Art & Music Therapy for Young Adults
Healing Through Creative Expression
Some feelings and experiences can't be put into words. Art and music therapy programs offer young adults alternative pathways for expression, healing, and personal discovery—especially in those times when traditional talk therapy isn't enough.
Many of our clients have spent years in conventional therapy trying to verbalize complex emotions and experiences. However, while traditional psychotherapy remains essential, we've found that adding creative therapeutic modalities often unlocks progress for young adults who have felt stuck or limited by words alone.
Beyond Words: The Power of Creative Therapies
Art and music therapy aren't simply recreational activities. They're evidence-based therapeutic approaches when facilitated by trained professionals. With the right guide, creative expression can access parts of the brain and emotions that other methods cannot.
For young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or developmental differences, creative therapies offer:
- Anxiety and stress reduction
- Development of self-awareness and identity
- Emotional expression without the pressure of finding the "right words"
- Executive functioning skills practice
- Safe exploration of difficult emotions
- The ability to process complex or pre-verbal experiences and memories
Creative arts therapists at Cornerstones of Maine integrate these approaches seamlessly with our clinical, occupational, and life skills work to create a comprehensive treatment experience for emerging adults.
How Art Therapy for Young Adults Works
In art therapy, young adults explore structured opportunities for self-expression through visual media. Sessions might include:
In art therapy, the focus isn't on artistic skill or outcomes. Instead, art therapy uses the creative process itself as a tool for self-discovery, emotional processing, and building new neural pathways—guided along the way with thoughtful prompts, reflective discussions, and therapeutic interventions.
Benefits of Art Therapy for Young Adults
Art therapy has proven particularly effective for young adults who:
- Feel uncomfortable with direct verbal expression
- Have experienced trauma that's difficult to verbalize
- Struggle with anxiety and perfectionism
- Are developing their identity and sense of self
- Have autism spectrum differences or sensory processing challenges
- Need concrete ways to understand and express emotions
Through regular art therapy sessions, our clients develop greater emotional awareness, improved self-regulation, and new perspectives on their experiences and challenges.
How Music Therapy Works
Our music therapy program utilizes various musical experiences to address therapeutic goals. No experience is necessary! Like art therapy, it’s about the journey. Sessions may include:
Active music-making in a jam session
Songwriting
Rhythmic activities for grounding and regulation
Receptive music listening for emotional processing
Voice work for confidence
Collaborative group music experiences
Our music therapists help clients build connections, process emotions, and develop new skills that transfer to other areas of life.
Benefits of Music Therapy for Young Adults
Music therapy can be an outlet for young adults who:
- Are dealing with stress
- Are working on social skills
- Experience social anxiety
- Find comfort and meaning in musical experiences
- Have executive functioning challenges
- Have experienced trauma
- Need emotional regulation support
- Struggle with self-expression
The structured—yet flexible—nature of music therapy helps young adults build confidence, improve emotional awareness, and develop healthy coping strategies they can carry into independent living.
Creative Therapies in Our Portland Program
At Cornerstones of Maine, creative therapies are fully integrated into our treatment approach—not just "add-ons." Young adults participate in both individual and group creative therapy sessions throughout their time with us. For that reason, our Portland-area residences include dedicated spaces for creative work, equipped with art supplies, musical instruments, and creative technology to support a wide range of projects. Young adults also can take advantage of Portland's vibrant arts community through museum visits, concerts, and cultural experiences that bring their therapeutic work into real-world settings.
Finding New Pathways to Expression and Growth
If your young adult has struggled to connect with conventional therapy, our expressive arts programs might provide the insight they need to evolve. Or, if you are a young adult who loves music and art, we can’t wait to meet you. Contact our team today to learn more about our residential treatment, transitional living, and aftercare programs for young adults ages 18-28.