What is an Art Therapist?
Art therapists are master’s level professionals trained in psychology/art therapy/marriage and family therapy, or a related field and have completed required courses in:
• counseling and psychotherapy
• ethics and standards of practice
• assessment and evaluation
• individual, group and family counseling techniques
• human and creative development
• multicultural issues
• research methods clinical, community, and/or other settings
Art therapists use skills in evaluation and psychotherapy to choose appropriate art interventions that most effectively meet their clients’ therapeutic needs. Drawing, painting, clay and other art modalities are used to assess and treat clients. Interpretation of art is carefully done with the client’s input, insight, and comments. The art therapist is careful not to project assumptions onto the client’s art. Art therapists also maintain appropriate client records and abide by a high standard of professional competence and integrity as set forth by the American Art Therapy Association.