About Art Therapy
What is an art therapist?
What do art therapists do?
What else do we do?
Where and with whom do we work?
What can you expect in an art therapy session?
What education is required?
What do you learn in graduate programs?
What is the job market like?
What credentials do art therapists earn?
What is an art therapist?
We are psychotherapists, specially trained both in art and psychology at the
Master's level to provide mental health services. We are credentialed by an
independent national board. We harness the power of our patient's images in the
service of reaching their identified therapeutic goals.
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What do art therapists do?
We work as primary therapists or as part of treatment teams -- which include
psychiatrists, psychologists, rehabilitation, counselors, social workers, school
psychologists, and nurses-- to design and facilitate therapy programs. We are
skilled in planning and implementing individual Art Therapy treatment plans,
providing counseling, interviewing, giving supervision, and preparing written
evaluations.
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What else do we do?
We also assess patient/client needs and keep abreast of developments in the
mental health field. In addition, we educate other mental health professionals
about the benefits of Art Therapy by giving in-services and presentations in a
wide variety of clinical and educational settings.
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Where and With Whom Do We Work?
We work in private offices, hospitals, community centers, nursing homes,
corporations, rehabilitation centers, out-patient clinics, prisons, and all
levels of schools. We work with those whose mental or physical capabilities are
severely limited as well as with psychiatric patients of all diagnostic
categories. We work with individuals, couples, and families who seek more
self-awareness, creativity, and richer friendships.
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What can you expect in an art therapy session?
You can expect to use simple art materials in creative processes which do not
require special art training. Your Art Therapist supports your work with
thoughtful therapeutic interventions. This work fosters healthy communication and
expression, promotes the integration of physical, emotional, cognitive and
social functioning, enhances self-awareness, and facilitates change. Your work
may be done in community based or Institutional settings, either in groups or
individually.
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What education is required?
Specific requirements have been established by the American Art Therapy
Association (AATA). They
include:
- Completion of a four year college degree with at least fifteen semester
credits in studio art and twelve semester credits in psychology
- A Master's degree in Art Therapy which meets AATA
standards
- One year of post-graduate work under the supervision of a Registered Art
Therapist (A.T.R.)
- Fulfilling the requirements of the Art Therapy Credentialing Board.
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What do you learn in graduate programs?
Classes include:
- An introduction to the field
- Art Therapy techniques
- The process of Art Therapy assessment and treatment with children,
adolescents, adults, and families
- Systems of psychotherapy
- Psychopathology and counseling skills
- Multi-cultural awareness
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What is the job market like?
Art Therapy is a growing professional field. Many hospitals,
out-patient clinics, and schools aware of its value, are creating Art Therapy
positions. Art Therapists also have created their own positions in government
agencies and mental health centers, and are in private practice all over the
country. Many have moved on to supervisory, administrative, or teaching
positions. Locally, CATA supports the growth of jobs through presentations at
professional conferences, businesses, schools, and mental health facilities. To
further support increased professional opportunities, AATA is a member of the
National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapists (NCATA) whose mission is to
educate the public about the benefits of the arts in therapy.
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What credentials do art therapists earn?
The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) is a national organization of
professional Art Therapists and students. AATA created an independent
credentialing board, the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. The Board grants
registration (A.T.R.) when master's level training and post-master's clinical
experience are completed. Board Certification (B.C.) is granted to Art
Therapists who successfully pass the Board examination.
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