According to the American Art Therapy Association:
“Art therapy uses active art-making, the creative process, and applied psychological theory—within a psychotherapeutic relationship—to enrich the lives of individuals, families, and communities.” https://arttherapy.org/
Benefits of Art Therapy include:
- Improves self-esteem and boosts self-confidence
- Attain a better understanding of personal goals and values
- Helps people heal from trauma/PTSD
- Developing interpersonal relationship skills
- Helps find resolution to the issues or concerns that lead to seeking therapy
- Learn new ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and anger
- Improve communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Problem-solving skills
Art Therapy Education
- Art Therapists must go through extensive training in art therapy application technique classes and mental health curriculum
- A 60 credit Masters level art therapy graduate training program is required to become an art therapist
- Over 1000 hours of art therapy client contact and 150 hours of supervision must be obtained to become registered as an art therapist
- Board Certification is obtained by passing the national art therapy board certification exam. Registration and board certification is regulated by the Art Therapy Credentials Board. http://www.atcb.org/
For more information on the education, application, and credentials of art therapy, please visit our Links and Resources page.