By Maddie Snell
Art Therapy is a form of psycho-therapy that focuses on self-expression through both a non-verbal and verbal method. The American Art Therapy Association explains that Art Therapy is an integrative approach that engages the mind, body, and spirit in ways “distinct from verbal articulation alone”. Art Therapy utilizes art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship, to support individuals in deeper understanding of their self and experience. Art Therapy can support processing through a variety of modalities such as kinesthetic processing, sensory processing, cognitive processing, and affective processing.
What training does an art therapist have?
Art Therapy requires a master-level education and training in order to receive licensure as an Art Therapist clinician. Similar to traditional counseling programs, Art Therapy requires both pre-degree and post-degree clinical experience and client hours before completing board exams and applying for license. Art Therapists receive nationwide licensure, and some states offer a secondary, state specific license to further protect ethics and regulation of Art Therapy practice. Oregon is one of these states. Art Therapy must be performed by a credentialed mental health professional with a Masters-level or high degree in Art Therapy Counseling.
What do I need in order to try Art therapy?
To try Art Therapy, you need support from a masters-level clinician with a degree in Art Therapy. Typically, it is the Art Therapist’s responsibility to provide you with the materials needed in order to engage in Art Therapy. The art materials available often depend on the Art Therapist’s environment, budget, and experience with said materials. You do not need an artistic background or education in order to engage in Art Therapy. You also do not need to be “good” at art. In fact, profound therapeutic work can be done by stepping out of your comfort zone and into art-making, as the creative process elicits access to the subconscious, evoking material that individuals may not be conscious of through talk therapy.
What are common misconceptions of Art Therapy?
- Any therapist can market themselves as an Art Therapist if they use art in session.
- Art Therapy is limited to drawing and fine art methods of artmaking.
- One must be “good at art” in order to engage in Art Therapy.
- “I don’t know what to draw”… therefore I “can’t do it (Art Therapy)”.
- Art Therapy is mainly for children.
How do I find an Art Therapist?
People of all ages, diagnoses, and presenting concerns can work with an Art Therapist. You may find an Art Therapist near you by going to https://arttherapy.org/art-therapist-locator/. When looking for an Art Therapist check for credentials of ATR (art therapist registered) or ATR–BC (board–certified art therapist registered). Family Roots Therapy currently has two art therapists on staff, Maddie Snell and Chiara Paul. Feel free to reach out and inquire about their services as well!