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Art therapy school affords students the opportunity to develop
fundamental skills to teach and nurture natural artistic
abilities in themselves and others. An art therapy degree is an
extension of psychiatry and social work that can help people
with mental illnesses discover their talents and express
themselves in a healthy way. Art therapy programs allow students
to develop specific methods of communication, assessment,
leadership, and counseling to encourage others to grow and
explore their creativity.
Many health care facilities and organizations employ art therapists to help
others overcome emotional difficulties and establish healthier lifestyles.
People who have experienced emotional disturbances, trauma, or have low
self-esteem can all benefit from a variety of art therapy programs offered at
health organizations and other institutions that encourage positive growth.
What is an Art
Therapy School?
An art therapy
school provides specialized courses for teachers, social workers, psychologists,
and other human service workers that are interested in understanding new
disciplines and modes of communication with their clients. A comprehensive education allows students to learn the fundamental methods of art
therapy, and how to encourage the creative process in others. Many emotional
difficulties and mental disabilities can be improved with nurturing the creative
process and encouraging healthy emotional expression. The goal of the
school is to teach health care workers and counselors on how to nurture this
attribute in their patients or clients to help them improve their quality of
life.
Training allows professionals to adopt new strategies for
overcoming developmental, mental, and emotional difficulties in their students
or clients. Many social workers, teachers, and counselors gain working knowledge
on implementing arts and craft activities into their regular curriculum. Art
therapy school programs can also provide the basic knowledge needed for certification.
Art Therapy
School Programs and Curriculum
These schools offer a variety of courses tailored towards social workers,
counselors, human service professionals, and teachers. The art therapy education
programs here are designed to explore new ways to incorporate art and creative
expression into their practice, and can serve as a basis for
certification in the future.
Common programs and classes include:
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Art Therapy Methods
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Foundations of Art Therapy
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Exploring Self Image Through Art Therapy
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Understanding and Working with Images
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The Creative Process in Art Therapy
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Art Therapy Materials and Projects
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Group Art Therapy
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Transformational Aspects of Stories and Art
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Art Therapy for Trauma Treatment
An art therapy education allows professionals to fine-tune their own curriculum
and teaching skills, and introduce new and diverse concepts in their field.
Introducing a solid program to clients and patients is a valuable is
opportunity for rehabilitation, education, and life improvement.
Art Therapy
Degree Information
An art therapy degree can lead to qualification as a professional art therapist
after passing a written examination. Recreational therapists are an attractive
position within the field, helping individuals with disabilities or emotional
illnesses overcoming their difficulties and build confidence and socialization
skills instead. The degree specializes in the use of arts and crafts,
music, and other creative outlets to help people in both long- and short-term
care.
Training and
Requirements for Art Therapy Certification
Art therapy certification is a formal
qualification that can be pursued after completing the core curriculum as
identified by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) Education Standards. A
professional art therapist must have completed a master's degree,
or at least 24 units in art therapy coursework in a related field. Certification requirements are outlined by the standards of the Art Therapy
Credential Boards and the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) organization. Each
prospective therapist must complete at least 1,000 hours of direct client
contact after graduation.
Accreditation
and Certification of Art Therapy Schools
Art therapy schools and related programs may also be a branch of social work,
psychology, and psychiatry degree programs, and accreditation of each school can
vary by region. However, the American Art Therapy Association, Inc. (AATA) is
responsible for regulating educational, ethical, and professional standards in
the field. The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) is responsible for granting
registration as a professional after a comprehensive evaluation
process and review of work experience. In order to become a Board Certified art
therapist, the ATCB requires all students to pass a written examination, and
maintain their credentials with continuing education.
Each State's mental health counselors association may also offer art therapy
programs and continuing education courses that can aid with professional
development and lifelong learning. The State Board of Education and department
of continuing studies can offer skill-enhancing courses to supplement a
rewarding career in the field.
Employment
Prospects with an Art Therapy Degree
With the rise in healthcare costs and insurance, many art therapy programs are
being taken away from hospitals and other health institutions around the
country. As a result, the employment of art therapists and recreational
therapists is expected to grow slower than average through 2014. Nursing care
facilities, mental health centers, and other outpatient settings may employ
professionals on a contract basis, and many
professionals can choose to open up their own day care center of clinic in order
to practice. Median annual earnings of were $32,900 in
2004. Related occupations include:
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