Non-Directive Art Therapy
Non-directive art therapy uses creative expression as a way to process emotions and experiences that can be difficult to put into words. Unlike structured, prompt-based art therapy, the non-directive approach lets you choose your own materials and subject matter, with the therapeutic process unfolding through what naturally emerges rather than a set exercise.
At Calm Clarity Therapy, our clinicians use this approach with clients who process emotions more easily through creative expression than through talk alone, including those navigating trauma, grief, or emotions that feel hard to name directly.
How Non-Directive Art Therapy Works
Sessions are shaped by you, with your clinician following your lead:
- Open studio time — you choose materials (drawing, painting, collage, or other media) without a specific assignment.
- Creation without judgment — the focus is on the process of making, not the artistic outcome.
- Reflection — your clinician invites you to explore what came up during the process, if and when you're ready.
- Integration — themes and feelings that surfaced through the art are connected back to your broader therapeutic goals.
This approach is often integrated with talk therapy rather than used as a standalone treatment model.
What Non-Directive Art Therapy Treats
- Trauma and PTSD
- Grief and loss
- Anxiety and depression
- Difficulty verbalizing emotions
- Stress related to major life transitions
- Emotional processing for clients who find traditional
talk therapy limiting
Why Choose Calm Clarity Therapy for Non-Directive Art Therapy
- Clinicians experienced in creative, expressive approaches to therapy
- A judgment-free space with no artistic skill required
- In-network with Aetna, Cigna, Optum/UHC/UMR, Select Health, Medicare, BCBS/Carelon, and Colorado Medicaid
- Available in
Denver,
Lakewood, and via
telehealth statewide
Denver Office
7535 E Hampden Ave, Suite 352, Denver, CO
Lakewood Office
12600 W Colfax Ave, Suite B-340, Lakewood, CO
Considering Art Therapy?
If talk therapy alone hasn't felt like enough, this may be worth exploring together.
