What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a human service profession which utilizes art media, images, the creative art process and patient/client responses to the created art productions as reflections of an individual’s development, abilities, personality, interests, concerns, and conflicts. Art therapy practice is based on knowledge of human developmental and psychological theories which are implemented in the full spectrum of models of assessment and treatment including educational, psychodynamic, cognitive, transpersonal, and other therapeutic means of reconciling emotional conflicts, fostering self-awareness, developing social skills, managing behavior, solving problems, reducing anxiety, aiding reality orientation, and increasing self-esteem.
Art therapists are professionals trained in both art and therapy and hold a Masters degree in art therapy or a related field. Art therapists work with children, adolescents, and adults and provide services to individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities. They often work as part of clinical teams, in settings that include mental health, rehabilitation, medical and forensic institutions; community outreach programs; wellness centers; schools; nursing homes; corporate structures; art studios; and independent practices. Art therapists are skilled in the application of a variety of art modalities (drawing, painting, clay, and other mediums) for treatment and assessment and conduct research as well as provide consultations to allied professionals.
Educational, professional, and ethical standards for art therapists are regulated by the American Art Therapy Association, Inc. (AATA). The Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. (ATCB), an independent organization, grants postgraduate registration (ATR) after reviewing documentation of completion of graduate education and postgraduate supervised experience.
How Did Art Therapy Begin?
Although visual expressions have been basic to humanity throughout history, art therapy did not emerge as a distinct profession until the 1930’s. At the beginning of the 20th Century, psychiatrists became interested in the art work done by patients, and studied it to see if there was a link between the art and the illness of their patients. At this same time, art educators were discovering that the free and spontaneous art expression of children represented both emotional and symbolic communications. Since then, the profession of art therapy has grown into an effective and important method of communication, assessment, and treatment with many populations.
Where Do Art Therapists Work?
Art therapists work in private offices, art rooms, or meeting rooms in facilities such as:
- private practice
- hospitals–both medical and psychiatric
- out-patient facilities
- clinics
- residential treatment centers
- halfway houses
- shelters
- schools
- correctional facilities
- elder care facilities
- pain clinics
- universities
- art studios
- community centers
The art therapist may work as part of a team which includes physicians, psychologists, nurses, rehabilitation counselors, social workers, and teachers. Together, they determine and implement a client’s therapeutic, school, or mental health program. Art therapists also work as primary therapists in private practice.
