"Expressive arts therapy provides individuals with the ability to express emotions non-verbally, facilitating emotional release and promoting self-awareness. Research has shown that creative processes such as drawing, painting, and movement can reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety, enhance emotional regulation, and improve psychological well-being."

— Malchiodi, C. A. (2013). Handbook of Art Therapy (2nd ed.). New York: The Guilford Press.

I’m Melanie, an expressive/creative arts therapist with a fresh, innovative approach to guiding internationals in Prague (whether you are from abroad or Czech, with a medium level of skill in English language) toward healing, growth, and connection. I understand the unique challenges of life abroad, and I’ve created this space for you - where creativity and community come together to nurture mental wellness and self-discovery in a way that feels new, exciting and genuinely supportive. You can head to the Meet Your Therapist tab to get to know me a bit better. I’ll see you there!

General Overview: Expressive/Creative Arts Therapy (Let’s refer to it as E/CAT, to make things easier!).

What exactly is E/CAT?
Expressive/Creative Arts Therapy (E/CAT) is a therapeutic approach that integrates creative expression—such as painting, drawing, movement, music, drama, voice and more—into the healing process. Through these art forms, you’ll engage with your emotions and experiences in a non-verbal, creative way, allowing for deeper insight and personal growth. It’s a space where art and therapy meet to promote healing, self-discovery, and transformation.

This approach is helpful when words are hard to find—or when they’re simply not enough. Creative expression offers new ways to connect with yourself and with others. It can support people dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma, loss, or major life changes, and it can also be a powerful tool for building confidence and emotional resilience.

Is E/CAT only for people facing major challenges or struggles?
E/CAT is for everyone—whether you’re feeling stuck, distressed, seeking deeper self-awareness, or doing great and looking to explore your own personal potential. You don’t need to have a “problem” to benefit from this work. In fact, E/CAT can be a wonderful way to dive into the next chapter of your life, tap into your creative energy, and grow even further. It’s a space for curiosity, self-discovery, and transformation—no matter where you’re at.

Do I need to be good at art to benefit from E/CAT?
No, you don’t need to be a skilled artist! The beauty of expressive/creative arts therapy (E/CAT) is that it’s not about creating “perfect” art. It’s about expression, exploration, and connection—using any form of art as a tool to tap into your emotions, thoughts, and inner world. no matter your level of skill or experience, the process here is what’s important.

A Brief History

The roots of this work go back to the early 20th century, when therapists like Carl Jung explored the use of imagery and imagination in psychological healing. Later, separate fields like art therapy and music therapy began to emerge. In the 1970s and 80s, pioneers such as Shaun McNiff, Paolo Knill, and Ellen Levine helped shape Expressive Arts Therapy as a multimodal approach—one that moves fluidly between art forms, depending on what fits best in the moment.

Today, Expressive Arts Therapy is practiced around the world, in mental health settings, schools, hospitals, community projects, and private practice. It offers a flexible, creative, and deeply human way to support healing and self-discovery.

Evidence-Based and Grounded in Research

Expressive Arts Therapy is supported by growing scientific research in psychology, psychotherapy, and neuroscience. Studies show that creative processes can help reduce stress, improve mood, and support emotional regulation. Engaging with the arts in a therapeutic setting has been shown to activate areas of the brain involved in memory, emotion, and healing—making it a valuable and evidence-informed approach to mental health.