art therapy
What is Art Therapy?
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, 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. It 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.
For practitioners, art therapists in training and people interested in becoming an art therapist.
ANZACATA 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 ANZACATA).
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