by Anna McChesney, CEO, LPC, MT-BC

When many people hear terms like art therapy, music therapy, or play therapy, they often picture children. And while creative therapies can be incredibly helpful for kids, they are also deeply supportive for adults.

In fact, many adults are looking for therapy that feels more human, more engaging, and less focused on sitting across from someone trying to “say the right thing.” Creative therapies can offer another way to process emotions, reduce stress, and reconnect with yourself especially during seasons of anxiety, burnout, depression, grief, or major life transitions.

For adults, creative therapy may include:

• Art-making
• Music and sound-based interventions
• Guided imagery and music
• Journaling
• Movement
• Mindfulness
• Creative expression
• Sensory grounding activities

These approaches are not about being talented or artistic. You do not need experience with art or music to participate. The goal is not performance. The goal is support.

Many adults actually find creative therapies helpful because they reduce the pressure to explain everything perfectly. Sometimes emotions are difficult to put into words. Creative expression can help people access feelings, experiences, and patterns in ways that feel safer or more natural. 

Creative therapies can also help adults reconnect with parts of themselves that have been buried under stress, responsibility, productivity, or survival mode for a long time. Therapy does not always have to feel heavy or clinical to be meaningful. It can feel calming, creative, grounding, reflective, and supportive.

At The Center for Creative Healing, we specialize in counseling and creative therapies for children, teens, and adults. Our clinicians use art therapy, music therapy, expressive arts therapy, play therapy, and traditional counseling approaches to support healing and growth.

We offer services in North Chesterfield, Richmond, and Charlottesville. Many clinicians accept insurance, and self-pay options are available as well. If traditional therapy has felt intimidating or not quite like the right fit, creative therapy may offer a different starting point.

You can explore available appointments here: