Who Is An Art Therapist?

An art therapist is a mental health professional that utilizes the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of people at all ages. It functions on the principle that the artistic self-expression and the creative process involved helps people to resolve conflicts and problems , develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness and achieve insight. Art therapy integrates the fields of human development, visual arts and the creative process with models of counseling and psychotherapy. Art therapy is used with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, groups and families to assess and treat mental health issues such as PTSD, Depression, Anxiety and various learning disorders. The profession includes designations such as caregivers such as physicians, psychologists, nurses, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, rehabilitation counselors, social workers and teachers. Who work together, develop and implement a client?s therapeutic goals and objectives. Other art therapists work independently and maintain private practices with children, adolescents, adults, groups and/or families. Some of the places of work will include Hospitals and clinics, both medical and psychiatric along with Outpatient mental health agencies. Art therapists are also accessible at day treatment facilities, Residential treatment centers and even halfway houses for the purpose of curbig Post Traumatic Stress and fighting addiction. Art Therapists are also seen to be invaluable resources in Domestic violence and homeless shelters as well as Community agencies and nonprofit settings. Schools, colleges and universities have also been seen to make use of art therapists for their behaviorally challenged students. In order to become an art therapist, one must take up a Bachelor?s Degree in Arts or in Science for Psychology after which a master?s degree in art therapy or counseling or a related field with an emphasis in art therapy must be pursued. It is an estimated six years of study for a profession that has a excellent outlook and great scope in today?s time where mental health awareness is being placed as a primary focus in human well-being.

Prospective art therapists must possess a great amount of sensitivity and empathy, patience, interpersonal skills, insight into human behavior and an understanding of artistic media. An art therapist must be a proactive listener and a keen observer. Flexibility and a sense of humor is also greatly appreciated. It is a profession that will prove rewarding and provide a great number of prospects.