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What is it like to be an art therapist
I am a senior in High School interested in art therapy and would like to dig deeper in this career. #art #artist #therapy #psychology #arttherapy #creativearttherapy
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Priya’s Answer
Hi! I am a therapist and not an art therapist, but I was very interested in art therapy so I hope this helps! It seems like, in my state, art therapists typically take classes in both art and psychology. There is an art therapy degree that you can pursue in graduate school. You may need to look up what your state requires for art therapy. Art therapists seem to have their own techniques when it comes to therapy, and do practicums with other art therapists to enhance their skills. Try youtubing some videos or sample art therapy techniques! I think art therapy is really fascinating and helpful for many people, so I wish you luck in your journey! If there are any art therapist locations in your area, perhaps setting up a visit and talking one-on-one with an art therapist can give you more information! I am currently a general therapist who has learned expressive arts techniques, meaning I can bring in creative methods within my work--but it differs from the methods art therapists would use. So this is also an option as well =). Good luck!
Erin Partridge PhD ATR-BC
Art Therapist, researcher, professor of art therapy
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Lafayette, California
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Erin’s Answer
Hi there! I am a board-certified, registered art therapist (ATR-BC). I have been working in the field since 2002 and I have been an art therapist since my graduation from a MA program in 2006. Art therapy is a very exciting, dynamic field with many different ways to work with clients, communities, and people of all ages.
Study in art therapy requires training in psychology and the arts--most programs require classes in both for admission to graduate study. There are some undergraduate programs in art therapy too--but to be an Art Therapist and pursue registration and board-certification, you need to get a master's degree.
I included links to our national association and credentialing body below. I also included a link to the Expressive Media Film Library, where you can see videos related to the practice of all the creative arts therapies.
Check out the American Art Therapy Association: https://arttherapy.org/
Check out the Art Therapy Credentials Board: https://www.atcb.org/
Check out the Expressive Media Film Library: https://www.expressivemedia.org/filmlibrary/
You might also want to do a search for a book on a population you are interested in + "Art Therapy"
Study in art therapy requires training in psychology and the arts--most programs require classes in both for admission to graduate study. There are some undergraduate programs in art therapy too--but to be an Art Therapist and pursue registration and board-certification, you need to get a master's degree.
I included links to our national association and credentialing body below. I also included a link to the Expressive Media Film Library, where you can see videos related to the practice of all the creative arts therapies.
Erin recommends the following next steps: