What is Art Therapy?
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“Art Therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship."
— American Art Therapy Association
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“The practice of art therapy is rooted in the integration of fostering self-esteem and cultivating emotional resilience through creative processes and psychological theory (AATA, 2022). Creative activity can serve as a language within the therapeutic space and offers an inherent ability to help people explore emotions and beliefs, reduce stress, resolve internal and external conflict, and enhance their sense of well-being. Art therapy engages the mind, body, and spirit in expressive, creative ways that allow for non-verbal processing. Art therapy invites alternative modes of communication through kinesthetic, sensory, perceptual, and symbolic opportunities for expression (AATA, 2022). ”
— Dr. Victoria Dobbins, 2024
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"Art therapists are master-level clinicians who work with people of all ages across a broad spectrum of practice. Guided by ethical standards and scope of practice, their education and supervised training prepares them for culturally proficient work with diverse populations in a variety of settings. Honoring individuals’ values and beliefs, art therapists work with people who are challenged with medical and mental health problems, as well as individuals seeking emotional, creative, and spiritual growth."
— American Art Therapy Association