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Essential Art Therapy Exercises: Effective Techniques to Manage Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD
Creating art is a wonderful way to reconnect with yourself while cultivating new skills for navigating life. Author Leah Guzman, a board-certified art therapist and mixed media artist, has put together simple yet powerful art therapy exercises drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy methods. You’ll express your thoughts and emotions by creating art pieces using a variety of mediums, including drawing, painting, and sculpting.You don’t need to be an artist to create art, and no experience is necessary. If you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, or PTSD, Essential Art Therapy Exercises will inspire you to practice mindfulness and self-compassion art therapy exercises—Making art is both creative and liberating. 75 art therapy activities provide outlets for self-expression and tools for coping with mood and personality disorders.Supportive, inspiring prompts—Every project lists an explanation of its purpose and potential outcomes, how long it will take, and what materials you’ll need. There are also insightful post-activity questions to help you further explore your feelings.Judgment-free guidance—You’ll do warm-up exercises to get the creative juices flowing, learn art basics, and focus on the process and not the end product.Tap into your creativity to create a better life using Essential Art Therapy Exercises.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2020
1377 people are currently reading
1078 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 13, 2020
There's a lot to love about this little book.
It's divided into two main sections: the first shorter section talks about what art therapy is, how to use it, how to interpret it, etc.
The second much bigger section gives different types of art therapy: painting and drawing, digital and photography, writing, and collages. Each exercise has its own one- or two-page spread with material lists and detailed (but not too detailed) instructions.
Surprisingly, the section on collages is my favorite. So many great ideas for processing different feelings and situations. But I really love all the ideas in the book. It's given me a lot to work with.
It's divided into two main sections: the first shorter section talks about what art therapy is, how to use it, how to interpret it, etc.
The second much bigger section gives different types of art therapy: painting and drawing, digital and photography, writing, and collages. Each exercise has its own one- or two-page spread with material lists and detailed (but not too detailed) instructions.
Surprisingly, the section on collages is my favorite. So many great ideas for processing different feelings and situations. But I really love all the ideas in the book. It's given me a lot to work with.
July 23, 2020
I am a therapist (clinical social worker) who works primarily with kids and teens, and I'm also an artist in my free time. Using art in a therapeutic way has always been a natural part of my practice, and creative exercises like this just tend to work really well with kids and teens. I'm always looking for more ideas and exercises to do with my clients, and this book has a ton of great suggestions. I initially got the idea that it was more geared toward mental health practitioners, but I think it's actually more geared toward the general population - anyone who wants to use art to help manage their own anxiety, depression, etc. I think it works really well for that and is a great resource, especially for people who don't have access to therapy services but still need resources to help manage some of those mental health issues.
One thing I do think is important to point out, however, is that there are some exercises in here that are focused on processing and healing from trauma. Those kinds of exercises do have the potential to be triggering, and I think it's important for people to be mindful of their own mental state and their ability to cope with trauma triggers before engaging in those exercises (and any of these exercises, really). If at all possible, I would even suggest that those particular trauma-focused exercises be done with the support and guidance of a trained professional. It's a great resource, though, and I was pleasantly surprised that it came in color. It was nice to see photos of how some of these different art exercises might turn out.
One thing I do think is important to point out, however, is that there are some exercises in here that are focused on processing and healing from trauma. Those kinds of exercises do have the potential to be triggering, and I think it's important for people to be mindful of their own mental state and their ability to cope with trauma triggers before engaging in those exercises (and any of these exercises, really). If at all possible, I would even suggest that those particular trauma-focused exercises be done with the support and guidance of a trained professional. It's a great resource, though, and I was pleasantly surprised that it came in color. It was nice to see photos of how some of these different art exercises might turn out.
May 12, 2020
AUTHOR
Learn all about Leah Guzman on her website here.
WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE?
This work is directed towards every artist, student, parents of children or adults with mental or physical challenges and anyone wanting to reduce stress through creativity.
SYNOPSIS
The author begins by describing the many uses of art based therapy from a psychotherapeutic approach to psychological or emotional conflicted individuals. Leah Guzman clarifies the art therapist’s qualifications and the training that goes into making a professional clinician. In addition, she posits the wide ranging and varied benefits arriving from the application of art therapy exercises under the tutelage of a competent therapist. She further explains the historic beginnings of Art Therapy as a treatment for people with Tuberculosis in sanatoria during the 1930s to improve mental health and reduce stress.
