Art Therapy
Creative arts therapy is a unique form of therapy that utilizes the creative process within a psychotherapeutic relationship in order build insight into our unconscious thoughts and emotions.
Art therapy is a type of clinical therapy that has existed for 60+ years, utilizing the process of making art to strengthen one’s emotional, social, and psychological well-being. While art making itself can be ‘therapeutic’, art therapy distinguishes itself as a particular therapeutic modality where the art making occurs in the presence of a licensed art therapist, and in a therapeutic space.
Art therapy has grown as a discipline over the past several decades, and practicing art therapists are now required to achieve their Master’s degree, licensure, and can be nationally board certified. Just like all other mental health professionals, this credentialing process requires many hours of supervised work, exams, and adherence to a professional code of ethics. In New York, that credential is LCAT (Licensed Creative Arts Therapist), and the national certification is ATR-BC (Registered Art Therapist - Board Certified).
Art therapy requires no artistic skill, nor any experience. It is a completely individualized form of therapy, adaptable to all who are open.
Through the therapeutic relationship, you are able to work through a variety of issues including, but not limited to:
Depression
Anxiety
Mood Disorders
Substance Abuse/Misuse
Grief and Loss
Trauma and PTSD
Coping Skills
Life Transitions
Relationship Issues
Family Conflict
Stress and Burnout
Struggles with Self-Esteem
Anger Management
For more information about art therapy, or about the credentials required to practice, feel free to visit any of the below resources:
American Art Therapy Association: https://arttherapy.org/
Art Therapy Credentials Board: https://www.atcb.org/