From jumbled thoughts to meaningful images: using AI in art therapy.

January 28, 2025

I facilitate a PTSD recovery programme for veterans and first responders and I do like to include an art therapy module or two.

For some participants, the idea of creating art to process their feelings might initially feel daunting or even pointless! I can hear things like “I’m not artistic,” “I don’t know what to draw,” “Crayons? Really?” "This is a bit like kindy," or my favourite "Why?".

These sentiments aren't uncommon, especially when asking people to externalise deeply personal and often painful emotions. The hesitation isn’t about a lack of effort or desire to participate, rather I think it stems from the difficulty of putting abstract thoughts into tangible forms and using unfamiliar materials to do so.

Amongst the many reasons I enjoy working with this population in group therapy, is their collaborative approach to problem solving and the way they support each other through challenges. Which is what happened earlier last year. A group of veterans participating in a programme discovered a way to bridge the gap by using AI to support their art therapy experience. This innovative, participant led approach made art therapy more accessible, allowing them to connect with the process and each other in meaningful and creative ways.

While they may have been initially sceptical and hesitant, rather than focussing on perceived limitations, these resourceful participants jumped in, collaborated and used the AI as a tool, a starting point for self-expression, making sense of the task and fostering confidence and creativity in the process.

As the psychologist, I loved the collaborative therapeutic triad between the group, the AI and myself. Participants shared their ideas, refined my initial prompt by formulating their own, and interpreted the generated images, making the process dynamic and interactive. It was also fun with some silliness and lots of laughter, the power of which is much underrated in therapy.

At the heart of this experience was the veterans’ ability to adapt and innovate. By seeing a way to incorporate AI into their therapy, they demonstrated their desire to overcome obstacles, their curiosity and creativity, and a willingness to learn and explore new ways of healing. All pretty important elements of recovery.

This approach highlights the potential of AI to enhance traditional therapeutic practices, particularly for individuals who may struggle with more conventional methods. For this group, it offered a way to connect with their emotions, tell their stories, and take an active role in their recovery journey.

As AI continues to evolve, its applications in therapeutic settings will too. These tools hold promise as a way to complement and enhance existing therapies. With thoughtful guidance and a focus on individual strengths, AI can help make healing more accessible, meaningful, and empowering.

Michelle Saleeba Psychology
Subiaco | Mullaloo | Outdoors | Online
Evidence-based therapy for adults seeking clarity, resilience, and renewal