Common Questions
In many familiar forms of therapy, patients talk about problems and learn ways to cope. In Art Therapy, patients use verbal and nonverbal ways to communicate and learn new ways to manage thoughts, feelings, problems, and patterns.
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What is Art Therapy?
Art Therapy is a mental health profession that combines an understanding of human development, psychological theories and perspectives, and the creative process of art making. For those engaged in art therapy, it is a way to process complicated feelings and reach a variety of goals, including adjusting to change, recognizing patterns and intentions in their lives, gaining insights, changing behaviors, resolving conflicts, developing coping skills, developing self-esteem, and improving emotional control.
Why is it important?
Art Therapy helps the brain to heal; it’s a bridge to healing. Making connections where there were breaks. More than 85% of the psychiatric population have experienced some type of trauma, which often arrests cognitive development. Art Therapy uses the creative process to support developmental and emotional growth.
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Why can it be especially helpful for children?
Art Therapy taps into the creative potential of children and provides an accessible way of exploring thoughts and feelings. Children are often limited in their ability to verbalize their feelings. Sometimes feelings and conflicts feel too threatening for a child to face directly. These feelings can be externalized and safely explored through the process of creating artwork. With art materials, a child can release, discover, and clarify their thoughts and feelings. Art therapy can help children learn more about themselves and provide an opportunity to experience satisfaction and achievement.
How does someone become an art therapist?
Art therapists must be trained in both art and therapy. A master’s degree is required for entry into the profession, and some therapists also have a doctorate degree. Masters level curriculum includes the theory and practice of individual, family, and group counseling, psychopathology, and human development. Art therapist must complete supervised clinical internships and a master’s thesis.
Is art therapy a stand-alone therapy?
Yes, art therapy is a stand-alone therapy. Art therapists are primary therapists. Art therapy can be used with individuals, groups, or families as either a primary or adjunctive therapeutic mode in clinical, educational and rehabilitative settings.