| What is Art Therapy? Art therapy, sometimes called expressive art therapy or art psychology, is a two part process involving both the creation of art and the discovery of its meaning. On the most fundamental level, art therapy combines the role of art making with therapeutic facilitation, however taking a closer look into this unique process, it's apparent that art therapy encompasses much more than the simple act of creating. Art therapy refers to the process of discovering ourselves using any form of artistic expression that springs from the depths of our emotional awareness. As unique individuals, we respond to emotions differently and I believe art therapy encourages individuals to preserve their unique character while releasing the essence of their expression. It is often difficult to find the words to convey the power and intensity behind an emotional state. Art therapy gives emotions a voice to which it can express itself. Art has the capacity to speak to us if we allow ourselves to open up and hear the message that it is sending. After participating in art therapy sessions, clients may discover an enlightened sense of self in relation to their place in this world. It can also empower individuals to cope with change, provide a sense of control and ownership over feelings, and allow clients to creatively express emotions and fears that cannot be expressed through conventional means. When paired with therapeutic guidance and support, artistic expression has the capability to delve deep into the unknown aspects of the self, resulting in an increased sense of awareness as well as a transformative form of healing. It's important to identify that art therapy is about true expression. It's not concerned with the quality of the product, but rather the experiential process. This form of therapy does not serve to terminate negative feelings but rather it strives to align them with a therapeutic outlet. There are many diverse ways to use art therapy and it's evident that the field is constantly expanding and growing. The field recognizes the fact that there are many unique ways to connect with people through creative expression. A Consideration of the History of Art Therapy The field of art therapy developed in the 1940's when several freethinking, female artists-turned-therapists began to write about their independent use of art making as a therapeutic modality. At this time Western psychological thought was dominated by Freudian and post-Freudian theory. The pioneers in the development of art therapy came from a psychoanalytic understanding. Naumberg is considered the mother of Art therapy, she was the first to discuss art therapy as a distinct field (Junge, 1994). Naumberg theory arose from her understanding of psychoanalysis, she called her work "Dynamically Oriented Art Therapy". Naumberg was most interested in including art in working with the dynamic of transference in the therapeutic relationship, using art as a tool with in the process of psychotherapy (Junge). In the 1950's another pioneer Kramer articulated a different view of art therapy. Kramer viewed art itself as a healing force. Kramer believed that is a sublimation of energy from the client and that does not need to be explored further from a psychoanalytic understanding (Junge). Sublimation is a Freudian concept that refers to the redirection of sexual or aggressive energy to a socially appropriate outlet (Bernard and Moore, 1990). The belief was that the art therapist helped the patient access unconscious material, using non-verbal means, which facilitated an uncensored response and symbolic communication between patient and art therapist (Junge, 1994). From the beginning of the movement, art therapists have differed in their conception of the art therapist as either an artist facilitating expression or as a clinician using art as a tool. Another debate that derives from the debate of art in psychotherapy or art as therapy, is the way the art product is viewed. Naumberg did not emphasis the art product's but believed in the art as symbolic speech and spontaneous expression (Junge, 1994). Kramer had a very different understanding, she understood the product aesthetic quality would reveal ego functioning. Kramer emphasizes the role of a balanced and aesthetically pleasing art product (Junge). Out of my training, I have come to believe that creating artwork helps patients concretely see, discuss, and externalize aspects of themselves. In art therapy, not only is the process of art making crucial to therapy, but also the art product gives a lasting concrete expression of the patient. This product gives the art therapist and the patient manifest material to work through and process. The feminist roots of art therapy cannot be ignored. In the 1940's, the pioneers in this field were women who undoubtedly felt the societal and cultural pressure to do work "suited" for women, such as housekeeping, teaching, or nursing. At this time, few women went into leadership positions or organized to develop new fields. The extraordinary women not only conceptualized, but also set the tone for the field of art therapy. It has developed into a female dominated field where many people work independently. However, like the pioneers, contemporary art therapists share a passion for and deep belief in art making as a means to help people communicate at a deeper level and ultimately to help people heal and grow. Junge, M., with Asawa, P. (1994). A history of art therapy in the United States. Mundelein, IL: American Art Therapy Association. How does one become an art therapist? From the American Art Therapy Association's webpage: What are the Requirements to Become an Art Therapist? Personal Qualifications: An art therapist must have sensitivity to human needs and expressions, emotional stability, patience, a capacity for insight into psychological processes, and an understanding of art media. An art therapist must also be an attentive listener, a keen observer, and be able to develop a rapport with people. Flexibility and a sense of humor are important in adapting to changing circumstances, frustration, and disappointment. Educational Requirements: One must complete the required core curriculum as outlined in the AATA Education Standards to qualify as a professional art therapist. Entry into the profession of art therapy is at the master's level. Avenues of completion offered by graduate level art therapy programs include: • a Master's degree in art therapy • a Master's degree with an emphasis in art therapy • twenty-four (24) semester units in art therapy with a Master's degree in a related field Contact the AATA National Office for more information concerning educational requirements and programs. Registration and Board Certification Requirements: The ATR and ATR-BC are the recognized standards for the field of art therapy, and are conferred by the ATCB. In order to qualify as a registered art therapist (ATR), in addition to the educational requirements, an individual must complete a minimum of 1,000 direct client contact hours. One hour of supervision is required for every ten hours of client contact. In the state of Washington, Antioch College, located in Seattle, offers a Art Therapy program with an M.A. in Psychology. For more information, please visit http://www.antiochsea.edu/academics/psychology/arttherapy-overview.html |
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About Art Therapy |