Arts Therapy Articles
Defining Art Therapy
Although many definitions of art therapy exist, it often refers to the art making process itself as a healing agent — the use of paints, photography, chalks, and other materials to help patients express themselves creatively and authentically. This self-expression and use of creative skills can, over time, lead to mental well-being and emotional health.
The American Art Therapy Association defines art therapy as a profession that 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.”
A second definition of art therapy, often called art psychotherapy, is rooted in the idea that the art product itself is a means of symbolic communication. With this approach, the image created by the patient helps the therapist understand the issues, conflicts and emotions that the artists may not be able to articulate in speech.
Those art therapists with a more scientific or psychological bent often use arts-based assesments. One assessment is the well-known three-part Diagnostic Drawing Series, akin to an interview, but relying on chalk rather than words. The art therapist asks the patient to first draw any picture, then make a second drawing of a tree, and then use lines and shapes in a third drawing to express their feelings.
Other art assessments include the Mandala Assessment Research Instrument (MARI), and the Road Drawing, where the patient is asked to draw a road. The road drawing is thought to reveal the patient’s unconscious thoughts about their origin, experiences, and future.
Training and Background
Art therapists often come from a background in human development, psychology, counseling, or mental health, and may hold degrees in counseling or psychiatry. Many art therapists may also hold fine art degrees, or have training in the arts.
Knowledge of art and materials is important when selecting which materials will be the most helpful for a specific patient, whether that is paint, clay, pencils, or chalk. Art therapy sessions may involve teaching specific art skills to encourage the patient’s self-expression.
Licensing and Certification
Art therapists can be registered (ATR), board-certified (ATR-BC), and sometimes licensed in their state as a professional art therapist or mental health counselor. They may also hold an advanced supervisory credential called the Art Therapy Certified Supervisor (ATSC). The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATSC) is the agency responsible for offering the certifications, and for promoting ethics in the field
A master’s degree with education in art therapy and clinical expertise is required to receive the ATR designation. Those with ATRs can apply to become board certified (ATR-BC). Board certification requires passing a national exam from the ATSC
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