Over the past couple of years, there has been a lot of data that suggests the benefits of art and craft.

A report compiled by the WHO with results of over 3,000 studies indicated a significant role of the arts in the prevention of ill health, promotion of health, and management and treatment of illness across one’s lifespan.

Moreover, given how our overdependence on technology, there’s no better way to unwind and rejuvenate than engaging in a hands-on art and craft activity. In such a state, you’re completely immersed in the task at hand. Plus you’re isolated from the external pressures that otherwise consume your attention. This ‘art therapy’ is thus of great importance in today’s times. 

This article will introduce you to some of the most effective art therapy courses in London. We're here to provide you with an overview of what these sessions offer. We’ll also cover how these courses enable you to use art to communicate, overcome stress and set the foundation for healthier relationships.

Art Therapy Classes 

Art therapy essentially means indulging in art activities to stimulate your mental well being. It aims to maximise the use of creative activities to help you better deal with your emotions. Art therapy, thus, serves as a therapeutic session. 

Looking to enhance the quality of your life? Here are some of the best art therapy foundation courses in London that you should consider. 

Just make sure you fully immerse yourself in these experiences, as only then will you reap maximum benefit from these sessions. After all, coming to grips with your subdued emotions is what art therapy courses are all about. 

Art Therapy Class #1: London Art Therapy Centre | Online Workshop

Integrating therapeutic art with guided mindfulness practices, this online art therapy workshop involves indulging in experiential activities. You'll gain insights and learn how to perceive images as a group. This will help you better decrypt information. 

With art fundamentals at the core of this workshop, you'll be introduced to some developing theories in the niche and how you can further venture into these areas. 

This workshop is ideal for practising art therapists. The case examples used here will focus on extending the knowledge of art therapy to adults who are struggling to keep up with work-induced stress. 

Date: 11th September, 2021 

Time: 10am - 4pm

Cost:  GBP 144  employer-funded; GBP 120 self-funded; GBP 108 students

Art Therapy Class #2: MA Integrative Arts Psychotherapy

During this course, you'll learn the correlation between artistic processes and psychotherapy. The art therapy course will dive into up to seven art forms; the main emphasis will be on visual arts. 

Additionally, the course will focus on the three-way dialogue between psychotherapist, client and art activities. Thus, as art therapy course participants, you’ll learn the relational and imaginal discourse between the art therapist and the client. 

Aspects critical to this relationship, such as the central issues of being with another, the dialogic encounter, the meeting of two subjective worlds and the study of transference and counter-transference, will also be covered. 

Successful completion of the MA in Integrative Arts Psychotherapy will lead to an MA in Integrative Arts Psychotherapy by the University of East London.

Duration: 3-year course

Date: Starts late September 2021

Time: Two years, one day a week (Monday), then a third year once a month

Cost: GBP 8,662 per year 

Art Therapy Class #3: Creative Arts and Mental Health PGDip | Queen Mary Institute of London 

This unique postgraduate diploma course offers an interdisciplinary approach to art therapy, emphasising theatre and performance in the creative arts. It’s an ideal art therapy course for you’re an education professional, artist, scholar, or mental health practitioner. 

During this course, you'll learn about applying creative arts in research and practice and its use in the mental health niche. You'll gain insight into the numerous ways in which art is capable of representing mental health experiences. And how one can use art as a medium to extend beliefs about mental health to the public. Additionally, you'll get an opportunity to work and collaborate with mental health professionals and art practitioners.

True that this course requires no prior experience. But if you’re someone who already holds qualifications in art therapy, this course provides the perfect opportunity to expand your knowledge base. 

Duration: 9 months 

Date: 20th September 2021

Fees: GBP 5,202

Art Therapy Class #4: Art Therapy Large Group 

This experiential group allows members to address their subdued emotions through art-making, dialogues and performances. It’s essentially a group that promotes collaboration and introspection through art-making. 

This course will put you in various situations that replicate social, cultural, and political dynamics. As participants, you’ll receive exposure to an experience of the social uses of art-making and communication in the context of significant group dynamics. These are critical insights to tackle problems prevalent in organisational, political and social environments. You’ll, thus, gain an opportunity to develop your necessary thinking abilities.

Participants are sure to walk away with an unparalleled immersive learning experience.

Duration: Scheduled sessions across a period of 5 months 

Fees: GBP 175

Art Therapy Class #5: Introduction to Art Psychotherapy

This 2-day online workshop allows you an introductory peek into the field of art psychotherapy and all that it has to offer. You'll learn how art psychotherapy can enhance our everyday lives via interactions with tutors. 

The course is designed to build upon existing knowledge about art therapy. How? 

By exploring how art psychotherapy works through experiential group processes and learning about its history, theories, and practices.

At the end of this course, you'll walk away with an introductory understanding of art psychotherapy and the training to become a certified art psychotherapist. Additionally, you'll have massive awareness around the use of art materials for expression and reflection while developing art-making potential for therapeutic purposes.

Duration: 2 days

Fees: GBP 240

Therapeutic Artisans Craft Kit 

Leathercrafting wraps your physical and mental being in a therapeutic effect. It’s rightly one of the most beneficial craft activities to pursue. 

Artisans have put together an exhaustive online resource that acts as a one-stop guide for all your leathercrafting needs. 

In addition, our beginner-friendly DIY kits will guide you through your first leathercrafting project friction-free.

Also read "5 Foundational Short Courses on Art Therapy That Can Change Your Life"

With research studies now indicating the positive impact of indulging in craft activities on our well-being, it’s time for you to consider enrolling yourself in an art therapy course. All these courses impart wisdom and guidance around Art Therapy - something that’s sure to be your anchor in these chaotic times.

Art is known to enhance the quality of your life. Need we say more about why you should enrol yourself in an art therapy course?