She describes both the short and long-term goals that drive the path of art as a therapy. One example is the method of visual documentation of thoughts and feelings through art therapy. The therapeutic goal of the art work is to provide an insight into the inner angst of the patient. The art makes visible the cause of pain, stress or discomfort; be it emotional, physical or subconscious.
Leah Guzman argues that research conducted by Marcia Rosal, in her book Cognitive Behavioral Art Therapy (CBAT), provides data that supports the positive effects of CBAT. She further postulates that CBAT provides the most effective treatment for several psychological based conditions by: alleviating stress, increasing coping skills and the adaption of the environment to increase self-esteem and self-control, thereby building emotional resilience and promoting healing. She further theorizes that one of the benefits of CBAT identified by Rosal, is the increased ability of the patient to enhance and organize thought processes.
Essential Art Therapy Exercises covers all aspects of self-guided art based therapy and expounds the many benefits of employing a professional art therapist. It includes a chapter on useful materials for art therapy and the important need for an “art safe place.” A place where you can come and go and not worry about someone tampering with your art work.
Throughout the guide there are numerous examples of art exercises to try. One example that particularly conforms to the goal orientated approach is the feeling wheel (see Loc 511). Each exercise breaks down into individual components. The kind of exercise depends on the type of trauma or condition. For each one there are benefits and steps required to complete the exercise; whether it is pastels, paintings, sculpture or any other art form. Every exercise is accompanied by a brilliant full color photograph.
Essential Art Therapy Exercises concludes with a list of useful online resources which includes helplines for a range of emergencies. This is followed by a compendium of references, acknowledgements, and section about the author.
CONCLUSION
I found Essential Art Therapy to be a revelation in more ways than one. Everyone could benefit from some CBAT to ease the stress and tensions of these challenging times.
It would have been nice to see digital art included now that the price of the equipment more accessible. Digital art has additional benefits to traditional art methods in that the image can be modified relatively easy, duplicated and shared with ease. The inclusion of digital art could provide an additional dimension to a CBAT class, group or exercise.
I would like to extend my personal thanks to Leah Guzman for gifting me a new perspective on a familiar subject. This author deserves your support.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank Leah Guzman, NetGalley, and Rockridge Press for affording me the opportunity to review Essential Art Therapy Exercises: Effective Techniques to Manage Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD.
Learn all about Leah Guzman on her website here.
WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE?
This work is directed towards every artist, student, parents of children or adults with mental or physical challenges and anyone wanting to reduce stress through creativity.
SYNOPSIS
The author begins by describing the many uses of art based therapy from a psychotherapeutic approach to psychological or emotional conflicted individuals. Leah Guzman clarifies the art therapist’s qualifications and the training that goes into making a professional clinician. In addition, she posits the wide ranging and varied benefits arriving from the application of art therapy exercises under the tutelage of a competent therapist. She further explains the historic beginnings of Art Therapy as a treatment for people with Tuberculosis in sanatoria during the 1930s to improve mental health and reduce stress.
She describes both the short and long-term goals that drive the path of art as a therapy. One example is the method of visual documentation of thoughts and feelings through art therapy. The therapeutic goal of the art work is to provide an insight into the inner angst of the patient. The art makes visible the cause of pain, stress or discomfort; be it emotional, physical or subconscious.
Leah Guzman argues that research conducted by Marcia Rosal, in her book Cognitive Behavioral Art Therapy (CBAT), provides data that supports the positive effects of CBAT. She further postulates that CBAT provides the most effective treatment for several psychological based conditions by: alleviating stress, increasing coping skills and the adaption of the environment to increase self-esteem and self-control, thereby building emotional resilience and promoting healing. She further theorizes that one of the benefits of CBAT identified by Rosal, is the increased ability of the patient to enhance and organize thought processes.
Essential Art Therapy Exercises covers all aspects of self-guided art based therapy and expounds the many benefits of employing a professional art therapist. It includes a chapter on useful materials for art therapy and the important need for an “art safe place.” A place where you can come and go and not worry about someone tampering with your art work.
Throughout the guide there are numerous examples of art exercises to try. One example that particularly conforms to the goal orientated approach is the feeling wheel (see Loc 511). Each exercise breaks down into individual components. The kind of exercise depends on the type of trauma or condition. For each one there are benefits and steps required to complete the exercise; whether it is pastels, paintings, sculpture or any other art form. Every exercise is accompanied by a brilliant full color photograph.
