Art therapy is essentially using artistic methods and therapies to improve mental health and also treat psychological disorders in individuals. The technique of art therapy works on the idea that mental well-being and mental healing can be fostered by using creative expression. According to the AATA (American Art Therapy Association), art therapy is a way to improve mental health, using creative art to improve emotional, mental and physical health.

Art therapy can help to improve cognitive function, improve self-awareness, self-esteem, promote social skills, insight, emotional resilience, resolve distress and conflict and boost social change. It combines the creative process with psychotherapeutic techniques to improve mental health and wellbeing. It is also a very effective tool to treat mental health.

Art is an expressive medium that can be used to help individuals to overcome stress, communicate and also explore their personalities. The key objective of art therapy is to help people to explore self-expression, thereby finding personal insight and developing coping skills by using creative processes.

Art therapy makes use of various creative techniques such as painting, drawing, sculpting, coloring, etc. to explore people’s emotions, thoughts and behaviors. To participate in art therapy, you need not be creative or have artistic abilities. And, all types of people including adults, teens and even children can benefit immensely from art therapy.

Uses of Art Therapy

It has been seen that art therapy can be used to treat a broad range of psychological and mental disorders. Often, it is used with other types of therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy or group therapy. Art therapy can be used to help many situations including:

  • Individuals suffering from severe stress
  • Adults or children who have experienced some traumatic event
  • Kids suffering from social or behavioral problems
  • Children having learning disabilities
  • Individuals suffering from health issues
  • People suffering from brain injury

Art therapy is also used often to treat several conditions like:

How Does Art Therapy Work?

Art therapy may use one or a combination of art methods including painting, drawing, collage and sculpture to treat clients who have experienced stress, anxiety, depression, domestic abuse, physical violence, emotional trauma and other types of psychological problems.

Art therapy is usually used in places such as community centers, schools, colleges, universities, residential treatment centers, private therapy centers, hospitals, art studios, women’s shelters, group homes, senior centers, wellness centers, correctional facilities and homeless centers.

How Is Art Therapy Different from Regular Art Classes?

Art classes focus on teaching art techniques or creating some kind of specific finished art. By creating art, individuals can focus on their feelings, imagination and perceptions. On the other hand, art therapy helps individuals to concentrate on their inner experience and create art expressing their inner world.

How to Become an Art Therapist?

Since art therapy is a mental health profession, to practice art therapy, you need an educational background in psychological and behavioral disorders, human development, therapeutic techniques and counseling.

Education Requirements in the US

An art therapy school can help you to develop strong foundational skills that can help you to interpret art to help your clients personally and therapeutically. An art therapy school can help you to improve your artistic skills and also your ability to analyze art, as well as the creative process. To become a professional art therapist, you must complete your art therapy bachelor’s degree or any appropriate bachelor’s requirements along with a master’s degree.

According to the AATA, in order to get an entry-level job in art therapy, you must have a master’s degree in art therapy or a master’s degree in counseling or any related field with a course in art therapy. The following requirements for an art therapist are just a guideline and it is a good idea for you to check the particular art therapy program for the exact requirements. Typically, in the US, art therapy requirements include:

  • A bachelor’s degree in a related field like counseling art, psychology, art education.
  • A specific number of hours in studio art such as painting, drawing and sculpture with a portfolio.
  • A specific number of hours in psychology.

Art Therapy Undergraduate Degree

Many colleges and universities in the US offer programs in art therapy that teach psychological theory, visual arts and using creative processes for healing. While some colleges offer undergraduate degrees in art therapy, these are not sufficient for you to start working in the field and you need a specialized master’s degree. You can complete any pre-requisite requirements within the 1st year of joining the master’s program depending on your bachelor’s degree.

What to Look for in an Art Therapy College?

You can pursue an art therapy degree near you; however, you should ensure that the art therapy college meets all the requirements and standards of the professional art therapy association of the country because if it does not meet the requirements, then you will not be able to become a registered art therapist and practice as one.

Art Therapy Degrees Near Me

You can check the AATA database of the approved list of schools for art therapy and you’re sure to find an appropriate art therapy degree near you. Some of the top schools for art therapy are:

  • Florida State University
  • Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana
  • Edinboro University, Pennsylvania
  • Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling, Portland, Oregon
  • School of Visual Arts New York, New York

Art Therapy Bachelor’s Degree Online

Some of the art therapy colleges offer online learning options; however, these are fewer as compared to in-person courses. For instance, in Canada, you only have 3 online art therapy training courses. It is always a good idea to do some research and check the legitimacy of the art therapy Bachelor’s degree online before you enroll for one.

Do You Require Art Therapy Certification?

Once you graduate from a graduate program in art therapy, which meets the educational requirements of the AATA, you must apply with the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) for your credentials. Graduating from a master’s program in art therapy is sufficient to let you work in an entry-level job in art therapy and you will begin as a provisional registered art therapist. You must then apply to the professional association for an art therapy certification, which makes you a registered art therapist.

Now that you have all the information about art therapy, the educational requirements for art therapy and how to apply to an art therapy program, you can shortlist a program that’s appropriate for you and get started.

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