Art Therapy
Art Therapy is regulated by the National Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB). For more information on the ATCB, visit their web page:
www.atcb.org The following description is a standardized definition, taken directly from the ATCB.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a human service profession in which clients, facilitated by the art therapist, use art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem. Art therapy practice is grounded in the knowledge of human development, psychological theories, and counseling techniques.
Art therapy is an effective treatment for persons experiencing developmental, medical, educational, and social or psychological impairment. A goal in art therapy is to improve or restore the client’s functioning and his/her sense of personal well being.
Art therapy is practiced in mental health, rehabilitation, medical, educational, and forensic settings with diverse client populations in individual, couples, family, and group therapy formats.
A master’s degree is required for entry level practice in art therapy. Minimum educational and professional standards for the profession are established by the American Art Therapy Association, Inc. (AATA) a membership and advocacy organization.
As a credentialing body, the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. confers and administers professional credentials to art therapy practitioners. ATCB's mission is "to protect the public by promoting the competent and ethical practice of art therapy." Those who hold ATCB credentials are required to adhere to the ATCB Code of Professional Practice. These ethical standards for professional practice are established, regulated, and enforced by the ATCB.
One of the credentials offered by the ATCB is the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential. ATCB confers the ATR to applicants who provide appropriate documentation including the required education, practicum hours, postgraduate experience hours, and supervision. ATCB also offers board certification to art therapists (ATR-BC). In order to become an ATR-BC, applicants must first successfully complete the ATR application process. Upon receipt of the ATR, applicants are eligible to apply for the ATR-BC. Successfully completion of the Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination (ATCBE) is required for the ATR-BC. The ATR-BC credential requires maintenance through proof of continuing education. In 2008, ATCB will offer a Clinical Supervisor (CS) to applicants who demonstrate competence in this specialty area of art therapy practice.
Art Therapy is supported by a membership organization, The American Art Therapy Association, their web page can be accessed at www.arttherapy.org The following information is from the American Art Therapy Association.
About AATA
The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) is an organization of professionals dedicated to the belief that the creative process involved in art making is healing and life enhancing, Its mission is to serve its members and the general public by providing standards of professional competence, and developing and promoting knowledge in, and of, the field of art therapy.
AATA has adopted the following human rights statement: AATA is a life-affirming human service profession. We stand opposed to violence, torture and all disregard for human rights. AATA supports the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the General Assembly of the United Nations. We "shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance..." http://www.hrweb.org/legal/udhr.html
The AATA represents approximately 5000 members and 36 AATA State and Regional Chapters that conduct meetings and activities to promote art therapy on the local level.
The AATA promotes the therapeutic use of art by:
- Encouraging the highest quality of art therapy services to the public;
- Facilitating communication among members and colleagues;
- Supporting legislative efforts at the state and federal levels;
- Disseminating information to the general public, art therapists, and related mental health professionals;
- Recognizing excellence in clinical, professional, educational, and research activities.
Publications
- Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association;
- AATA Newsletter and AATA E-Newsletter;
- Monographs and books.
Meetings & Educational Opportunities
- Annual AATA Conference in November of each year;
- Continuing education opportunities through conference and symposia.
Website Resources
- Information on practice, legislative initiatives, public information, and research;
- Late-breaking news on art therapy and art therapists throughout the US and the world;
- Members Only Section provides exclusive access to job postings, publications, and on-line membership directory.
There is a Northern California chapter of the American Art Therapy Association, they are identified as NORCATA The Northern California Art Therapy Association, their web page can be accessed at www.norcata.com The following information is from the Northern California Art Therapy Association
NorCATA MISSION
The Northern California Art Therapy Association (NorCATA) is an affiliate chapter of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). It is a non-profit organization that:
Promotes the therapeutic use of art throughout Northern California
- Promotes professional development through lectures, workshops, and conferences
- Promotes public awareness of art therapy through instructional presentations to community agencies
- Fosters networking and the development of support groups for Art Therapists through regional meetings
- Publishes a quarterly newsletter
Master of Arts in Art Therapy
Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy
The Art Therapy Psychology Program at Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) is the only program in Northern California approved by the American Art Therapy Association to train Art Therapist. Please visit the NDNU Art Therapy Psychology web site for information about this program: http://www.ndnu.edu/academics/schools-programs/school-sciences/art-therapy-psychology.aspx
Dr. Richard Carolan,
Program Chair
Catherine Hoff,
Department Coordinator
(650) 508-3556 arttherapy@ndnu.edu
The Art Therapy Psychology Department at Notre Dame de Namur University is the only one of its kind in Northern California that offers licensing as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). The focus in the department is on the family as a framework for human structure, emphasizing art and image as the canvas for its expression. The department is unique because it provides two courses of study if pursuing a master's degree, both of which emphasize theoretical and experiential learning.