How Art Therapy Boosts Feel Good Brain Chemicals

In TJ Power’s DOSE model, mood and motivation are lifted by four brain chemicals: dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins. Art therapy is a gentle way to engage each one through choice, creativity and connection.

Dopamine, the motivation and reward spark

Art making lights up the brain’s reward network, even with simple doodling. That sense of “I did it” boosts drive to begin again. Try short, finishable tasks, two minute sketch, then pause to notice the win. Drexel University

Art therapy encourages the participant to take the lead and decide the direction of the art-making and creative process. This deepens one’s sense of pride and in turns, boosts dopamine! Choice, novelty and visible progress support drive and follow through.

Oxytocin, the bonding and safety chemical

Creating art together with a loved one, side by side drawing or a shared canvas, can lift oxytocin and increase closeness. Build small rituals, swap encouraging words, co-title the artwork, or create with a trusted person. Neuroscience News

Making art in the safe space an art therapist holds and maintains encourage bonding and boosts oxytocin. Shared attention, gentle attunement and feeling believed are foundations for feeling safe in an art therapy session.

Serotonin, the mood stabiliser

Serotonin tracks with daylight. Make art in morning or midday light, by a window, on a balcony, or outdoors. Use steady, predictable routines, same opening prompt, same closing title, to support calm mood over time. The Lancet

Art therapy in an outdoor space early in the morning light helps boosts serotonin and regulate body clock.

Endorphins, the natural pain and stress relievers

Rhythm and shared laughter help endorphins rise. Try slow bilateral marks to music, rolling and pressing clay in time, or a playful collaborative collage that invites smiles. University of Turku+1

In group art therapy or one-one-one session with an art therapist, group synchrony and shared laughter ease tension and release endorphins.

Lowering the brakes helps the boosters

Art-making often reduce cortisol within about forty five minutes, which can make it easier for the feel good chemicals to do their work. Keep sessions paced and pressure free. 

DOSE inspired mini plan you can use this weekend

• Dopamine, 5 minutes. Quick win postcard. One tiny drawing, then a photo for the progress album.

• Oxytocin, 10 minutes. Side by side art with a loved one. Take turns adding one line and saying one kind thing about the other person’s mark.

• Serotonin, 10 minutes. Sunlit sketch. Sit by a bright window and trace the shadow of a plant, breathe slowly as you draw.

• Endorphins, 5 minutes. Music marks. Choose a gentle song. Make slow, repetitive strokes across big paper, then write down one thing that felt good.