Art Therapy

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art-making as a means of communication between the therapist and the client. The process of creating art can help individuals express and process emotions that may be difficult to put into words. It can also be used to help individuals gain insight into their thoughts and feelings, and to promote healing and personal growth. Art therapy is typically led by a trained art therapist and can be used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions and emotional challenges.

What training is needed to be an art therapist?

To become an art therapist, one typically needs to have a master’s degree in art therapy or a related field such as counseling or psychology, and to have completed supervised clinical experience.

The educational requirements for becoming an art therapist typically include:

• A bachelor’s degree in art therapy or a related field such as art, psychology, or counseling.
• A master’s degree in art therapy or a related field, which usually takes 2-3 years to complete.
• Clinical experience, which is usually gained through an internship or supervised practicum, where students work with clients under the supervision of a licensed art therapist.

Additionally, most states in the United States require art therapists to be licensed, and the requirements for licensure vary from state to state. The most common requirement for licensure is passing a national exam, such as the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) Exam.

It’s also important to note that some states and countries do not have specific regulations for art therapy, in that case, it’s important to check if the school or program is accredited by reputable organizations such as the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) or the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT).