Why Art Matters in Therapy Spaces
As a watercolour artist whose paintings often find homes in therapy rooms, counselling offices, and wellness centres, I've come to understand that the art on your walls isn't just decoration—it's part of the therapeutic environment.
The right artwork can:
- Reduce client anxiety while waiting or during difficult moments
- Create psychological safety through non-threatening imagery
- Provide grounding focal points for emotional regulation techniques
- Communicate your values and approach to clients
- Support mindfulness practices through contemplative imagery
This guide draws from conversations with therapists, my own experience as a neurodivergent artist navigating mental health, and years of creating calming watercolour paintings for therapeutic spaces.
What Makes Art "Therapeutic"?
1. Non-Threatening Subject Matter
Choose imagery that doesn't demand emotional engagement
Therapy already asks clients to engage deeply with difficult emotions. The artwork shouldn't add to that burden. Avoid:
- Human figures (can feel like being watched or judged)
- Direct eye contact or faces
- Aggressive or disturbing imagery
- Complex narratives requiring interpretation
- Religious or culturally specific symbols (unless appropriate to your practice)
Better choices:
- Landscapes and nature scenes
- Water (inherently calming)
- Soft abstract patterns
- Gentle architectural scenes
- Seasonal imagery (familiar, grounding)
2. Calming Colour Palettes
Colour psychology matters in therapeutic spaces
Certain colours naturally promote calm and safety:
- Blues and greens — reduce heart rate, promote calm
- Soft earth tones — grounding, stable, warm
- Muted purples — contemplative without being sad
- Gentle greys and neutrals — non-intrusive, professional
Use sparingly or avoid:
- Intense reds — can increase anxiety and heart rate
- Bright neon colours — overstimulating
- Very dark or heavy blacks — can feel oppressive
- High contrast — jarring, demanding attention
Exception: Small accents of warm colours (soft yellows, gentle oranges) can add hope and warmth without being overwhelming.
3. Soft Visual Texture
Watercolour's natural gentleness makes it ideal for therapy spaces
The medium itself communicates softness through:
- Flowing, organic edges (not harsh or rigid)
- Translucent layers (light, not heavy)
- Visible water blooms and natural textures
- Gentle transitions between colours
This visual softness subconsciously signals safety—nothing harsh, nothing jarring.
4. Breathing Room
Choose paintings with visual space—not too busy
Clients in therapy often feel mentally crowded. Art that's too busy or detailed adds to that feeling. Look for:
- Simple compositions with clear focal points
- Generous use of negative space
- Uncluttered backgrounds
- Soft, unfocused areas that don't demand constant attention
Specific Recommendations by Therapy Type
Anxiety & Trauma Therapy
Priority: Safety, calm, predictability
Best choices:
- Gentle water scenes (ponds, calm seas)
- Horizons (provide sense of open space, escape)
- Soft, muted colours
- No sudden visual surprises or sharp contrasts
Example subjects: Carshalton Ponds at dawn, quiet coastal scenes, misty morning landscapes
Depression & Mood Disorders
Priority: Hope, light, gentle warmth
Best choices:
- Paintings with subtle warm tones
- Sunrise/sunset light (symbolizes change)
- Spring or early summer imagery
- Enough colour to feel alive, not too muted
Example subjects: Golden hour scenes, cherry blossoms, gentle autumn light
ADHD & Neurodivergent Clients
Priority: Grounding without overstimulation
Best choices:
- Clear, uncluttered compositions
- Enough visual interest without chaos
- Nature scenes (inherently grounding)
- Avoid overly busy patterns or competing focal points
Example subjects: Single trees, simple architectural scenes, quiet park views
Personal note: As someone with ADHD, I find that watercolour paintings work better than photographs in therapy rooms—the soft edges don't demand the same hyperfocus.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Priority: Contemplative, present-moment focus
Best choices:
- Abstract or semi-abstract works
- Water, reflections, light effects
- Seasonal change (impermanence, acceptance)
- Gentle movement suggested (leaves, ripples)
Example subjects: Water reflections, dappled light through trees, atmospheric landscapes
Practical Considerations
Size and Placement
Where your eye naturally goes matters
- Behind therapist: Smaller pieces (12"x16" or less) — shouldn't distract from therapy work
- Opposite client seating: Medium pieces (16"x20" to 20"x24") — available as grounding focal point when needed
- Waiting area: Larger pieces acceptable (up to 24"x36") — more time for contemplation
- Multiple small pieces: Can feel busy — use sparingly, ensure visual cohesion
Framing
Simple, neutral frames work best
- White, natural wood, or simple black frames
- Mats create breathing room (especially important in smaller rooms)
- Avoid ornate or distracting frames
- Consider non-reflective glass (reduces glare, less distracting)
Professional Appearance
Quality matters for your practice's image
- Original artworks or high-quality giclee prints
- Professional mounting and framing
- Cohesive colour palette across multiple pieces
- Avoid commercial posters or mass-market prints
Your space communicates your values. Quality art suggests you value quality care.
