What Is an Art Therapist?

Art is the universal language. It has the ability to unite all people. It is the great equalizer, allowing people of any ability to communicate thoughts, feelings, opinions, wants and needs. Art allows individuals who have difficulty communicating the ability to express the things that are difficult to say. Thus, art is a useful therapeutic tool.

• Art therapy helps individuals express themselves

What Is An Art Therapist?

• An art therapist is a counselor that specializes in the practice of art therapy. Art therapy is the guided practice of making art with a therapeutic intention. Art therapy combines traditional psychotherapy processes with art processes to aid individuals in the resolution of personal issues, as a coping mechanism and to promote mental and emotional wellness.

Art Therapy

• Art therapy came into use as a specialized type of therapy in the 1940's when psychiatrists began to be interested in the artwork created by mentally ill patients. At that time, many mental hospitals began using art as part of their therapeutic processes. A variety of art processes may be used such as drawing, painting, collage and sculpture.The art therapist may be a practicing artist with a mental health background, or therapists may contract artists to come in and work with individuals or groups. The work produced by participants is astounding, regardless of an individual's art experience or aptitude.

The Goal of the Art Therapist

• The goal of the art therapist is the continually improving mental and emotional health of the participant. The therapist is required to provide a safe and functional venue for the art experiences offered to their clients. The art therapist may work with people of all ages and backgrounds, although some may specialize in working with children. For example, Cathy A. Malchiodi, author of "Breaking The Silence," specialized in art therapy with children from violent homes. Malchiodi helped children who experienced domestic violence express things they had seen, heard and felt, opening the eyes of the world about the ways witnessing violence affected their lives.

Art Therapy Credentials

• An art therapist may work full or part time, and may be self-employed or employed by a health service. They may work individually, or as part of a team. In the United States, an art therapist may carry any of the following credentials: Art Therapist Registered (ATR), Art Therapist Registered-Board Certified (ATR-BC), or Licensed Practitioner of Art Therapy (LPAT). A certified art therapist may also opt to join the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the belief in art as a healing process. The AATA provides professional support for certified art therapists across the United States.

Seeking A Degree In Art Therapy

• During the certification process, individuals seeking a degree in art therapy are trained in both art and therapy. They learn about psychological processes, spirituality, and multicultural diversity. After graduation, credentials are issued through The Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc.