Art Therapy
Art Therapy is an established mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages.
It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in 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.
Art Therapy integrates the fields of human development, visual art (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms), expressive writing, and the creative process with models of counseling and psychotherapy.
Who May Benefit From Art Therapy?
Art therapy is used with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, groups, couples, and families to assess and treat the following: anxiety, depression, and other mental and emotional problems and disorders; mental illness; 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.
Art Therapists are Master's level professionals who hold a degree in psychotherapy and art therapy.
Educational requirements include: theories of art therapy, counseling, and psychotherapy; ethics and standards of practice; assessment and evaluation; individual, group, and family techniques; human and creative development; multicultural issues; research methods; and practicum experiences in clinical, community, and/or other settings.
Art therapists are skilled in the application of a variety of art modalities (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other media) for assessment and treatment.
My Professional Organizations:
CAMFT
ATCB
AATA
International Art Therapy Association
Art Therapists for Social Justice
Women Beyond Borders
1000 Kites For Peace
Creativity in Motion
Women's Economic Ventures