What Therapists Tell Me
Over the years, therapists who've chosen my work have shared these insights:
"Clients often mention the artwork"
Particularly anxious clients will comment on paintings as a way to ground themselves or transition into session. The art becomes a safe conversation starter.
"It helps with emotional regulation"
Some therapists explicitly use artwork as grounding tools—asking clients to focus on the painting, describe what they see, or notice how looking at it affects their breathing.
"It reinforces our therapeutic approach"
Nature-based imagery supports eco-therapy approaches. Mindful, present-moment scenes reinforce mindfulness-based practices. The right art becomes part of the treatment philosophy.
"It reduces cancellations"
One therapist told me that creating a more welcoming, less clinical space (including thoughtful artwork) seemed to reduce client anxiety about appointments and lower cancellation rates.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing Art
- Who will be looking at this artwork? (Age ranges, presenting issues, sensitivities)
- How does it make me feel? (If it stresses you, it'll likely stress clients)
- Does it match my therapeutic approach? (Art should support, not contradict, your work)
- Is it restful to look at? (Can you imagine looking at this during a difficult session?)
- Will it still feel appropriate in 5 years? (Avoid trendy pieces that date quickly)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overly Abstract Art
While some abstract work is perfect, very challenging or conceptual pieces can trigger anxiety. Clients may feel pressured to "understand" the art.
2. Personal Photos or Family Pictures
These blur professional boundaries and can make clients feel they're intruding on your personal space.
3. Motivational Posters or Quotes
These can feel dismissive ("Just think positive!") and lack the subtlety effective therapy requires.
4. Too Many Pieces
A crowded gallery wall adds visual noise. Two or three well-chosen pieces beat a dozen mediocre ones.
5. Artwork That's Too "Sad"
Even if beautiful, very melancholic imagery isn't helpful in therapy spaces. Aim for gentle, not sorrowful.
Budget Considerations
Original Art vs. Prints
Both can work. Key is quality and appropriateness, not whether it's original. However:
- Originals: Unique, support artists directly, investment pieces
- High-quality prints: More affordable, can buy sets with cohesive themes
- Avoid: Cheap commercial prints, digital downloads printed at home
Budget Suggestions:
- New practice: Start with 1-2 key pieces in main therapy room
- Growing practice: Add waiting area art, consider print collections
- Established practice: Invest in original artworks, rotate seasonally
Working with Local Artists
Benefits of choosing local art:
- Support your community
- Meet the artist, understand their process
- Commission custom pieces for your specific space
- Often more affordable than gallery prices
- Provides conversation piece ("This is Carshalton Ponds, where I painted this morning...")
As a Carshalton-based artist and Vice Chairman of Carshalton Artists, I regularly work with local therapists to create appropriate artwork for their spaces.
Rotating Artwork
Consider changing art seasonally
Some therapists find that rotating artwork with seasons provides subtle environmental cues about time passing and change:
- Spring: Renewal, growth, fresh starts
- Summer: Warmth, openness, vibrant life
- Autumn: Transition, letting go, reflection
- Winter: Quiet, introspection, rest
This doesn't require large investment—two seasonal prints can be alternated throughout the year.
My Therapy Room Collection
I've created a specific body of work with therapeutic spaces in mind—paintings designed to be restful, grounding, and supportive of healing work. These include:
- Water reflections — Carshalton Ponds, calm scenes
- Gentle landscapes — South London parks, Surrey countryside
- Seasonal change — Cherry blossoms, autumn light, winter stillness
- Sanctuaries — Quiet corners, peaceful moments
View these in my Sanctuaries Collection or South London Collection.
For Art Therapists Specifically
If you're an art therapist, your considerations are slightly different:
- Your artwork shouldn't overshadow client artwork — keep it subtle
- Consider blank wall space — room for displaying client work
- Process-focused pieces — watercolour shows visible process, can normalize "imperfection"
- Inspiration without intimidation — beautiful but not so perfect clients feel inadequate
Final Thoughts: Art as Co-Therapist
The right artwork in a therapy room isn't passive decoration. It's an active element of the therapeutic environment—offering:
- A grounding presence when emotions run high
- A visual reminder that beauty exists alongside pain
- A focal point for breathing and calming techniques
- A subtle message: this is a safe space for healing
As an artist whose work hangs in therapy rooms across South London and Surrey, I'm honoured each time a therapist chooses one of my paintings. I know that painting might witness hundreds of moments of courage, vulnerability, and healing.
That's the real purpose of therapeutic art—not to be admired, but to quietly support the important work happening in its presence.
Get in Touch
If you're a therapist, counsellor, or healthcare professional looking for appropriate artwork for your practice, I'd be happy to discuss your specific needs. I understand the unique requirements of therapeutic spaces and can recommend pieces or discuss commissions.
Contact me to start a conversation about art for your therapy room.
— Simon Robin Stephens, watercolour artist creating mindful artwork for therapeutic spaces in Carshalton and South London