range from structured, goal-oriented work to more open-ended conversation.
Art therapy offers both, but always with the possibility of exploring through creative media.
What do I want to explore, and how safe do I feel doing it?
If your experiences are pre-verbal, body-based, or hard to talk about directly, art therapy’s creative process can offer a gentle bridge.
If you feel ready to explore through dialogue alone, focusing mainly on thoughts, counselling may suit your needs.
From Within
Whether through brushstrokes, a lump of clay, or a shared conversation both art therapy and counselling can help you connect more deeply with yourself.
The important thing is finding a space where you feel seen, safe, and understood.
Get in touch to book a free 15-minute introductory call. Let’s see if this creative approach feels right for you.
| Consent gained to share these images for blog purposes |
Chloe Sykes,
Art Psychotherapist and Yoga Teacher
Comments