When it's used - What to expect - How it works -Art Therapy What to Look for in an Art

Therapist

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Art therapy ................... the use of creative techniques such as drawing, painting, collage,
coloring, or sculpting to help people express .................. artistically and examine the
psychological and emotional undertones in their art. With the guidance of a credentialed art
therapist, clients can "decode" the nonverbal messages, symbols, and metaphors often found in
these art forms, which should lead to a better ................ of their feelings and behavior so they
can move on to resolve deeper issues.

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Art therapy helps children, adolescents and adults ................ their emotions, improve self-
esteem, manage addictions, relieve stress, improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, and
cope with a physical illness or disability. Art therapists ............ with individuals, couples, and
groups in a variety of settings, including private counseling, hospitals, wellness centers,
correctional institutions, senior centers, and other community organizations. No artistic talent is
necessary for art therapy to succeed, because the therapeutic process is not about the artistic
value of the work, but rather about finding ..................... between the creative choices made and
a client's inner life. The artwork can be used as a springboard for reawakening memories and
telling stories that may reveal messages and beliefs from the unconscious mind.

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As with any form of therapy, your first .............. will consist of you talking to the therapist about
why you want to find help and learning what the therapist has to offer. Together, you will come
up with a treatment plan that involves creating some form of artwork. Once you begin creating,
the therapist may, at times, simply ............... your process as you work, without interference or
judgment. When you have finished a piece of artwork—and sometimes while you are still
working on it—the therapist will ask you questions along the lines of how you .......... about the
artistic process, what was easy or difficult about creating your artwork, and what thoughts or
memories you may have had while you were working. Generally, the therapist will ask about
your experience and feelings before providing any observations.
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Art therapy is founded on the belief that self-expression through artistic ................ has
therapeutic value for those who are healing or seeking deeper understanding of themselves and
their personalities. According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapists are trained
to understand the roles that color, texture, and various art media can play in the therapeutic
process and how these tools can ............. reveal one’s thoughts, feelings, and psychological
disposition. Art therapy integrates psychotherapy and some form of visual arts as a specific,
stand-alone form of therapy, but it is also used in ..................... with other types of therapy.

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An art therapist has the minimum of a master’s degree, generally from an integrated program in
psychotherapy and visual arts at an educational institution accredited by the Council for Higher
Education Accreditation (CHEA). The initials ATR after a therapist’s name means he or she is
registered with the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB). The initials ATR-BC means the
therapist is not only registered but has passed an examination to become board-certified by the
ATCB.