Essential Art Therapy Exercises concludes with a list of useful online resources which includes helplines for a range of emergencies. This is followed by a compendium of references, acknowledgements, and section about the author.
CONCLUSION
I found Essential Art Therapy to be a revelation in more ways than one. Everyone could benefit from some CBAT to ease the stress and tensions of these challenging times.
It would have been nice to see digital art included now that the price of the equipment more accessible. Digital art has additional benefits to traditional art methods in that the image can be modified relatively easy, duplicated and shared with ease. The inclusion of digital art could provide an additional dimension to a CBAT class, group or exercise.
I would like to extend my personal thanks to Leah Guzman for gifting me a new perspective on a familiar subject. This author deserves your support.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank Leah Guzman, NetGalley, and Rockridge Press for affording me the opportunity to review Essential Art Therapy Exercises: Effective Techniques to Manage Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD.
April 22, 2020
I suffer from anxiety and depression, and have noticed how my work as a writer can provide therapeutic value. I selected this book because while I consider myself creative, I'm not what I think of as an "artsy" person and I wanted some artistic exercises outside of my usual wheelhouse of journaling.
I thought this book might be too clinical for me but that's not the case at all! The exercises and the language used throughout are very accessible. The author, who is an art therapist, gives a useful introduction and provides positive, straightforward instruction. The book is also pretty, with lots fo bright colors and nice photos. Each exercise is accompanied by an explanation of the benefits, a list of materials you will need, expected time to complete it, and follow up questions to explore afterward. My only "concern" about the exercises is that they will bring up a lot of emotions for users. I'm fortunate to have a therapist I talk with regularly who could help me process what comes up for me. Someone not so fortunate may become overwhelmed and not have an outlet for discussion. With that being said, the author has given resources in the back of the book, hotlines and websites to contact crisis and other support organizations.
I received my copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I thought this book might be too clinical for me but that's not the case at all! The exercises and the language used throughout are very accessible. The author, who is an art therapist, gives a useful introduction and provides positive, straightforward instruction. The book is also pretty, with lots fo bright colors and nice photos. Each exercise is accompanied by an explanation of the benefits, a list of materials you will need, expected time to complete it, and follow up questions to explore afterward. My only "concern" about the exercises is that they will bring up a lot of emotions for users. I'm fortunate to have a therapist I talk with regularly who could help me process what comes up for me. Someone not so fortunate may become overwhelmed and not have an outlet for discussion. With that being said, the author has given resources in the back of the book, hotlines and websites to contact crisis and other support organizations.
I received my copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
May 21, 2023
I liked this book as a 101 level or self-help resource for art therapy. I'm not an art therapist, but I'm a psych NP who loves art, and likes to incorporate it into facets of my life. I want to learn a lot more before introduce it formally into my practice, but I liked this book a lot, for what it is.
January 29, 2024
*remarking because I don’t want to count this toward my reading goal
I loved this book; will be using it as I write a curriculum for my next group!
I loved this book; will be using it as I write a curriculum for my next group!
April 8, 2020
I am in love with this book! I am a mental health expert and I specialize in art therapy, but I found that reading this book helped me to learn even more about this beautiful healing practice. I appreciate the variety of different activities in different mediums, as well as the fact that there is a Facebook group specifically for this book to meet others and practice art therapy. If you are a practitioner or have any interest in art therapy at all, then this book is a must-read.
May 30, 2024
A great resource I use for self care art time and getting ideas for leading a group through a creative exercise. The power of visual language is much easier to show than it is to explain, and the author helps you do both!
December 22, 2025
🤍
Who This Is For
This is an amazing resource for literally anyone.
Whether you’re a therapist or an MHPSS facilitator looking for tools, a curious person on your own healing journey, or a parent/partner/friend wanting to practice activities for fun or growth with someone you care about.
This book meets you where you are
🧰 What It Offers
It’s an incredibly comprehensive toolkit, filled with practical, easy-to-follow activities that require minimal, easy-to-find materials.
The instructions are clear, accessible, and inviting, making the tools feel usable rather than intimidating.
Anyone can practice these activities on their own or use them to support and deepen a healing journey.
📌 How I’m Using It
I’ve genuinely tabbed half the book with activities I plan to use in my professional practice and group settings and kept the other half reserved for personal use.
