Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through links on this page. I only recommend tools aligned with expressive arts therapy and emotional wellness.

Starting your creative journey?

​Looking for what supplies to start out with?

These supplies are approachable, flexible, and designed to support emotional exploration, mindfulness, and self-connection through creativity. These therapist-informed tools are thoughtfully selected to support expressive arts therapy, counseling sessions, classrooms, and personal self-care. 

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​Keep scrolling to see my favorite supplies! Paint sticks are the best!!

Preparing for the ATCB Exam​? Scroll down to read more.

Art Therapy Essentials

Core creative supplies used across most expressive arts practices. Start with a few simple materials and let your creativity lead. These essentials are versatile, calming, and easy to integrate into therapy or personal practice. 

​There are many more essentials supplies (glue, tape, scissors), but these will get you started! 

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Colored Pencils
Gentle, familiar, and versatile—great for emotional expression, art journaling, and mindful coloring.

Sketchbooks | Art Journals | Paper
A safe space to explore thoughts, images, and feelings through art—no pressure, no perfection.

Watercolor Brush Pens
Portable and mess-free tools that add color and movement to your creative practice.

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Watercolor Supplies
These supplies are ideal for expressive painting, mindful art practices, and soft, layered visual storytelling in both therapy and personal creative time.

Markers and Pens
Markers and pens provide bold, immediate expression—perfect for drawing, journaling, doodling, and mixed-media activities. ​

Therapist Favorites

Go-to tools for sessions, groups, and conversation starters. These are commonly used tools in therapy offices, classrooms, and group settings to support emotional vocabulary, engagement, and regulation.

Feelings Card Decks & Games
Helpful for starting conversations, building emotional vocabulary, and supporting social-emotional learning.

Sensory & Fidget Tools
Support grounding, focus, and nervous system regulation for both children and adults.

Art Room Supplies + Therapy Tools
​These are great for expressive arts activities, group work, and studio sessions.

Preparing for the ATCB Exam

For students preparing for ATCB credentialing and the ATCBE, this supplies list supports:

• Familiarity with art media categories commonly referenced on the exam
• Understanding media properties, therapeutic uses, and contraindications
• Integration of expressive arts approaches within ethical art therapy practice
• Clinical reasoning related to media choice and client presentation

This list list aligns with CAAHEP standards for art therapy education by supporting:

• Art Media Competency
  Exposure to a broad range of 2D, 3D, tactile, digital, and mixed-media art materials.
• Clinical Application of Media
  Use of materials in treatment planning, therapeutic process, and client-centered intervention.
• Studio-Based Learning & Safety
  Materials appropriate for structured studio practice, supervision, and ethical client use.
• Professional Preparation
  Readiness for practicum, internship, and entry-level clinical work.

Multiple Uses

There are many more essentials supplies (glue, tape, scissors), but these will get you started! They will be perfect for......

• Therapy and counseling sessions
• Expressive arts and art therapy activities
• Classroom social-emotional learning​

• Group workshops and retreats
• Personal reflection and self-care
• Training and supervision settings

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Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through links on this page. I only recommend tools aligned with expressive arts therapy and emotional wellness. “Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.”