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What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy explores personal problems and potentials through the use of art and verbal expression to foster physical and emotional growth and promote positive coping skills through the art experience. Through the art making process, art therapists assist their clients in using their artwork as a reflective tool. This dynamic fosters the client's development to be mindful of their concerns, abilities, personality, and interests. The use of art as therapy implies that the creative process can be a means of both reconciling emotional conflicts, and fostering self awareness and personal growth. In addition to its use in treatment, it may be used in assessment and evaluation of individuals, couples, families, and groups. For more information regarding complete requirements, professional standards, and AATA approved education programs contact American Art Therapy Association, Inc. Website: www.arttherapy.org

What Do Art Therapists Do?

Art therapists work in primary and adjunctive capacities with people of all ages in clinical, educational, medical, rehabilitative settings, and private practice. They are recognized by state and federal agencies. Within agency guidelines and professional standards, art therapists provide evaluation and development of patient treatment plans. As part of a treatment team, art therapists develop goals and objectives, provide case management services, and therapeutic treatment. Art therapists maintain appropriate charting, records, and periodic reports on client progress as require. How are art therapists trained?
Educational and training requirements for art therapists have been defined by the American Art Therapy Association, Inc. and the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) Art therapists possess a Master's Degree in Art Therapy with an emphasis on art, psychology, and counseling. The credentials of ATR (Art Therapist, Registered) are recognized standards for the field of art therapy, and are conferred by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB). In order to qualify as a registered art therapist (ATR), in addition to completing a master's degree in art therapy, an individual must complete an additional 1000 post graduate supervised by a credentialed art therapist. An ATR is then eligible to sit of the national board certification examination to obtain the ATR-BC credentialing.