Arts therapies: use art, music and movement to feel better

Want a simple way to feel less stressed, clearer in your head, or more connected to others? Arts therapies can do that. Making art, listening to guided music, or moving your body in a safe, guided way isn’t just for artists. It’s a practical tool therapists use to help with stress, anxiety, trauma, and mood problems.

Here’s the quick idea: arts therapies use creative activities as a way to express feelings we can’t always say in words. That can be painting, humming a tune, playing simple rhythms, acting out a scene, or moving to music. The creative side gives your brain another route to process emotions and practice new ways of coping.

Types and when they help

There are several common types: art therapy (drawing, painting, clay), music therapy (song, rhythm, guided listening), drama therapy (role play, storytelling), dance/movement therapy, and expressive writing. Each has practical uses. For example, art therapy often helps people process trauma or reduce anxiety; music therapy can lower agitation in dementia or lift mood; movement therapy helps with stress and body awareness. If you're dealing with grief, burnout, or chronic pain, an arts therapist can offer tools that talk therapy alone might miss.

Not every approach fits everyone. If you feel awkward about making art, that’s okay—therapists expect it. The point isn’t to make something perfect. It’s to use the act of creating to notice feelings, try out new behaviors, and practice calming skills.

How to try arts therapies right now

You don’t need fancy supplies. Try a 10-minute exercise: pick a color that matches your mood and paint or color for five minutes without judging it. Afterward, name three feelings that came up. For music: make a two-song playlist—one that matches how you feel and one you want to feel—then notice the shift. For movement: set a timer for seven minutes and move however feels right; pay attention to where tension eases.

If you want a professional route, search for credentialed therapists. Look for titles like "Registered Art Therapist (ATR)" or "Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC)." Ask about their training, how they integrate creative work with talk therapy, and what a typical session looks like. Most sessions are practical: a short check-in, a guided activity, and a brief reflection.

Arts therapies work best when you try them more than once. They’re tools you can add to your routine—short, doable practices that help you calm down, connect, and understand yourself better. If you’re curious, try a simple exercise today and see what changes in your mood or thinking.