Art Opening Minds Classes are intentionally designed as educational experiences—not therapeutic ones. This distinction is key to creating emotionally safe spaces for Participants and Instructors.

In this article, we’ll explain the difference, why it matters, and how to keep your Class grounded in education—even when the topic gets personal.

What’s the Difference Between Education and Therapy?

Education encourages learning, reflection, and discussion
vs.
Therapy focuses on personal healing and emotional processing

Education sessions are led by trained facilitators or educators
vs.
Therapy sessions are led by licensed mental health professionals

Education is bound by group agreements, time, and structure
vs.
Therapy is bound by client confidentiality and tailored to individual needs and responses

Education makes space for emotion, but not emotional care-taking
vs.
Therapy provides support, diagnosis, and treatment

In short,

• Education = shared exploration
• Therapy = personal treatment

AOM Classes are designed to inform, connect, and spark meaningful dialogue—not to offer clinical support or intervention.

Why This Matters

It protects your Participants

Staying in the educational lane helps avoid emotional overwhelm or accidental harm. It reminds Participants they are not expected to “go deep” or expose vulnerable details.

It protects you as the Instructor

You’re not expected to have therapeutic training or provide emotional care. Your role is to guide conversation, not to solve problems.

It supports sustainable culture change

When students repeatedly engage in educational spaces that feel safe, respectful, and reflective, they become more open to seeking formal support when they need it.

What It Looks Like in Practice

Do:

• Ask open-ended questions about characters, themes, and personal reflections
• Invite Participants to notice their reactions without requiring disclosure
• Offer grounding statements if emotions rise (e.g., “It’s okay to feel something and not share it”)
• Refer Participants to campus support services if deeper issues emerge

Avoid:

• Asking for trauma stories or direct self-disclosure
• Offering advice or emotional reassurance that’s outside your role
• Trying to “fix” or unpack someone’s emotions in the moment

Tips & Notes

• You can always say:

“This space is for reflection, not therapy—but if you’re feeling something that you want to talk about more deeply, I can help you find someone on campus to connect with.”

• Holding space is powerful—but holding boundaries is part of that power.
• When in doubt, return to the question: “Are we learning together, or processing someone’s individual story?” If it’s the latter, gently redirect.