“The arts emerge spontaneously as remedies, soul medicine.”
– McNiff, 1992
A certified art therapist must have extensive training; generally they first have a Bachelors Degree in a related field, a Masters degree with a specialization, or a Masters Degree and a Graduate Level Diploma in Art Therapy. I have a Diploma in Fine Arts, a Bachelors Degree in Studio Art, a Bachelor of Education in Visual Art, a Masters Degree in Arts Education and I have Post Graduate Advanced Diploma in Art Therapy through the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute. Follow link: VATI
Here is a link to an interview with me that further explains the practice: https://mindbodyradio.com/daily-show/episode/Susy-BARANSZKY-JOB
For more information
BC Art Therapy Association BCATA
” Art therapy combines visual art and psychotherapy in a creative process using the created image as a foundation for self-exploration and under-standing. Thoughts and feelings often reach expression in images rather than in words. Through the use of art therapy, feelings and inner conflicts can be projected into visual form. In the creative act, conflict is re-experienced, resolved and integrated. Art therapy can be used with individuals, groups, or families as either a primary or adjunctive therapeutic mode in clinical, educational and rehabilitative settings. People of all ages can benefit from art therapy and previous art experience is unnecessary as the focus is on personal expression.”
Canadian Art Therapy Association CATA
“Art therapy combines the creative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate. There are certain qualifications required of art therapists. In Canada and the United States, art therapists must have at minimum a master’s degree or a master’s level diploma in Art Therapy before identifying themselves within the profession. This graduate level education includes supervised clinical practicum hours (1000 hours for Canadian art therapists), thus ensuring the safety of the client as well as professional liability for agencies and employers offering this form of therapy.
Other:
British Art Therapy Association: BAAT
American Art Therapy Association: Link
Resources and Articles
Helpful Videos: explore further
https://www.canadianarttherapy.org/what-is-art-therapy/
Psychological Benefits of Art Therapy
What is Art Therapy?
http://www.arttherapyblog.com/c/mental-health/#.WR8yK2jyvb0