Frequently asked questions
01
I WOULD LIKE TO SEND YOU AN EMAIL TO ASK WHAT COURSE I SHOULD DO. WILL YOU HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ANSWER IT?
With all due respect, I very much doubt it. That is why this FAQ sheet is necessary. Please don’t be offended if I don’t respond to your email, as I receive so many.
02
DO I NEED EXPERIENCE MAKING ART TO BE PART OF AN ART THERAPY GROUP?
​Not at all. An Art Therapy space is a non-judgemental explorative space where anybody can express themselves through art & not worry about the finished product. Having said that, we all make judgements about our art in some form, and these judgements are a necessary part of growth and learning. Being aware of your judgements is a great start.
03
I WANT TO BE AN ART THERAPIST. HOW DO I GO ABOUT IT?
You need to complete a Master of Art Therapy degree to be registered as a professional Art Therapist. Contact the training institutions directly (La Trobe or MIECAT) for clarification and entry requirements.
A Bachelor degree is available at Ikon Institute and may be a pathway to a masters degree.
All this information and more is covered in Melbourne Art Therapy Studio's Introduction to Art Therapy workshop.
04
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE INTRODUCTION TO ART THERAPY ONE DAY WORKSHOP, AND THE INTRODUCTION FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS?
The Introduction to Art Therapy for Health Professionals is a 3 hour workshop & incorporates a case presentation, an experiential exercise and an introductory booklet on Art Therapy. These sessions are designed purely as a guide to help clinicians understand the power of art with clients, and to assist in understanding different art materials and directives. Art Therapy is a highly skilled and involved occupation, requiring many hours of training and practice, but we are aware that many health practitioners encourage clients to use art in therapy sessions. We aim to highlight possible risks, and encourage further study. There are often lively discussions about using art with clients in your practice and we try to leave plenty of room for questions.
The Introduction to Art Therapy one day workshop is for anyone with an interest in Art Therapy, whether it be to look for further study, health practitioners using art with clients, or anyone with just a general curiosity about Art Therapy. This workshop is all experiential, and participants have the opportunity to experience a range of art materials and directives. It is designed to give you a broad experience of Art Therapy. There is also room for questions in this workshop.
There is no eligibility criteria to attend either session.
05
CAN I DO A PLACEMENT OR VOLUNTEER WITH THE MELBOURNE ART THERAPY STUDIO?
​Sorry, we have nothing available at the moment
06
WHAT PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE FOR ART THERAPISTS?
​Art Therapists who have completed a Master of Art Therapy through LA TROBE UNIVERSITY or equivalent interstate or overseas university are eligible to join the Australian & New Zealand and Asian Creative Art Therapy Association (ANZACATA) once they have completed the required number of professional clinical placement hours (Approximately 750 hours). Ongoing supervision & professional development is a requirement for registration with ANZACATA (check with ANZACATA for entry requirements). You will then be eligible for professional indemnity insurance.
Contact MIECAT directly to confirm their requirements & eligible professional association. Also see the ANZACATA website.