FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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REGARDING THE GROUPS...

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WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE GROUPS?

When attending a group art therapy session you can expect to be sharing the art studio with a number of other participants, while being supported by the facilitating therapist. You will have access to art materials and will be encouraged to hold in mind your goals for attending art therapy.

The facilitating therapist may bring prompts, inspiration or specifically facilitated activities to the group, but ultimately you will decide what you do with your time. You will be invited to share your art and experiences with the group as you are comfortable to do so and encouraged also to respect what other members bring to the group.

Art therapy is not about making 'good' art but about expression and using the art to process your inner world. You will sometimes be invited to articulate this in words, but should not feel pressured to do so before you are ready - the art making will still do its therapeutic work.

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WHAT ART MATERIALS WILL WE BE USING?

A wide selection of art materials are supplied in the studio space from drawing to painting materials, sculpture and textiles.Throughout the course of the sessions, participants are encouraged to explore the different materials and find what resonates for them. Though this is not an art 'class', the therapist can help you to explore the use of materials and find what works best for you. If you wish to bring your own materials you may of course do so. If you feel that you want to use a canvas, we encourage you to bring one to ensure it is available to you.

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IN WHAT WAY IS IT THERAPEUTIC?

Group art therapy can work on several levels at once. The shared creative space can be both invigorating and relaxing. Every group is different, yet participants are often mutually supportive and rich exchanges arise. If you can allow yourself to be playful with the presenting challenges, sooner or later you are likely to make discoveries. The facilitating therapist will provide support to assist you in understanding and processing the art you make. The therapist may also make suggestions for or facilitating directive art interventions to explore the themes that matter to you.

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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.

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REGARDING BECOMING AN ART THERAPIST...

 

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. PACFA and ACA also offer registration. All this information and more is covered in Melbourne Art Therapy Studio's Introduction to Art Therapy workshop.

 

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.

 

CAN I DO A PLACEMENT OR VOLUNTEER WITH THE MELBOURNE ART THERAPY STUDIO?​

At this stage we have no positions available.

 

WHAT PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE FOR ART THERAPISTS? ​

Art Therapists who have completed a Master of Art Therapy through LA TROBE UNIVERSITY, MIECAT 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. Also see the ANZACATA website.

 

I WOULD LIKE TO SEND YOU AN EMAIL TO ASK WHAT COURSE I SHOULD DO. WILL YOU HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ANSWER IT?

I will do my best but recommend you contact the course provider and compare.