Finding an Art Therapist Near Me

Finding an Art Therapist Near Me

Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy that utilizes art materials and activities to help patients express emotions, process events, comprehend relationships, increase self-awareness, form positive identities and find meaning. The experience is tailored to meet each patient’s individual needs – from an autistic child with communication difficulties to cancer survivors working on trauma.

Preparing for this career should involve volunteering with populations art therapists typically serve, such as patients in hospitals or community settings. Doing this gives you an overview of the field and helps determine if it’s suitable for you.

If you are interested in this profession, you can earn both a bachelor’s degree in art therapy and master’s degree. The master’s program covers coursework related to art therapy and counseling, with potential for a thesis project and comprehensive exam.

Graduates of art therapy programs can work in a variety of settings, such as private practices and hospitals. They have the capability to treat children and adults of all ages with various mental health conditions like schizophrenia, addiction, depression, and anxiety.

Art therapy can be an effective form of therapy for teens, particularly if they are reluctant to speak in traditional teen counseling sessions. Art therapy offers teens a way to express their emotions and it may even help them form stronger emotional ties with the therapist.

If you are considering a career in art therapy, consider earning the credentials of the Art Therapy Credential Board (ATCB). This independent organization evaluates your qualifications and verifies that you meet minimum professional standards for ethical compliance and skills; plus they require annual attestations of this compliance. Afterward, taking their national board exam can lead to certification as an art therapist.