Engaging in art therapy online offers a unique and flexible way to explore your creativity and emotions; in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re joining a session to reduce stress, process feelings, or reconnect with your inner self, the art materials you choose can greatly enhance your experience. Here, I’ll guide you through selecting and preparing materials for your session so you can focus on the process, rather than getting overwhelmed by preparation!

Keep It Simple

One of the joys of art therapy is that it doesn’t require expensive or specialized tools. Everyday items you have at home can work beautifully. Paper, pens, pencils, and markers are all excellent starting points. If you’re feeling more adventurous or happen to have access to other supplies, you might explore watercolors, pastels, or collage materials.

Forget about the outcome/artwork

The key is to choose materials that feel comfortable and accessible. A common misconception about art therapy is that you have to have some kind of artistic skills — you don’t! You’re not aiming for perfection; in fact very often this one of the issue we are tyring to explore — letting go of perfectionism e.g. “my art good or bad.” In an art therapy session, the focus is on expression and exploration on the internal world in order to find meaning of our experience in the world. If you want to learn art techniques; go to an art class and learn from an art teacher.

Ideas for Basic Art Supplies

If you’re gathering materials for your session, here are some suggestions:

Art Journal or Paper: Printer paper, sketchpads, recycled cardboard, or even old envelopes can serve as your canvas. However, I highly suggest an art journal that you can either create into or stick completed artworks into. This will create a safe container for your creative expressions and findings to be stored safely.
Drawing Tools: Pencils, pens, coloured pencils, or markers.
Colour: Crayons, oil/soft pastels, watercolors, or acrylic paints if you have them.
Collage: Magazines, newspapers, fabric scraps, or old photos for cutting and composing.
Glue or Tape: For assembling collages or mixed media projects.
Brushes or Sponges: If you’re using paints, but even your fingers can work as tools for applying color and texture!

Exploring Non-Traditional Materials

Art therapy encourages creativity, and that includes thinking outside the box with your materials. Consider using non-traditional items such as:

Natural Elements: Leaves, twigs, sand, or stones for creating textured or nature-inspired works.
Household Items: Coffee grounds, tea bags, spices, or even kitchen foil can add unique textures and colours.
Recyclables: Bottle caps, packaging, egg cartons, or scraps of fabric can be transformed into meaningful creations.
Found Objects: Buttons, string, or broken jewelry pieces can add layers of storytelling to your art.

Artworks can be temporary. You don’t have to keep artworks and there are lots of ways to let them go in a meaningful way; this is something we discuss in 1:1 Art therapy sessions.

Sensory-Based Materials

If you’re drawn to tactile experiences, sensory-based materials can enhance your connection to the creative process. These might include:

Clay or Playdough: Great for molding and grounding experiences.
Textured Papers or Fabrics: Velvet, felt, burlap, or embossed papers for added tactile stimulation.
Finger Paints: Allowing for a direct, hands-on connection to your art.
Kinetic Sand or Slime: Useful for stress relief and exploring forms without permanence.
Beads or Sequins: For repetitive, calming activities like threading or arranging.
Watercolour: By their nature watercolour paints have a live of their own and can be an absolute delight to work with as they prompt us to slow down and be a witness to what is emerging on the page.

Adapting to What You Have

Sometimes, you may not have access to traditional art materials. That’s okay! Creativity thrives on resourcefulness. If you’re limited in supplies, consider these options:

Use a notebook or journal and doodle with a pen or pencil.
Repurpose materials from your recycling bin, such as packaging or used paper.
Try digital drawing apps or online platforms like Sketchpad or Procreate if you’re comfortable with technology.

Preparing for the Session

Before your session begins, take a moment to set up your space. Choose a spot where you feel comfortable and won’t be easily interrupted. Your session is time for essential you and while interuptions may be out of your control, it important to set yourself up in a way that honours your time and effort.

Our daily lives an be jammed pack with activities, meetings and tasks. Start setting up for your 1:1 art therapy session at least 15 minutes before the start time. Lay out your materials within easy reach, and consider having some water and a cloth handy if you’re using paints or wet media. In this way to start to slow down and arrive ready to enter into the session.

Remember, the goal is to create a space where you can feel safe to express yourself. This might also include lighting a candle or simply clearing some clutter to reduce distraction and fully immerse in the experience.

A Note on Flexibility

Art therapy is about the process, not the outcome. If you don’t have a particular material or something doesn’t work out as planned, don’t worry. Part of the therapeutic experience is allowing yourself to adapt and explore with an open mind and being receptive and responsive to what is happening in the present moment. Trust that whatever materials you’ve chosen are enough for today’s journey.

Summary

The materials you use in your online art therapy session are simply tools to help you connect with your inner world. Whether you’re working with a full set of supplies or just a pencil and scrap paper, the act of creating is what matters most. Embrace the opportunity to experiment and express yourself—you might be surprised at what emerges.

Choosing Art Materials for Your Online Art Therapy Session