Art therapy traces its roots back to the late 19th century, when several psychiatrists began to recognize the spontaneous artistic expressions of institutionalized patients as an extraordinary source of diagnostic insight. The pioneering work of Friedl Dicker-Brandeis (1898–1944) with children in the Terezín transit camp, and that of Edith Kramer (1916–2014) with children and adolescents experiencing psychological distress, both demonstrate the creative process as a powerful tool for self-awareness and the discovery of inner resources. A path toward personal growth and transformation.
To understand what art therapy truly is, it helps to explore the meaning behind the words. What is art, to begin with? The word may derive from the ancient root ar-, meaning “to move toward” in Sanskrit. Art can be considered one of the earliest forms of communication—far older than writing, which dates back only to around 3000 BCE. From the dawn of humanity, art has allowed people to leave traces, preserve memories, and interpret reality in order to “make it their own.” Art is language—an expressive medium. Today, when we speak of art, we often think of the great masters of Art History. But as a language, art belongs to everyone. Anyone can engage in art in its most primordial, archetypal sense: using materials to “step outside oneself,” to move toward something new…
And what about therapy? To move beyond the misconception of therapy as solely about healing or resolving symptoms, it’s helpful to return to the Greek etymology: therapeia from therapeuo, meaning to assist, to care for, and ultimately from theraps, meaning helper or companion.
An art therapist is someone trained to accompany individuals on a journey that uses art as an alternative, non-verbal language. This journey can promote emotional wellbeing, prevent psychological distress, support psychomotor rehabilitation, and help people gain deeper self-awareness.
Art therapy for people with disabilities follows the same principles as any other art therapy path. In the initial phase of getting to know each other, the therapist encourages experimentation with different materials to find the ones best suited to the individual. Through a relationship built on empathy, listening, and acceptance, a direction for personal growth begins to emerge.
Art can express anything: personal tastes, emotions, sensations, memories, desires. Before meeting someone, it’s impossible to predict how art might help them. Sometimes the focus may be on rehabilitating motor, cognitive, or social skills. But often, deeper processes unfold—experiences are reworked in ways that verbal language alone cannot reach. Individuals gain refined expressive skills, making visible aspects of themselves rich with potential. As their artworks become more detailed and aesthetically pleasing, their self-esteem also grows.
Working with people with disabilities, however, requires specific strategies—accessible tools, spaces, and materials that allow everyone, regardless of their abilities, to engage with art. Creativity plays a crucial role in making this possible.
Anna (a fictional name), 60 years old and living with Down syndrome, had been participating in art therapy for several years using only markers. She created reproductions of artworks chosen from a selection presented to her. Over time, and thanks to a trusting relationship with a new therapist, she began to explore new materials, improving her ability to adapt to change.
Reproducing artworks has its value: through copying, we learn to observe the world more attentively. By replicating it, we “make it our own,” internalizing it through repetition.
Over time, Anna transitioned from landscapes to cartoon characters she knew and loved. Eventually, she began to express her grief—first for the loss of her mother, then her father—by selecting and copying characters who had similar experiences with illness or death. She later moved on to drawing scenes from her daily life—her siblings, daily rituals like coffee and walks. By drawing animals, she began exploring social relationships: how can two animals coexist in the same space?
Then the COVID-19 emergency brought her therapy to a halt. The most vulnerable individuals often paid the highest price in terms of isolation and disruption of daily activities. In some cases, it was possible to maintain contact. But resuming therapy depended on having access to art materials at home, a stable internet connection and devices, family support, and most importantly, the ability to feel present and connected, even through a screen.
During the early weeks of lockdown, Anna understandably reverted to obsessive behaviors. It was challenging to steer her away from these patterns of comfort and safety. With the support of her caregivers, however, a connection was reestablished. Starting with her near-obsessive focus on a card game, she began drawing again, copying the game’s images as a bridge back into creativity.
This experience also revealed the untapped potential of families as allies. Remote activities offered a glimpse into one another’s homes, allowing therapists to observe family dynamics and appreciate their strengths. It was a valuable exchange of perspectives.
Art became a tool available to everyone during a time of crisis—stimulating adaptive, motor, cognitive, and social-emotional abilities, and fostering a sense of connection. Everyone was called to draw on their resilience: to face a reality they couldn’t change, to accept limits, and to find new paths forward. In this, both art and people with disabilities have much to teach us.
Online tours of museums and exhibitions were also organized for small remote groups of individuals with disabilities and their families. Social media offered a wealth of virtual visits. After selecting the most engaging and accessible options, screen-sharing allowed everyone to explore together.
In this way, art became a simple yet powerful way to be together—even from afar. A shared moment of conversation, discovery, and thoughtful exchange.
– By Marta de Rino and Eleonora Secchi (ateliercenisio.it)
