Art therapy. You may have experienced it or you may have no idea what is is. It has come to my attention that most people I know do not have knowledge about this field of mental health profession. This post is my understanding of art therapy as my future career, it is not to say this is end all be all what art therapy is because if I have learned anything from my first year at SAIC (School of the Art Institute of Chicago) there is no clear definition of art therapy.
Art Therapy uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance physical, emotional, and overall well-being of individuals of all ages. The creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduces stress, increases self esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insights.
An art therapist is a professional trained in both art and therapy. They are knowledgeable about human development, psychological theories, clinical practice, spiritual, multicultural and artistic traditions, and the healing potential of art. They use art in treatment, assessment, and research, and they provide consultations to allied professions. Art Therapists work with people of all ages; individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities. They provide services, individually and as part of clinical teams, in settings that include mental health, rehabilitation, medical and forensic institutions, community outreach programs, wellness centers, schools, nursing homes, corporate structures, open studios and independent practices.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, thoughts, or concerns in regards to this post and I will be more than happy to discuss them with you.
Resources - https://arttherapy.org/
Image created in 2015, representing a feeling I often felt as a child.
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