"The creative process of artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight." The Health Professions Network.
Art therapy is a form of counseling that uses a combination of art and psychology. Unlike talk therapy, which relies solely on the use of words, art therapy can be especially helpful for those who have difficulty putting their feelings into words and makes difficult issues safer and easier to discuss. Our practice uses art and other creative forms of therapy to engage children and focuses counseling interventions on specific therapy goals, set by the child, parents, and art therapist together.
According to the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), "Art therapy integrates the fields of human development, visual art (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms), and the creative process with models of counseling and psychotherapy. Art therapy is used with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, groups, and families to assess and treat the following: anxiety, depression, and other mental and emotional problems and disorders; substance abuse and other addictions; family and relationship issues; abuse and domestic violence; social and emotional difficulties related to disability and illness; trauma and loss; physical, cognitive, and neurological problems; and psychosocial difficulties related to medical illness."
who can benefit from art therapy?
Art therapy can be especially helpful to visual learners or those who have difficulty putting feelings to words. When feelings or experiences (such as problems with peers, parental divorce, or excessive worries) are difficult to verbalize, art therapy may be a way to allow children to work through these difficulties and gain skills for coping. In art therapy sessions, clients may discuss topics that are difficult to talk about. Although we discuss struggles, difficult topics, and areas to improve upon, we try to add some fun art-making into the experience. Previous art experience is not necessary!
how do you become an art therapist?
Art Therapists must receive master's level training. Most often the training involves a master's in counseling with a concentration in art therapy and is 60 graduate hours, graduate internships, plus continued post graduate work. Many art therapists choose to also fulfill criteria to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. To find out more about training to become an art therapist, contact the American Art Therapy Association.