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What is an art therapist? What do art therapists do? What else do we do? Where and with whom do we work? What can you expect in an art therapy session? What education is required? What do you learn in graduate programs? What is the job market like? What credentials do art therapists earn? Where can you get more information about art therapy? Where to study art therapy in Connecticut? What is an art therapist? We are psychotherapists, specially trained both in art and psychology at the Master's level to provide mental health services. We are credentialed by an independent national board. We harness the power of our patient's images in the service of reaching their identified therapeutic goals. What do art therapists do? We work as primary therapists or as part of treatment teams -- which include psychiatrists, psychologists, rehabilitation, counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and nurses-- to design and facilitate therapy programs. We are skilled in planning and implementing individual Art Therapy treatment plans, providing counseling, interviewing, giving supervision, and preparing written evaluations. What else do we do? We also assess patient/client needs and keep abreast of developments in the mental health field. In addition, we educate other mental health professionals about the benefits of Art Therapy by giving in-services and presentations in a wide variety of clinical and educational settings. Where and With Whom Do We Work? We work in private offices, hospitals, community centers, nursing homes, corporations, rehabilitation centers, out-patient clinics, prisons, and all levels of schools. We work with those whose mental or physical capabilities are severely limited as well as with psychiatric patients of all diagnostic categories. We work with individuals, couples, and famlies who seek more self-awareness, creativity, and richer friendships. What can you expect in an art therapy session? You can expect to use simple art materials in creative processes which do not require special art training. Your Art Therapist supports your work with thoughtful theraputic interventions. This work fosters healthy communication and expression, promotes the integration of physical, emotional, cognitive and social functioning, enhances self-awareness, and facilitates change. Your work may be done in community based or Institutional settings, either in groups or individually. What education is required? Specific requirements have been established by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). They include:
What do you learn in graduate programs?
What is the job market like? Art Therapy is a relatively new field. However, more and more hospitals, out-patient clinics, and schools aware of its value, are creating Art Therapy positions. Art Therapists also have created their own positions in government agencies and mental health centers, and are in private practice all over the country. Many have moved on to supervisory, administrative, or teaching positions. Locally, CATA supports the growth of jobs through presentations at professional conferences, businesses, schools, and mental health facilities. To further support increased professional opportunities, AATA is a member of the National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapists (NCATA) whose mission is to educate the public about the benefits of the arts in therapy. What credentials do art therapists earn? The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) is a national organization of over 4,000 professional Art Therapists and students. AATA created an independent credentialing board, the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. The Board grants registration (A.T.R.) when master's level training and post-master's clinical experience are completed. Board Certification (B.C.) is granted to Art Therapists who successfully pass the Board examination. Where Can You Get More Information About Art Therapy?
Where to study Art Therapy in Connecticut?
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