Art therapy, also known as creative therapy or expressive therapy, is a type of psychotherapy. Its goal is to improve patients’ psychological and physical well-being. An art therapist is a person who has received professional art therapy training and certification.
In order to work in this field, you must have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in a therapy-related field. It helps if you have formal art training or experience teaching art. In most cases, some practical experience in social services or supervised clinical experience is also required.
Many states in the United States require art therapists to obtain an ATR from an independent credentialing board such as the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. (ATCB). The board also administers a written exam, with successful candidates receiving a Board Certification (BC). Continuing education is required for art therapists to maintain their certification.
Working with people with emotional problems, trauma victims, and people with disabilities is part of the job. Art therapists also work with people who are undergoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, or who are terminally ill. Children, teenagers, older individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities may be served the therapists.
Doctors, nurses, health specialists, and other therapists collaborate with art therapists. Hospitals, hospices, schools, and other public institutions frequently employ art therapists. Some art therapists work as consultants on their own.
The ATCB has established some ethical guidelines for the profession. Only cases that art therapists are fully qualified to treat are accepted. They are unable to take on a case that is currently being handled another therapist without the knowledge and permission of that therapist.
An art therapist cannot refuse to treat a patient on the basis of their race or gender. The therapist must clearly explain the therapy’s process and benefits to the patient. Art therapists must be nonjudgmental, adaptable, and mentally strong when counseling patients. It is critical to maintain professional discretion.
To begin, an art therapist will evaluate a patient to see if art therapy is the best treatment option for him or her. The therapist may then choose an appropriate form of art therapy or allow the patient to choose one of his or her own. The art therapist provides the patient with the necessary art supplies.
After that, the patient is encouraged to continue working on the artwork. The art therapist may offer suggestions, but she does not direct the patient’s actions. When the artwork is finished, the therapist can talk to the patient about it.
Art therapists assist people in gaining personal insights, developing self-esteem, and improving communication skills encouraging creative and productive work. Patients coping with painful treatments and psychological traumas may benefit from creative therapy. Expressive therapy can help people feel more in control of their lives and boost their emotional resilience.