What is Art Therapy?
ART EXPERIENCE IS NOT NECESSARY! Art Therapy (also known as Creative Arts Therapy or Art Psychotherapy) is a mental health profession that combines the creative process and psychotherapy to help clients "improve and enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being" (American Art Therapy Association, 2021. Clients art expressions are used to "explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage their behavior, develop skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem" (Art Credentialing Board, 2021).
Who are Art Therapist?
Art Therapists are mental health practitioners with master degrees and “skilled in the application of a variety of art modalities (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other media) for assessment and treatment” (American Art Therapy Association, 2021). New York State requires that all Art Therapists be licensed (LCAT) in order to practice. Two other important credentials for Art Therapist in the United States are the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) and Board Certification (ATR-BC), which are post graduate requirements of supervised client treatment, passing a rigorous Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination, and maintenance of continuing education (Art Therapy Credentialing Board, 2021).
All Rights Reserved. Text and Art © copyright 2012-2021 Diana Gil Velez, MS, LCAT, ATR-BC.
