Art Therapy FAQ
What is Art Therapy?
Art Therapy is the use of art making for the purpose of expressing emotions and feelings. Art therapy is facilitated by a master’s level trained practitioner, and is one of many kinds of expressive arts therapies that utilize non-verbal approaches to exploring and containing traumatic subject matter. The art making process and the art that is made can help contain overwhelming emotions, providing a way to express what is often hard to put into words.
What are the benefits of art therapy?
Art therapy is particularly effective during times of crisis, changes in circumstance, trauma, and grief. According to research, art therapy helps people feel more in control of their own lives, and helps relieve anxiety and depression, including among cancer patients, tuberculosis patients in isolation, and military veterans with PTSD. In addition, art therapy assists in managing pain by moving mental focus away from the painful stimulus. A review of multiple studies on the effectiveness of art therapy shows that it improves quality of life and a person's ability to manage psychological symptoms, medical and age-related conditions, daily challenges, stress, and burnout. Art therapy has been shown to reduce cortisol levels in participants. Art therapy may be an especially effective modality for treating PTSD and symptoms related to trauma.
Do I have to be “good” at making art?
You don’t have to be an artist or even “artsy” to make art. Everyone is creative – and we all remember making art as children. In art therapy sessions, your art therapist may encourage you to try different art media such as color pencils, paints, clay, and collage. Sometimes non–traditional art materials (e.g. tree branches and leaves) are intentionally introduced to you in order to expand your creative expression. You may also explore different styles of expression, using doodling, abstract designs, and contour drawing. Art therapists are trained to facilitate a type of art making for your specific needs.
Can anyone become an art therapist?
Art therapists are credentialed mental health professionals. They are trained in a broad range of psychological theory and ways to use art media and creative processes to help people cope with mental health challenges. Art therapists hold Masters–level or higher degrees. Art therapists hold the credentials ATR (art therapist registered) or ATR–BC (board–certified art therapist registered).
What qualifications, degrees and/ or licensure are required to become an art therapist?
Art therapists are clinicians with master’s-level or higher degrees trained in art and therapy that serve communities in different settings. Guided by ethical standards and scope of practice, their education and supervised training prepares them for culturally proficient work with diverse populations.
Art therapy master students must also complete, at minimum, 100 hours of supervised practicum, and 600 hours of supervised art therapy clinical internship before they graduate their program. In addition, preparatory training at a prerequisite level in studio art methods in a variety of two- and three-dimensional art media and processes are required. (For example, drawing, painting, digital art, clay or sculpture; although not all of these examples are included for program applications so check with any program to which you may apply.)
In addition, foundational areas of study in psychology are also required in advance of graduate studies. Most graduate programs require at least a prerequisite course in some sort of developmental psychology and also abnormal psychology. The art therapy graduate curriculum is uniquely guided by the premise that focused art-making constitutes reflective practice and facilitates learning.
In addition to rigorous academic and clinical training art therapists pursue further credentialing, administered on the national level by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB). Depending on the state of practice, art therapists may need to attain additional licensure in art therapy or a related mental health field.
Please visit The American Art Therapy Association’s Website for more information: https://arttherapy.org
What is the best way to prepare for an art therapy path?
You have a number of options for preparatory studies. While a graduate program degree is required for art therapy work, there are many options for undergraduate preparation studies. You could choose an undergraduate pre-professional art therapy major, a double major in art and psychology, a major in art with minor in psychology, a major in psych with a minor in art, a relevant major with elective coursework in studio art and psychology, or other majors or minors that would be highly applicable and still allow you to get the needed prerequisites in to apply to the graduate programs.
How long does it take to become an art therapist?
Most graduate programs are about 3 years long. Obtaining credentials such as ATR or ATR-BC may take up to 2 years post graduation due to the continued supervision needed before being able to register with AATA. Additionally, Licensure such as Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor may take anywhere from 2 to 3 years post-graduation to obtain, due to supervision hours and state testing. The licensure requirements for professional counselors vary from state to state.
Are there professional organizations for art therapists?
Yes- the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) oversees the profession within the United States, and each state has its own professional organization.
What is the role of an art therapist?
Art therapists support their clients’ mental, emotional, and physical well-being, including children experiencing behavioral challenges, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder; people and caregivers in medical crises; victims of violence or other trauma—from military service members to student survivors of mass shootings; older adults struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease; or anyone that needs help coping with life’s challenges. Art therapy can be a tool to work with a wide variety of populations, age groups, and in all kinds of settings.
Can art therapy be done remotely or online?
Yes. Art therapists serve diverse communities in different settings—from medical institutions like hospitals, cancer treatment centers and psychiatric facilities, to wellness centers and schools. Many art therapists have independent practices. They also help support individuals and communities after a crisis or traumatic event. Art therapy is practiced via telehealth and remotely more now than ever.
How do I make an appointment for consultation sessions with Annie to learn more about the art therapy profession and pathway?
Please inquire about Annie’s availability via our contact page.
What is Annie’s hourly rate for consultations regarding art therapy?
Annie’s hourly consultation rate is $225.00.