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What is Art Therapy?
According to the American Art Therapy Association... Art
therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma,
or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products
and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others cope with symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences; enhance
cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art. Art therapists are professionals trained in both
art and therapy. They are knowledgeable about human development, psycho-logical theories, clinical practice, spiritual, multicultural
and artistic traditions, and the healing potential of art. They use art in treatment, assessment and research, and provide
consultations to allied professionals. Art therapists work with people of all ages: individuals, couples, families, groups,
and communities. They provide services, individually and as part of clinical teams, in settings that include mental health,
rehabilitation, medical and forensic institutions; community ; wellness centers; schools; nursing homes;
corporate structures; open studios and independent practices. The American Art Therapy Association, Inc. (AATA) sets educational,
professional, and ethical standards for its members. The Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc.(ATCB), an independent organization,
grants credentials. Registration (ATR)is granted upon completion of graduate education and post-graduate supervised experience.
Board Certification (ATR-BC) is granted to Registered Art Therapists who pass a written examination, and is maintained through
continuing education. states regulate the practice of art therapy and in many states art therapists can
become licensed as counselors or mental health therapists.
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About Child Art Therapy
A few thoughts from our presenter...
Catherine Rogers Jonsson
MFA, MA, ATR
Most children finger paint, draw with crayons and play with clay.
These activities teach creativity, which helps children in all aspects of life. When children become depressed, abused,
traumatized or medically stressed art expression is a natural way to communicate difficult feelings.
In
fact, children need to learn to identify feelings and how to express them in socially acceptable ways. Affective
lessons are a key part of the treatment offered by Art Therapists through the therapeutic use of drawing, painting and sculpture. Art
therapists also conduct art therapy evaluations which provide mental health clinicians and educators a vivid picture of
a child's inner life.
Art therapeutic exercises, such as the ones offered in this workshop,
provide a creative structure where children identify and express emotions, conflicts, foster self-awareness, explore
problem solving, describe their identity, reveal relationship issues and increase self-esteem. The goal of art therapy
is to heal through creativity.
Questions About Art Therapy?
- Interested in a career as an Art Therapist?
- Interested
in Art Therapy Education?
- Interested in becoming a member of the
American Art Therapy Association (AATA)?
Please visit the American
Art Therapy Website (AATA) by clicking www.americanarttherapyassociation.org for a listing of colleges and universities, and steps toward registration
and board certification.
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