As Defined by the American Art Therapy Association, Inc., “Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma, or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development.”

 

Art therapy utilizes art media, images, and an individual’s responses to the created products as reflections of an individual's development, abilities, personality, interests, concerns, and conflicts.   The art-making process fosters problem solving, self-reflection and self-awareness leading to insight and change.

 

Art therapy theory is based on the use of art making, human development and psychological theories which are implemented to reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, develop social skills, manage behavior, solve problems, reduce anxiety, aid in reality orientation, increase self-esteem, and for trauma resolution therapy.

 

Art therapy is practiced in individual and group formats in mental health, rehabilitation, medical, educational, and forensic institutions.  Populations of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds are served by art therapists in individual, couples, family and group therapy formats.

 

Art therapy is taught in master level graduate art therapy training programs at various universities (see link at right).  There are numerous art therapy publications www.selfesteemshop.com, www.sternsbooks.com and academic journals www.arttherapyjournal.org , www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/01974556

 

Educational, professional and ethical standards for art therapists are regulated by the American Art Therapy Association, Inc. www.arttherapy.org  Credentials are granted by The Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. www.atcb.org