What is art therapy?
Art therapy is the use of art materials and processes to aide in issues of living, psychological problems, and personal growth.
Who is art therapy for?
Art therapy is for people of all ages who would like to explore personal issues and enhance personal growth through a non-verbal expressive form of therapy. It is particularly appropriate for people who have trouble verbalizing their problems or for those who naturally like to express themselves through the visual arts. Children, teenagers, adults, families, and couples can all benefit from art therapy.
What is an art therapy session like?
Usually an art therapy session is conducted in a studio which is equipped with a variety of art media. People can be seen individually or in groups. During an initial session the art therapist might ask you questions or ask you to do specific art tasks as a way to assess your needs. Some art therapists always give specific tasks and others allow you to choose what you want to do. Sessions can involve talking or just art making or a combination of both. Usually there is some form of dialogue or reflection about your art process at the end of the session. Group sessions may involve cooperative or individual projects. Verbal dialogue may be focused on issues of socialization, cooperation and reflection on art products among group members.
Do you need to be artistic to do art therapy?
The focus in art therapy is on the individual and their personal process in the art making. It is not on how well one can draw or paint. Becoming more skilled at a certain process like drawing may be a benefit of art therapy, but is not the main goal. Art products are used to help individuals understand and interpret their feelings about personal issues.
Who can practice art therapy?
Art therapy can be practiced by individuals who have training in human development, psychological theory, art processes, and art history. They must have completed a masters level course of training in a program certified by the American Art Therapy Association. They must also be registered with the American Art Therapy Association—or have their ATR. In NY state they must also be board certified and have a creative arts therapy license or LCAT. When looking for an art therapist, in NY, you want to see the following credentials after their name: ATR-BC, LCAT. This indicates that they have obtained the highest level of training.
Is art therapy covered by insurance?
If you have Medicaid coverage you or the agency you receive mental health services through can be reimbursed for the services of a licensed art therapist. Private insurance does not yet cover art therapy the way it covers other mental health practitioners or alternative therapies such as acupuncture or chiropractic. You can contact you insurance company and request that these services be covered, but as a newly licensed field many companies do not yet recognize this profession. Many therapists offer a sliding scale arrangement for fees.
How can I find an art therapist or art therapy group?
Referrals for art therapists can be obtained through the following sources. See Links page for more information:
The American Art Therapy Association
The New York Art Therapy Association
The NY Coalition for Creative Arts
Therapists
The Westchester Art Therapy Association