🎨 A Note on Theory
The book offers a very brief background on art therapy and the techniques used, with limited to no elaboration on specific materials or methods (especially the use of the non-dominant hand).
That said, these are things you can easily look up elsewhere and it’s clear that the book’s focus is on tools, not theory. It knows exactly what it’s trying to be, and it does that well.
✅ 100% recommend.
This is an amazing resource for literally anyone.
Whether you’re a therapist or an MHPSS facilitator looking for tools, a curious person on your own healing journey, or a parent/partner/friend wanting to practice activities for fun or growth with someone you care about.
This book meets you where you are
🧰 What It Offers
It’s an incredibly comprehensive toolkit, filled with practical, easy-to-follow activities that require minimal, easy-to-find materials.
The instructions are clear, accessible, and inviting, making the tools feel usable rather than intimidating.
Anyone can practice these activities on their own or use them to support and deepen a healing journey.
📌 How I’m Using It
I’ve genuinely tabbed half the book with activities I plan to use in my professional practice and group settings and kept the other half reserved for personal use.
🎨 A Note on Theory
The book offers a very brief background on art therapy and the techniques used, with limited to no elaboration on specific materials or methods (especially the use of the non-dominant hand).
That said, these are things you can easily look up elsewhere and it’s clear that the book’s focus is on tools, not theory. It knows exactly what it’s trying to be, and it does that well.
✅ 100% recommend.
April 11, 2020
Essential Art Therapy Exercises is an excellent book for those who want to try out art therapy at home, to help with the relief of suffering of many kinds. Guzman is a registered, board-certified art therapist.
The book starts out by explaining what art therapy is, and it's origin, use, and benefits. It includes guided imagery, and open ended questions to help the reader evaluate the feelings associated with each piece of art. It also shows a list of supplies that are required for the projects in the book.
Essential Art Therapy Exercises includes projects in the categories of painting/drawing, digital/photos, sculpting/textiles, writing, and collages.
I cannot speak to the actual therapeutic nature of the projects themselves, because I just read over them for the moment. But this is a resource that I intend to use as I find the time. If you are looking for guided projects to help you work through various emotional issues, this book is worth a try.
**This book was provided for free from Callisto Publishers in exchange for an honest Review.
The book starts out by explaining what art therapy is, and it's origin, use, and benefits. It includes guided imagery, and open ended questions to help the reader evaluate the feelings associated with each piece of art. It also shows a list of supplies that are required for the projects in the book.
Essential Art Therapy Exercises includes projects in the categories of painting/drawing, digital/photos, sculpting/textiles, writing, and collages.
I cannot speak to the actual therapeutic nature of the projects themselves, because I just read over them for the moment. But this is a resource that I intend to use as I find the time. If you are looking for guided projects to help you work through various emotional issues, this book is worth a try.
**This book was provided for free from Callisto Publishers in exchange for an honest Review.
May 4, 2023
I read this book more as a way to read about art therapy exercises, rather than to actively carry out the exercises myself (although I will be making some art off the back of it), so 3 stars may be a bit harsh. The author starts with a good intro about art therapy and signposts additional help and when it might be needed, which I think is really important. I also liked how a lot of different art forms are covered - e.g., writing, photography, as well as drawing and painting. However, I did feel some of the exercises were basically just repeated over each art form. The book could definitely have done with a conclusion as well, to tie everything together and to direct to other resources. Some of the language around mental health seemed a bit simplified and potentially even patronising, and it didn't really seem to delve enough into how the art should be used to explore certain emotions and states. However, again, this book is supposed to be used as a tool, so I imagine ideally separate conversations would run alongside using it as an additional support.
July 30, 2024
I've always been intrigued by art therapy because it's such a unique therapy modality. I love the idea of using self-expression to heal, so this is an interesting introduction to that. This book is a fantastic way to approach different types of art with the intention of healing or exploring different parts of ourselves. I loved all the many different exercise options, including things for not only drawing and painting but also sculpture and collage. They all seem really manageable to try out, even with someone like me who doesn't have a lot of experience making art. The only downside to this book is that I think it would have been cool to share some examples of finished art projects for each exercise (both so that someone can see what options there are, as well as to be inspired to create their own projects). I would definitely recommend this to someone who's interested in learning the basics of art therapy, and I'm excited to give some of these suggestions a shot!
