Role of an Art Therapist
Art therapy is a branch of the mental health profession that uses the creation of art to enhance the emotional and physical welfare of people of all ages and abilities. The practice is built on the theory that through creativity and artistic expression, people are capable of reducing stress, improving self-esteem, resolving conflicts, developing interpersonal skills and achieving insight to live a more rewarding and fulfilling life.
Other People Are Reading
-
History
-
The profession of art therapy came forth when rehabilitation clinics and hospitals started using art therapy programs alongside traditional therapy in the 1940s. Health care professionals soon recognized that creating art heightened the health, recovery and well-being of patients.
The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) was founded in 1969 as the official organization for students and professionals to promote ethical, educational and professional standards in the field. The first master’s degrees in art therapy were awarded in the 1970s. There are currently 34 AATA-accredited graduate programs in the United States.
Job Description
-
Art therapists use a variety of techniques--including painting, drawing, sculpture and collage--to assess and treat patients with psychological, physical, developmental or cognitive disorders. An art therapist must have a background in both art and psychology or social work, as well as compassion and patience. Clients progress as a result of the rapport that art therapists develop with them. Art therapists must maintain charts and records of a patient’s progress. Art therapists may also act as administrators or consultants, and are sometimes called as expert witnesses in court.
-
Skills
-
The art therapist is both an artist and a counselor. In addition to having an understanding of different types of art media, art therapists must also exhibit excellent oral communication, critical thinking and active listening skills. They should be self-confident and capable of complex problem solving. Flexibility and superior interpersonal skills are also required, as well as possessing a sensitivity to diverse human needs, emotional stability and a sense a humor.
Types
-
Art therapists can work with children, adolescents, adults, senior citizens, families, veterans and prisoners. Patients could have emotional or mental issues, drug addictions, physical or mental disabilities, neurological disorders, relationship issues or be victims of domestic violence. Art therapists are employed by hospitals, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation clinics, correctional institutions, public health agencies, community outreach organizations, schools, nonprofit agencies and private practices. It is up to the art therapists to decide where they want to focus their attention and what type of people they are most interested in helping.
Education
-
Having a desire to help others through art is the first step to becoming an art therapist. A master's degree in art therapy is required to work as a professional. Specific programs vary depending on the educational institution (see Resources for a list of colleges and universities offering an accredited degree in art therapy).
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Children's paintings image by Pink Lion from Fotolia.com
