What is art therapy? Art therapy uses the creative process involved in art making to increase self-awareness, increase coping skills, relieve stress and traumatic experiences, and enhance cognitive functioning and awareness. Art Therapy is used to treat a variety of symptoms including but not limited to depression, anxiety, anger, and aggression, oppositional tendencies, post-traumatic stress, and attention deficit and hyperactivity.
Registered Art Therapists (ATR) are professionals trained in both art and therapy and hold a Masters degree in art therapy. Board Certified Art Therapists have the same training and education but in addition have passed a certification examination given by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB). Skilled in the use of a variety of art mediums, including drawing, painting, and clay, Art Therapists use art to treat, assess, and conduct research, as well as provide consultation to other professionals. Art Therapists use the creative process to help children and adults identify issues, create goals to address their concerns or challenges, and develop objectives with the clients to meet these goals. Art therapy isn’t about what you make, but what happens as you experience the process, and how you may begin to see things differently. For additional information please visit the following site: