First Off, Just What is An Art Therapist?
According to the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA), an art therapist is a trained professional who uses the creative process of art-making to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. Art therapists are educated and certified in both art and therapy and have a deep understanding of human development, psychological theories, and clinical practices. For more information, you can visit their website.
Misconceptions About Art Therapy
Many people tend to think that engaging in creative expression or dabbling in art makes them an art therapist or that they are experiencing art therapy. While creating art can certainly feel good and be therapeutic, it is not considered art therapy unless it is done within the context of a professional relationship with a trained art therapist. Art therapy involves a structured process where the client and the art therapist work together to achieve specific therapeutic goals.
Another common misconception is that art therapy is only for children. However, many adults attend art therapy sessions and experience tremendous benefits. Art therapy can help individuals of all ages explore their emotions, resolve psychological conflicts, and improve their mental health.
Training and Certification of Art Therapists in Ontario
In Ontario, art therapists must be accredited by a recognized school that offers specialized training in art therapy. People who are art therapists may belong to the Canadian art therapy association or the Ontario art therapy association. Many art therapists in Ontario are also qualified psychotherapists. This dual qualification enables clients to claim their therapy sessions through their insurance plans or as a tax deduction on their income taxes. To practice as a psychotherapist and art therapist in Ontario, individuals must adhere to the strict guidelines and qualifications set by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). This ensures that art therapists have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide safe and effective therapy to their clients.
For people aspiring to be an art therapist, it is crucial to be mindful of the numerous online courses that claim to offer certification in art therapy but are not recognized by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). These advertisements may claim a certification that appears legitimate, but it is essential to conduct thorough research to ensure that the course you are considering meets the CRPO’s stringent standards. Only accredited programs will provide the necessary training and credentials that are acceptable for registration with the CRPO, thereby ensuring that you are equipped with the proper skills and knowledge to practice art therapy professionally and ethically.
Every Art Therapist Has a Unique Approach
Every art therapist brings their unique blend of skills and training to their practice, making each therapist distinct in their approach to art therapy. Some therapists might primarily be psychotherapists who incorporate art therapy techniques into their sessions, while others might focus extensively on the art-making process and less on traditional talk therapy. Additionally, art therapists may have specialized training in various types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma counseling, internal family systems therapy, mindfulness, play therapy, or dialectical behavioral therapy, among others. These diverse qualifications can be particularly beneficial for clients with specific mental health issues, as they provide a tailored therapeutic experience that addresses individual needs and promotes healing through a combination of art and psychological principles. Thus, it is important to screen your art therapist to see if their skills suit your needs.
A Typical Session with an Art Therapist
A typical art therapy session with a registered art therapist and can be online or in person and vary greatly depending on the client’s needs and goals. Art therapists work with clients facing diverse mental health issues, and art therapy is not limited to children – many art therapists, including the author of this article, primarily work with adult clients. During a session, the art therapist and the client discuss the client’s history, goals, and what they hope to achieve for their mental health. The therapist might encourage the client to use various materials such as clay, pastels, markers, pencil crayons, paint, or even collage. There are typically no restrictions on the materials used; the focus is on the client’s expression through art. Clients might create art that is symbolic, representational, or abstract, guided by their feelings and experiences. No artistic skill is required to engage in art therapy.
Once a client finishes their artwork, it is discussed with the art therapist. The client describes the art and what it means to them, often gaining insights into their feelings and memories during this self-exploration. This dialogue can reveal emotions and thoughts that were previously hidden, providing a deeper understanding of their inner world. The art is not judged based on its beauty or what is in the art, but how the client perceives it. The therapist typically asks questions about the art.
After the discussion, the therapist may recommend educational readings, coping tools, or activities such as journaling about their experience or creating additional art for discussion in the next session. Each session is unique to the individual. The art is typically taken home by the client after a session.
What Kinds of Issues Can an Art Therapist Support?
- Anxiety: Art therapy provides a healthy outlet for individuals to express and manage their anxiety. By focusing on creating art, clients can divert their attention from anxious thoughts and develop problem-solving skills. The process also fosters compassion for oneself, allowing individuals to be kinder and more understanding towards their own experiences.
