The practice of art therapy works across health and medical fields and may incorporate clients' use of various visual art forms such as drawing, painting, sculpture and collage. Some art therapists also offer phototherapy, play and sandtray work.
Art therapy is a therapeutic and diagnostic tool where therapist and client/s develop a dynamic interpersonal relationship, with clear boundaries and goals. It differs from traditional art in that the emphasis is on the process of creating rather than on the end product.
Art therapy is a creative process, suitable for all ages, and particularly for those who may be experiencing life changes, trauma, illness or disabilities causing distress for the individual and for their family.
Art therapy works by contributing to changes in the client's inner world, and towards the development of a client's more integrated sense of self, with increased self awareness and acceptance.
art therapy movie - a short film from the US with an emphasis on using Art Therapy as a diagnostic tool with a somewhat analytical bent.
What we offer
A healing, life enhancing opportunity through the art process and the studio environment
Increased technical skills in art making, thereby raising self-esteem and feelings of competence
An environment where people can feel heard and understood
The opportunity to invest time, energy and attention to create work with authenticity and integrity
A commitment to developing trust through the relationship between artist and art process
The ability to accept emotional, intellectual and physical difficulties through the art process
An opportunity to explore without being judged
A celebration of diversity and difference
A deepening of relationships to self, others, the environment
A sense of inclusion
No artistic experience required
For practitioners, art therapists in training and people interested in becoming an art therapist.
ANZATA registered Art Therapists will have a minimum of a Masters Degree, and have completed at least 750 hours clinical suvervision during their training. Some Art Therapists have a first degree in fields such as the Visual Arts, Psychology, Psychiatry, Nursing, Social Work, Occupational Therapy or Education. Many have more specialised Certificates or Diplomas in such areas as Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol, Counseling, Family Therapy, and Child Psychotherapy, for example.
We offer individual consultation sessions for people wishing to find out more about art therapy and the art therapy experience.
Due to the high number of queries we receive about studying art therapy, we cannot respond to each one individually, so recommend you either attend an Introduction to Art Therapy session, or book in for a consultation.
We can assist with reference material, experiential exercises, advice and tips for using art in your existing practice.
We also provide professional supervision to practitioners who wish to explore their counselling or art based practice via the art therapy process.
If you intend to study art therapy in the future, or simply want to find out what courses are on offer in Melbourne, see our links page. The courses differ in approach, qualifications and eligibility to join professional organizations (such as ANZATA or ACATA).
Some questions you might like to ask training institutions are:
Is there a specific art therapy approach covered in the course? (eg. Transpersonal)
What is required for entry to the course? (eg. Counselling hours & folio)
How many clinical placement hours are required throughout the course?
Do you get assistance in finding placement?
What professional body will I be eligible to join when I complete my degree?
We also suggest you contact ANZATA and ACATA to find out about registration and conferences.
Keep an eye out for conferences and workshops and attend whatever you can.
