Holistic Integrated Arts Therapy (HICAT)
What is Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapy? (HICAT)
Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapy (HICAT) is an approach to therapy that uses art. It can include one or a combination of – drawing and painting, craft making, drama, music, movement or dance, sound therapy, storytelling, writing or journaling, sculpture and sand-play, and any other creative activity.
Even though using art for therapy results in the creation of ‘art’. Art as therapy differs from art classes in both intent and results. The intent of using the arts in therapy is to use the artistic process for healing and self-awareness rather than to learn to make art, music, written works or create beautiful products.
Art practiced as therapy needs no experience or artistic skill. As a therapy, creativity is used as a process for growth and change. Judgements are not made regarding artistic quality. There are no “right” or “wrong” ways to create when practiced as a therapy. People with little to no artistic experience can find arts therapy freeing and insightful.
No one can interpret what someone else is thinking by looking at something they have drawn or painted.
Art practiced as therapy often combines verbal and visual methods. An arts therapist works with their clients or students to develop understanding and find meaning in the symbols and images created, along with the thoughts, memories and feelings they experienced while creating the art. It is self-empowering and places the responsibility for interpretation on the person who created the art.
A Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapist simply “holds space” and guidance along the way so that participants feel safe and supported.
Who can (HICAT) Arts Therapy help?
All people of any age and any ability can benefit from Arts Therapy.
The beauty of an Arts Therapy workshop or session is that people often leave with an artwork full of meaning to them, this then can be used for further insight outside this space, in counselling, or as inspiration.
Is Arts Therapy backed by science?
Yes. The science of the mind-body connection – of how the mind can affect the body and vice versa – is solid. Our experience shows this connection in every day life. A racing heart when you think of the public talk you have to give, or the tears that well up when you remember a painful experience. Your mind changes your body.
Two popular books on this topic are “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel Van Der Kolk and “The Biology of Belief” by Bruce H. Lipton.
Research has also shown a clear connection between expressing suppressed emotions through the arts (rather than just talking about them), and healing, both emotional and physical.
Two books on this topic are: “Art and Healing” by Barbara Ganim and “Trauma and the Expressive Arts” by Cathy A. Malchiodi.
Code of Ethics
As a holistic integrative creative arts therapist, our work is guided by deep respect for the uniqueness of each person and the creative, healing forces within all of us.
The following Code of Ethics provides a foundation for safe, compassionate, and professional practice.
- Respect for Human Dignity
- Honour the inherent worth, uniqueness, and sovereignty of every individual.
- Celebrate diversity and work inclusively, free from discrimination on the basis of culture, race, gender, sexuality, age, ability, or spiritual belief.
- Commitment to Safe Space
- Provide a non-judgmental, supportive environment where creativity and expression can unfold freely.
- Ensure the physical, emotional, and cultural safety of clients in every session.
- Confidentiality & Trust
- All client information is held with the strictest confidentiality, except where legal or ethical duty of care requires otherwise.
- Trust is the cornerstone of the therapeutic relationship, and we honour that trust with integrity and transparency.
- Integrity of Practice
- Commit to ongoing self-reflection, professional development, and supervision to ensure that our work remains grounded, ethical, and effective.
- Acknowledge the limits of our training and refer clients to other professionals when their needs are beyond our scope of practice.
- Creative Process as Healing
- Respect the creative process as a powerful pathway to self-discovery, healing, and transformation.
- Hold space for clients’ expressions—whether through art, movement, music, writing, or other modalities—without imposing interpretation or judgment.
- Holistic & Integrative Approach
- Recognise the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, culture, and community.
- Draw from a range of therapeutic traditions and creative practices, always in service of the client’s wellbeing.
- Cultural Sensitivity & Land Connection
- Acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I live and work, giving respect to their Elders past and present.
- Honour the wisdom of First Nations peoples and commit to culturally respectful practice.
- Service & Responsibility
- Our work is in service of individual and collective wellbeing, contributing to healing, resilience, and creative empowerment.
- Act with responsibility, compassion, and humility in all professional relationships.
This Code of Ethics is a living document—evolving as we grow, learn, and deepen in service to creativity, healing, and the human spirit.