- Depression: For those struggling with depression, art therapy offers a way to express feelings that may be difficult to articulate. The act of creating can boost mood and provide a sense of accomplishment. Sometimes, elements within the art can come to light, acting as a catalyst for hope and personal growth. Discussing the artwork with a therapist can uncover insights into the client’s emotional state and contribute to their healing process.
- Trauma: Art therapy is a powerful tool for trauma recovery. It allows clients to express traumatic experiences in a non-verbal way, which can be less intimidating than talking about them. Creating art can help clients process and integrate their experiences, fostering resilience and healing.
- Grief: Grief can be overwhelming, but art therapy provides an outlet for expressing sorrow and loss. Through art, clients can honor their loved ones and explore their feelings of grief in a tangible way. Creating art can help pay tribute to a loved one and offer a safe space for grieving, which they may not have at home. This process can help individuals move through their grief and find a path to healing.
- Processing Negative Life Events: Art therapy helps individuals process negative life events by providing a creative outlet for expression. Clients can visually represent their experiences, gaining new perspectives and understanding. This process can lead to emotional release and the development of coping strategies.
- Improving Self-Esteem: Creating art can significantly boost self-esteem. The process of making and completing a piece of art provides a sense of achievement and pride. Art therapy helps clients recognize their strengths and abilities, fostering a positive self-image.
- Enhancing Communication Skills: Art therapy can enhance communication skills, especially for those who find verbal expression challenging. Through art, clients can convey their thoughts and feelings more effectively. Discussing the artwork with the therapist also helps improve verbal communication.
- Fostering Emotional Resilience: Art therapy builds emotional resilience by helping clients navigate their feelings. Engaging in art-making allows individuals to process emotions and develop coping strategies. This resilience translates into better handling of life’s challenges.
- Managing Chronic Pain: Art therapy can be beneficial for managing chronic pain. Although art therapy is not a medical pain reliever per se, it can help people become more attuned to themselves. This mindfulness surrounding their physical sensations can aid in coping with pain more effectively. The creative process can distract from pain and provide a sense of control. It also helps clients express their pain and find ways to cope with it emotionally.
- Chronic Medical Issues: For those with chronic medical issues, art therapy offers a way to cope with their condition. Creating art can provide emotional relief and a sense of normalcy. It also allows clients to express their experiences and feelings related to their medical condition. Art therapy can help individuals manage the fear and disappointment that often accompany chronic medical issues. It provides a safe environment for emotional expression, enabling clients to explore their feelings and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Finding An Art Therapist in Your Area
To find an art therapist in your area, you can visit the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) or Ontario Art Therapy Association (OATA) websites.
Please note when searching for an art therapist, many therapists say they are offer art therapy but have not been trained. This is often seen on websites like Psychology Today or other therapy search engines. Thus it is best to try searching through OATA or CATA.
If you require insurance coverage reimbursement for your therapy, have a look at your plan and find an art therapist that is a professional that your plan accepts such as registered psychotherapist, social worker or psychologist. Many therapists offer a free consultation to see if their services are a good fit for your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, art therapy serves as a versatile and powerful approach to addressing a wide range of emotional, mental, and physical challenges. Whether one is dealing with grief, processing negative life events, improving self-esteem, or managing chronic pain and medical issues, art therapy offers a unique avenue for expression and healing. By engaging in the creative process, individuals can find solace, resilience, and a renewed sense of control over their lives. It is essential to seek guidance from a registered art therapist to maximize the benefits of this therapeutic modality.
To enhance your mental well-being and explore the transformative power of using a registered art therapist, consider reaching out to a professional art therapist in your area. Visiting the Canadian Art Therapy Association or Ontario Art Therapy Association websites can be a helpful starting point. Embrace the journey towards healing and personal growth through the art of therapy.
About
Heather Caruso is a compassionate, skilled, and intuitive trauma therapist, registered psychotherapist, narcissistic abuse treatment clinician and art therapist. She offers a unique blend of therapeutic approaches to help her clients navigate their healing journeys. Heather’s deep empathy and expertise create a safe and nurturing environment for those dealing with a mental health issue. Her areas of expertise are trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, stress management, grief, and navigating big life changes. Heather offers in person sessions in Guelph ON and online session for people from Ontario.
To support individuals in finding the right therapeutic path, looking for an art therapist, she offers a free Zoom chat where people can ask questions and determine if her therapy services are a good fit for their needs. To book an appointment, click the button below.
