In its myriad forms, art can be described as a powerful language that expresses the deep perceptions, feelings, and reflections that words often fail to capture.
While it may seem magical, it’s not – art is a neurological process that allows us to explore and communicate our inner worlds, transforming difficult emotions into visual narratives. It’s an escape into a world of our own making.
Valentina Avdeeva, a 36-year-old psychologist and art therapist, explains: “Art therapy works directly with the subconscious – that’s its secret. This approach draws out suppressed emotions, feelings, and thoughts. Once they’re brought to the surface, they’re no longer bottled up inside, freeing you from stress and tension.
“Drawing is one of the simplest and most accessible ways to express yourself. For most people, it feels easier than singing, dancing, or playing an instrument. Art provides numerous keys to self-discovery and fostering inner dialogue. Elements like colour, lines, shapes, positioning on the page, sizes, drawing sequence, body posture, artistic techniques, and even re-drawing – all these aspects become therapeutic tools that open doors to healing and self-awareness,” she adds.
In Saudi, the therapeutic potential of art therapy is being embraced, with the Ministry of Health approving art therapy clinics and complexes across the Kingdom. These spaces support individuals on their healing journeys, offering an opportunity to explore inner selves through drawing, painting, or sculpting. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned artist, here’s a list of places offering creative treatments, providing a safe, supportive environment to express your emotions through creativity.
Where to Find Art Therapy in Saudi
ACT Centre, Jeddah
Adult and Child Therapy (ACT) Center is Saudi’s first multidisciplinary therapeutic facility, focused on psychological and emotional wellbeing. With art therapy as one of its key offerings, the centre provides a culturally appropriate space for healing. It aims to normalise therapy while creating a safe environment for everyone to express themselves through various artistic mediums, from drawing to painting or simply scribbling thoughts.
Hayy Jameel, Jeddah and virtual
A dedicated complex for the arts and creativity, Hayy Jameel regularly holds art-focused workshops and sessions for adults and children, and has hosted expressive healing sessions for young adults, in collaboration with ACT Center. It is a great place to start for the uninitiated and for those who want to dip their toes into the world of art therapy.
King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh
With a focus on helping children suffering from chronic diseases, King Fahad Medical City started art therapy to help children express themselves. The sessions are held by clinically trained art therapists with experience in paediatric and adult rehabilitation. The young artists are encouraged to portray anything that bothers or motivates them, thereby providing the therapists with a window into the less-conscious mind.
Etizan Therapy Center, Jeddah
Healing can be challenging, and to help people cure their minds and souls, Etizan includes art in its therapies to help children overcome developmental conditions such as learning difficulties, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, etc. For children, art is a less intimidating, more fun concept to adapt to and use to get better.
@etizantherapy @etizanjunior
etizanksa.com
King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture - Ithra, Dhahran
Saudi’s leading cultural centre, known as Ithra, offers an art studio for those interested. The complex also frequently holds workshops and talks by art therapists and professionals in the field. Ithra is an oasis of creativity and culture and encourages individuals to express themselves. For people who are drawn to art for the sake of recreation, this is the place to be.