*Free copy provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
*Free copy provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
March 23, 2025
Although I am not finished with this book, I am confident in my rating. This book is what I was looking for. It's actual art prompts to help sift through emotions. I don't necessarily like EVERY prompt, I like that there are many different prompts with varied purposes. Each prompt tells you what to do, what medium to use and what to think about as you complete the art task. It's exactly what I wanted for me personally. It might not be up everyone's alley but I like it. As I said, I don't like every exercise in the book, but it's what I needed.
March 23, 2021
Amazing resource filled with great projects and exercises!
I read this on kindle unlimited but I will definitely be buying a physical copy for my craft room. I definitely intend to try several of the projects. I love art and crafts and I have anxiety and this book will be very beneficial to have. Highly recommend!
I read this on kindle unlimited but I will definitely be buying a physical copy for my craft room. I definitely intend to try several of the projects. I love art and crafts and I have anxiety and this book will be very beneficial to have. Highly recommend!
April 16, 2021
I really enjoyed some of the activities found throughout this book. However, there are several examples of witchcraft found throughout this book. Unfortunately, I would not recommend this book for that reason alone. Without having prior recollection, this could lead people further away from healing instead of on the healthy journey of recovery. As I said above, I really love some of the ideas. However, it is not something I would not use as a tool in the recommendation to give to clients for Art Therapy.
December 22, 2023
A pretty good springboard to launch my own thinking about this topic. Not what I'm buying as a handbook though. I haven't stumbled on one I like well enough for that yet. So many of the modalities feel inaccessible to the average therapist. Clay? Sewing? Felt work? I need things I can do on the spur of the moment!
May 21, 2024
It's in my use-daily shelf for a reason, the ideas in here will help with self expression and eduction in the art world, figuring out a lot of different forms of expression and how to express it. I appreciate the application and directional use the book provides, with the examples in the photos and simple direct, open ended use for materials.
October 10, 2021
This book does not give any advice that can help a person in need of help, but on the contrary, the information in this book can push you to waste your money for mediocre therapists, such as Leah Guzman.
December 23, 2022
Great source for art therapy exercises
I really appreciated the straightforward structure of the book and how the exercises were laid out with the required materials. I also really liked that there were several techniques such as sculpture, collage and writing.
I really appreciated the straightforward structure of the book and how the exercises were laid out with the required materials. I also really liked that there were several techniques such as sculpture, collage and writing.
June 8, 2023
A great book to cope emotions clinically or individually. I love it and the organization of the topics and activities is very useful. Some of the activities end up being a little repetitive but is a really amazing book.
May 28, 2024
Tựa Việt: Trị liệu tâm lý bằng Nghệ thuật
Nhiều bài tập để thực hiện trị liệu tâm lý. Một kiểu liệt kê giống cuốn gì 40 hay 50 cách giảm stress xưa mình đọc. Thành ra cũng k có lý thuyết gì quá sâu sắc khó đọc.
Nhiều bài tập để thực hiện trị liệu tâm lý. Một kiểu liệt kê giống cuốn gì 40 hay 50 cách giảm stress xưa mình đọc. Thành ra cũng k có lý thuyết gì quá sâu sắc khó đọc.
March 15, 2025
We can build so many psychologically helpful life skills through art! One I didn’t know about is decision-making, art allows us to be free to make our own choices and feel confident in them. I will be referencing this book a lot in the future :)
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March 6, 2021GREAT BOOK!
I love it very easy, straight forward and not complicated. Good for both therapists and if someone wants to practice and make some art.
I love it very easy, straight forward and not complicated. Good for both therapists and if someone wants to practice and make some art.
May 28, 2021
Great practical art therapy exercises for individuals or groups. Highly recommend for clinicians or those wanting to explore on their own.
July 30, 2021
Better as a conduit towards new ways of thinking and different sources. Light in the clay section, which is what I'm hunting for.
August 16, 2021
A helpful book full of a lot of great ideas using art to work through your feelings. I just wish there had been photos for every project.
May 24, 2022
Filled me with excitement. Can't wait to try these exercises.
August 25, 2022
Great book. Lots of exercises that are fun and effektive for Healing.
October 10, 2022
A superb, practical resource for therapists or lay persons alike.
February 12, 2023
Highly insightful and super user-friendly for novice artists/nonartists and it really has helped me with PTSD, but you have to USE the book and not just read/skim the well-organized book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews